Exchange of Information
Tobruk, Romagnian colony of Cyrenacia(Libya)
20 June 1944 North Africa.
In the communication room of the allied GHQ of Tobruk, a Kalsladian radio operator wearing the desert gear of the Wehrmacht is sipping a cool glass of water in this summer heat when a radio communication makes him come back to his job, putting down the glass and taking his earphone he hears the voice of a Fusoan women. "This is Commander Keiko of the 31st Squadron to Tobruk HQ, do you copy?"
"This is the Tobruk GHQ, we receive you loud and clear Commander Keiko, we were getting worried about by not getting an update situation from your squadron."The operator replies.
"Sorry for that but we had an unexpected situation in the sector, is one of our generals present?"She ask.
General of the 1st Liberion Army, Georges Patton, who was listening to the conversation, put down his cigar and took the microphone."This is Patton so ladies you took a day off without notifying us to go to the beach, we were ready to send more witches after you, can you explain what is going on?"Asks the general in his stern voice.
"Sorry my general, I'm talking to you from the communication room of the aircraft carrier...Charles de Gaulle"She said.
At the other end of the line the general remains silent for a moment and asks. "Charles de gaulle like this stubborn Gallian general, if this is one of your jokes which is surprising it is far from being funny Commander Keiko! "Says Patton.
This time another voice, a little annoyed, intervenes."I'm Admiral Martin Derivaux and I'm the commander of the CDG I know it sounds unbelievable but what the commander is telling you is true, she's on board with her squadron so we can make an overview of the situation and if you're wondering about me I'm not a ratsel, I mean a Neuroi that corrupted his mind or some crap like that General Patton but a flesh and blood human, with all my respect I have for a general like you."The french admiral explain.
Patton paused for a moment without answering and said. "Very well, Admiral Derivaux, if what you say is true, I will send several ships to meet you, and I will be on board one of them, if you are what you pretend to be, you will not attack us."
"You have my word general, if you don't attack us either of course I would gladly share one of my cigars with you when you come aboard my ship."Martin respond.
"Ah ah ah ah, I like your style Admiral!"Answers this one with a loud laugh and picking up his cigar."Alright we'll see you soon at Tobruk port and Commander Keiko be careful if they try anything against you I will personally kick their ass to the other side of the planet, Patton out!"Finished this one, giving his orders and request to the navy he leaves the room before embarking on board of one of the ships that with two other goes towards the fleet, the Fusoan sighs at the last sentence of the General and says."Sorry, the General is a frank person in his words and his vocabulary is more than unpleasant sometimes, but he has a good heart" She says a little embarrassed.
"Do not worry Keiko, ours if I remember well was the same, especially in terms of language as I just heard... "Responds this one with a smile.
Aircraft carrier Charles de gaulle.
20 June 1944 Mediterranean sea.
"Admiral, the NATO officials have been led into the main meeting room as you requested." Jessica informed.
"Thank you Jessica, Commander Keiko if all is good for you please follow me."The three go then in the briefing room where the officer of the various nations have already taken place discussing between them about the current situation and the battle which has just taken place as well as the members of the Rapier team, all keep silent when the admiral enters the room by saluting him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for making the trip from your ships for this briefing which I felt was important to do in person than to do it over the radio."aid the French admiral in a calm voice to the allied commanders returning the salute.
"Yes, after what just happened with those Ratsels, an update of the situation is clearly necessary."Says Patrick, impatient to get answers.
"I too, when I was briefed on the situation,I found it difficult to admit that we have landed in an alternate reality."Added Admiral Madison.
"And these four young girls will undoubtedly be able to give us some answer."Say Antonio Bianchi, the highest ranking officer of the Italian units, as he saw the four young women enter.
"Indeed That's why we invited them on board, Commander Keiko I leave the floor to you."Says the admiral, the Fusoan woman nods and steps forward everyone can see that her outfit resembling more the traditional Japanese style which differs from the standard outfits of witches/wizards."Thank you I introduce myself I am squadron leader Katou Keiko of the Imperial Army of the Fuso Empire, commander of 31 Afrika Squadron, I present to you Hannah Justina Marseille and Raisa Pottgen of the Luftwaffe of the Karlsland Empire and Inagaki Mami who is also part of the Imperial Army we are honored to meet you."She says in a calm voice, the three others greet one after the other.
"Pleased to meet you I am Vice Admiral Patrick Campbell, Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces of the United States of America in the NATO Task Force."Said the American Vice Admiral.
"Antonio Bianchi in charge of the Italian naval forces, nice to meet you ladies." Said the captain of the Doria.
"Captain Madison Delight of the British Royal Navy, you have my best regards. "Said the British woman from Glasgow with a smile.
"Anton Muller of the Bundesmarine of Germany, hello to you."Says in a formal way the German officer from Bavaria greeting the witches.
Then having heard the names of countries they do not know the British asks." Excuse me. "Asks the commander of the QE. "You mentioned Fuso and Karlsland you mean Japan and Germany because it looks very similar."
"Germany, this name sounds like the ancient name of Karlsland in ancient times, and this name Japan tells me something but America tells me nothing at all. " Raisa comments.
"It seems to validate our arrival in a parallel world if the names of our respective countries are different as well as the presence of these creatures." Says Antonio.
"Just like your ship or your uniforms which are for us radically different from those we know." Keiko answers.
"To have an idea of the difference of your world, a map or something like that'll be useful, do you have one?"Asks the German commander.
Keiko answers yes and takes out a map that she keeps with her just in case, unfolding it on a table everyone comes to see while a map of their home world is placed next to it, the NATO officers and the Storm witches can note to their surprise many geographical differences and similarities, notably the presence of a large island in the north east of Malaysia belonging to the Fuso which is Japan or the fact that to the great astonishment of the officers of the US Navy the North American continent looks like a kind of four-pointed star and in this world the USA is called the USL with as neighbor the Faraway-land which is no other than Canada in the north and the Aztec republic in the south, which it corresponds to Mexico, France corresponds to Gallia, the Great Britain to Britannia, Germany to the Karlsland, Italy is separated in two countries with Venezia in the north encompassing the balkanic coast and Romagna in the south, the country designated Ostmark gathers countries as Austria Hungary the Czech Rep and Slovakia a part of the Polish and Romanian territories which is called Dacia, reminding the Austro-Hungarian empire, the empire of Orussia which is an analogy of the USSR of the time, bordering with Suomus which is Finland and the Scandinavian countries grouped in a country called kingdom of Baltland, Poland is shared between Orussia and Karlsland and is called Livonia, a semi-autonomous territory.
"Your world is really different from ours, I can't recognize the united states of this reality!"Observes with surprise the American admiral.
"Same for us, the Fuso of Your world doesn't have this big Island."Keiko respond.
"Your Karlsand is smaller than ours, the emperor would make a face if he saw this."Hannah said with a smile.
"Wow it looks like North America has taken a hit in the face... "Notes Dimitri.
"So France corresponds to this country, gallia as in ancient times, and we don't have Alsace Lorraine. "Adds Eva.
"This country that reminds me of Austria Hungary, what is it called?" Asks the German.
"The Empire of Ostmark."Raisa answers.
"And my country is divided in two between...Romagna and Venezia, that's right?"Asks Antonio."Yes, and the northern part is occupied by the Neuroi, as is a large part of Europe."Explains Raisa, The fact that the neurois occupy a part of Europe worries the officers, giving them an idea of the power of these creatures.
The French admiral then asks."Tell me these neurois as you call them can you explain to us what they are?"
"My knowledge about them specifically is limited but I can give you a brief summary."Keiko explains the origin of the neurois, their existence since antiquity until recently, notably in 1914 to 1919, called the great neurois war, and their second invasion of Europe which began in September 1939, starting with the invasion of Karlsland, followed by that of Gallia in 1940, the invasion of the eastern countries and in particular of Orussia in 1941 and a beginning of incursion on the African territory in 1942, since the advance of the neurois was strongly slowed down and the allies started to retake their lost territory and that the possible attempts to enter in contact in a peaceful way have with rare exceptions always failed.
"Here's the short version sorry but I can't be more precise, our historians or scientists should have more detail about them..."Keiko said at the end of her explanations.
Some of the officers are discussing about the Neurois and the danger they represent and are also making connections about the dates of the offensive of these creatures similar to the important event of the first and second world war when Dimitri decides to ask."Tell me those neurois attacked the city of...Danzig on September 1st, didn't they?"To which Hannah responds with a nod. "Yes that's right why?"
This time it is the turn of commander Anton Muller to answer: "Because it was on this precise date that my country, Germany or Karlsland, attacked Poland, or Livonia, on the first of September 1939, thus beginning the Second World War."
"The second world war?"
"Yes a conflict that began in 1939 and ended in 1945 opposing two factions, the axis composed of Germany, Italy and Japan and their allies such as Hungary, Bulgaria or Romania and the other side the allies composed of the United States, Great Britain, France, the Soviet Union, Belgium, the Netherlands and their colonies, Poland, China, Brazil and several other countries that would take too much time to list ... "
"But I think a video about it would be much simpler to watch. "Says Martin as he places a disc in the DVD player that covers the second world conflict.
The video starts on the big screen, which surprises the 4 witches who have never seen a TV of this kind and everyone watches silently. It starts with the rise of Hitler to power, the invasion of Poland by the Reich in 1939, followed by the invasion of the Benelux countries during the 18-day campaign and the invasion of France, the evacuation of Dunkirk the armistice between France and Germany which will become Vichy France, the appeal of June 18 by Charles de Gaulle and the creation of Free France, the fighting in North Africa the invasion of a great part of the USSR and the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the war in the Pacific started by the Japanese, followed by the victories of the allies in 1942 as el alamein, Stalingrad, Midway and the slow retreat of the Axis powers on all fronts,and the Allies' counter-attack, notably by the invasion of the colonies in North Africa, loyal to Vichy, and subsequently the invasion of Sicily and Italy who switch side in 1943 the Normandy landing in France and Operation Bagration on the Eastern Front in 1944, the failure of the operation Walkyrie aiming to kill Hitler and the same year a desperate attempt of the Wehrmacht to push back the allies during the battle of the Bulge or on the other side of the world the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the pacific, at this moment the video is paused to let the time to the girls to understand what they just saw.
"Your world has experienced this horrible war, and it is our countries that are responsible?"Says a surprised and disgusted Keiko when she saw the atrocities carried out by her Fuso just like the two Karlslandians about the Nazi Karlsland.
"I'd still prefer to fight the Neurois than other people, the Kar, I mean Germany really did all this, and how did a renowned Ostmarkian painter take over Karlsland?"Asks a Raisa who is still surprised by the violence shown by the double of her country and its leaders.
"Yes, it is a dark chapter that our country has been carrying for years, and we have since made sure not to repeat the same mistakes...a painter huh, if only the University of Vienna had not turned him down...he came to power thanks to the despair of the Germans by playing on their desire for revenge."Explain the German commander.
"And how did it end for our countries and the war? "Asks a rather shocked Mami.
"The next part that will be shown to you may not please you or shock you, if you prefer not to see it..." Martin warns by politeness.
"No, it's okay, Admiral, I'd rather know the end of this story..."Says Hannah, at these words the Admiral turns the video back on.
The video resumes and shows this time the battles in the city of Berlin in ruins during the spring of 1945 where German witches and wizards try to protect their fellow soldiers with shields but end up succumbing to Soviet soldiers, some of whom use the striker variant of the SU85 to finish them, followed by a surrender of the last German forces in Berlin after Hitler suicide and the signing of the surrender acts of the 3rd Reich, on the Pacific side the allies wanting to end it as soon as possible two atomic bombs are dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, followed later by the capitulation of Japan signed on board the Missouri.
To say that the four witches are stunned by the violence of the fight where human armies are fighting against each other is an euphemism, Raisa and Mami are even restraining themselves from crying when they see what their nation is going through or the crimes that their armies are committing against civilians.
" The Karlsland and the Fuso lost the war? "Ask Hannah and Keiko surprised by the outcome of events.
" Yes, Karlsland surrendered on May 8, 1945 and Fuso on August 14 of the same year."Said in a sober voice the German commander.
"After all the crimes committed by those who led these countries is a good thing in the end and what happened afterwards?"
"The leaders of the defeated countries, especially those who had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, were for the most part judged, and imprisoned or executed, Karlsland was subsequently occupied by the allies, especially by Orussia, Gallia Britannia as well as Liberion, and the country was divided into two, Karlsland in the west a democratic state aligned with the Liberion and its allies and Karlsland in the east a communist state affiliated with Orussia while Berlin was jointly occupied by the 4 occupying powers, Fuso was also occupied by the Liberion at the end of the war. "Anton continue to explain."And then these countries were rebuilt, the Karlsland thanks to the Marshall Plan was able to recover and the two governments coexisted through the cold war until 1989 when the Berlin Wall fell and the two countries were reunited into one, my country is now a major economic power especially in the automotive sector in the world and our conquest habits have disappeared and our old rivalry with our neighbors too."He said satisfied.
"Yes,and now it's on the soccer or rugby field or on the racetrack that our countries are confronting each other." Adds the Italian officer with a smile.
"And as for Fuso, this one has renounced to the idea of having an army to make war and has created the JSDF or the FSDF if you prefer and the country is now a leader in what is the electronics, the robotics and the cars, the video games and especially the manga and the hent...helicopter and a wealthy nation." Explains Dimitri with a smile and avoiding a 'sensitive' subject.
"Well done boss, you really nailed it by not talking about something dangerous!"Jean laughs softly while the two girls pretend they didn't hear anything.
The U.S. admiral adds."And the fuso of our world is now a major partner for my country and most European and Asian nations."
Hannah breathes a sigh of relief and says, "I'm glad to know that my country's double has remained a great nation and has friendly relations with its neighbors and I hope we never have to go to war with other countries."
"Just like me."Keiko add."Unlike Japan, my country has not suffered a Neuroi attack, at least direct for the time being with the exception of the fuso sea incident and if my country has an emperor, he is directed mainly by a civilian government, which has probably prevented my Fuso from becoming a fascist state."She said before adding and putting her gaze on Dimitri and Jean. "On the other hand what surprises me is the fact that you seem to have a lot of wizards among you."
"Yes it's true but we are proving parity, there are as many wizards as witches on board our ships, it seems to surprise you. "Answer Martin.
"And that's the thing because in our world wizards have been almost non-existent for a hundred years, the last one who was one died 50 years ago."Says Keiko which surprises absolutely everyone, again a major difference of reality thinks the admiral.
" Gosh!" Said Anton.
"This is a surprise..." Antonio add.
"But how is that possible? "Asks Campbell.
"We don't know, all we can know is that it started in the 1800's when the number of births of male magic possessors started to decline sharply, except for women of course and to this day we still don't have any answers about this phenomenon, there are sometime men who continue to be born with powers but it's very rare and their powers are not as powerful as ours."Keiko explains to the audience.
"Once again, a major difference between our two worlds.
"A mystery that deserves to be solved that should interest the professor. "Said Jean.
"Yes, even if we are not here for that, in any case these explanations from you have been very useful and I think we have a good general idea of what your world is like and the differences that result from it and until we arrive in Tobruk you are welcome on board of our ship."Martin thank her for their explanations.
"On the name of the 31 JFW I thank you for your hospitality."Said Keiko, bowing her head.
"Your ship is impressive, will we be allowed to visit it admiral? "Asks a curious Raisa.
"De vercor will accompany you if you wish to visit our ship."He said before telling Dimitri. "However, access to the reactor room or the area where the ASMP-A(1) are stored is obviously forbidden, I'm counting on you for that."
"Don't worry, Admiral, even I don't have enough access to these areas yet."Dimitri answers and says to the attention of the 4 witches."Ladies, please follow me for a tour of the ship."
Dimitri, his teammates and the Storm Witches leave the meeting room while the Admiral and the other officers do the same to get something to eat or to discuss the situation while waiting for Patton to arrive.
Walking through the corridors of the ship the group goes to the mess hall where the Storm Witches will have a meal after their trip and then continue the visit of the Aircraft Carrier which continues its route to Tobruk, visiting different non sensible places like the dormitories or the available stores and other services their guests are surprised by the level of technology of the ship, like all those computers and screens and other equipment present in the officers' offices or game consoles like the Xbox one and the ps4 or arcades games in the lounge as well as the cell phones.
"It's incredible to know that such a small object can offer so much things, listening music taking photo and video ... "Says Raisa impressed by the ability of the I phone loaned by Eva.
"Yes, it's the Swiss Army knife of technology that fits in your pocket! "Says Jean. "Not to mention the Internet."
"Internet?" Asks the Storm witches.
"It's something that allows you to search for anything and everything in the world from a computer and chat with people with applications like Facebook or Twitter all over the world, well, since we are in 1944, we are not likely to access it..."Explains Dimitri as he tries to connect and receives a message saying he is off the network.
"In any case your ship is really impressive I have never seen anything like it before, nothing to do with the Akagi, I never thought I would find stores on board."Says Keiko impressed while taking pictures with the agreement of the captain of course.
"Yes, even the Shinano is hardly bigger than your ship."Adds Mami.
"And you haven't even visited the US Navy aircraft carriers, they are much bigger than our Charles de Gaulle."Replied Dimitri.
"The general would be delighted and surprised if he found out that an aircraft carrier from an alternate reality was named after him, I'd love to see his reaction," said an amused Hannah, sticking close to the captain and asking."Does Germany have an aircraft carrier named Rommel by any chance?"
Eva replied a little annoyed by the behavior of the star of Africa, "No aircraft carrier, but just a destroyer if I remember but it was removed from service in the 90s."
"Still better than nothing I suppose."Replied Hannah.
"As for Patton, the Americans named a tank after him."Said Anaïs.
"It fits him well."Said Raisa who giggle imitated by her teammates."And nothing for Montgomery or Leclerc?"
"No vehicles or ships named after Montgomery except for statues and squares named in his honor, while Leclerc has one of our best tanks named after him and I would like to meet the general."Replied Jean.
"I hear he's in Algiers dealing with the future deployment of Gallian army units to the African front, but he should be coming to Tobruk soon so hopefully you'll be able to meet him."Says Raisa.
"Where are we headed now?"Asks Mami.
"The hangar of the ship, I presume that you would be interested to see more closely the planes and striker that we use in 2018. "Reply Dimitri by pushing the metal door giving access to the hangar.
Charles de Gaulle Hangar
A Cheerful women.
Entering this one their guests are surprised to discover so many modern aircraft, including Rafale-M, some helicopters and two E2c Hawkeye and the staff in charge of maintaining all this equipment worth several million euros, seeing the storm witches and the Rapier team they stop a moment to salute them before continuing their activities."Wow this is the first time I've been able to see jets like this up close, without their pilots threatening to shoot me down, I know a certain red haired Liberion girl who would kill to be able to use one of these."Hannah said to Dimitri with a teasing smile, patting the fuselage of one of the Rafale M's with a certain admiration.
"I think I have found your captain" says Raisa, approaching the light blue Rafale of Dimitri, whose mechanics are doing routine checks.
"Yes, and I'm the one in charge of keeping them in perfect condition."Said a young and energetic woman of about 18 years old, wearing a cap that let her silver hair fall down, dressed in green pants and a white tied shirt, jumping in the middle of the group from one of the wings of the Rafale.
"Waa!"The storm witches said surprised.
"My name is Melanie Levallier, one of the maintenance team leaders, I presume you are our guests welcome in my territory!"She says smiling while greeting them with a finger salute the members of the 31sq and ask to Dimitri."Captain I assume you came to give them a tour of the ship and show them your mounts, or did you want to see me? "She said in a teasing voice.
Sighing for a moment he replies, "Melanie please stop with this and don't scare them like that, I just came to show them the hangar, but I'm still glad to see you if it makes you feel better..."
"Hey hey, sorry girls and captain I know well that you can't resist my charm when I have my cat ears, da nya!" She said while activating her familiar, the Havana Brown before receiving a slap on the head by Eva.
"Ouch, but why are you slapping me?"She complain.
"To calm your perverted urges, you idiot!" said Eva annoyed by his behavior."And try to act more professionally in front of our guests!
"Sheesh fine, if we can't even joke a little."She respond.
"You're a witch too?" Ask Mami.
"Yes, and my power allows me to see through certain elements, which comes in very useful when we have to find problems in the planes or strikers. It saves me a lot of time in terms of prediction for repairs and maintenance to replace the right parts."She said, making her green eyes shine.
"Quite useful indeed, we could use someone like you to maintain our strikers."Says Raisa.
"Tell me De Vercor, weren't you supposed to show us the striker version of your rafale?"Ask Hannah again.
"Ha yes follow me."The group accompanied by Melanie goes to another part of the hangar where there are many strikers on their racks ready to be used. "We are in the area reserved for the striker and here are ours, so what do you think?"Says Dimitri pointing to the four Rafale Striker unit, having the same color as their aircraft version.
"Impressive, nothing like our 262's, they look a lot sleeker and more aerodynamic like your fighters.
"So this is what modern day strikers look like, they're a little bigger than ours. "Keiko notes as she takes out her camera and asks. "May I?"
"Please do."Dimitri answers, immediately she takes several pictures of the strikers and Melanie makes a description."You have in front of you the Rafale M model SU (2) able to reach the maximum speed of 1900 Km/h just like the aircraft version however contrary to this one of course to its size it carries only ammunition which are of smaller size bit the same, like Air-to-Air, Air-to-Ground or Air-to-Sea missiles or even guided and unguided bombs, without forgetting in addition the personal weapon of its user he can accomplish different missions like air interdiction, ground support or anti ship operation." Melanie explains by showing a small MICA missile.
"1900 km/h... That's a speed that would make our last 262 look like a JU52 given their speed." Says Hannah.
"The versatility of your striker is impressive, being able to carry out various missions with only one type of striker or plane is an asset, a bit like the Britannian Mosquito. "Said Mami."All the planes in your world are like that?"
"Yes and no."Replied Jean."The ones used in the navy are generally multirole, which means, as Melanie explained, that they can engage land, naval or air targets, it's more the air force that has planes who are often dedicated to a single type of mission, fighter specialized in air combat, or those specialized in ground attack, although more and more planes are becoming multirole." The girls nodded their heads in understanding.
"But this...missile it's smaller than the one on the plane." Raisa remarked.
"Yes, but when loaded with magic, it's as powerful as a full-sized one," replied the mechanic.
"And the magic impregnated in a standard size missile is enough more powerful and he can eliminate a Ratsel with a single strike!" said Dimitri.
"I'd love to see that, it explains how you were able to get rid of the Neuroi so quickly with little loss," says Hannah, adding, "One of our fleets, even if we had been there, would have suffered more damage than yours.
"Yes thanks to the ship GME have helped us and saved a lot of lives."Anais said.
"The what? "Ask the 4, Melanie explains what a GME is and what he can do on the ship to which Hannah summarizes in a simple way. "I understand, in fact it is a kind of giant striker."
"That's a way of viewing it, but that's it." Melanie agrees.
However a group of sailors gathered having an animated discussion towards a corner of the hangar near one of the elevators of the ship attracts the attention of our friends, by curiosity they go to see what attracts so much the attention.
"This is the first time I've seen a BF109 striker in almost new shape, and on board an aircraft carrier at that."A mechanic said
"I had the opportunity to see one of these in working condition during airshows used by war-bird organisation, but to be able to admire a Hien in real life is quite something." Said another mechanic while observing the Ki-61.
"I agree, this kind of striker or even aircraft that have survived can be counted on the fingers of one hand for some, anyway the striker of the star of Africa in front of us it's incredible!"Said another while touching Hannah's striker.
"It looks like our strikers got a lot of interest from your friends."Keiko said a bit amused.
"You have to understand us, this kind of striker or old plane for some of them do not exist any more than has a dozen model through the world, to see one in real that always makes joy and that allows us to remember the past, in good as in bad."Dimitri explain to them himself he like the old striker and planes from WW2.
"I understand captain."She replies.
"Hey, who gave you permission to touch my striker? You're going to get it dirty! "Said Hannah to the group gathered around, surprising several of them.
"Hannah, be a little gentler to them we are their guest after all, sorry about that." Apologizes Raisa to the attention of the mechanics.
"Ha ha I'm kidding I understand your admiration for my striker, after all I am the star of Africa the only one!" She said in a presumptuous manner, her sentence brings a lot of questions from the mechanics.
"And here she goes again..."Sighed Mami.
"She would not be a little full of herself? "Says Eva crossing her arms.
"I think I remember that the one of our reality had a similar behavior when I read books about her... "Answers Dimitri before adding to the attention of Hannah. "In any case the best user of striker unit on board is of course me!" He says with a smile, the reaction of Marseille hoped by Dimitri did not take long to come.
"Are you really sure about this, Captain? I'm sure that even my 109 can cause you and your Rafale some trouble."She said as she approached him.
"I am certain of what I'm saying, I do not question your capacities but if I must face you, in a friendly way obviously I think I have my chances...even with a 109 "Answer Dimitri by facing the Karlslandian witch.
"How about a little duel just between the two of us but you use your Rafale for more challenge...if I win you give me permission to use any of your strikers, if you are ok with that Keiko!" said Hannah.
"Hannah... you don't waste time trying to fight others, fine it's okay but don't do anything unreasonable. "Warned her squadron leader.
"You know me, don't you?"Hannah replies.
"That's exactly why she's telling you this... "Raisa sighs.
"Same for you boss, nothing stupid ok? "Warns Eva seriously.
"Yes ma'am..." Replies Dimitri.
"It will be interesting..."Says an intrigued Mami.
"I accept the challenge, and if I win, you'll owe me a favor, well nothing immoral be assured."He said by clarifying his request to avoid any misunderstanding and said "Melanie can you prepare my plane, uh my striker I mean?"
"It's as if it was done sir!"She replied cheerfully by clapping her hands."No more lazing guys we have a striker to prepare so move your ass!" She said.
"Yes ma'am!"Replied the mechanics who immediately got to work.
"Hey hey our leader never refuses a challenge, I'm sure he will win! "Said a confident Jean.
"He can't help it, I hope he won't do anything foolish..." Said Eva a little desperate with her hand on her forehead.
"Me I bet on a victory of Hannah! "Said a cheerful Anaïs.
Dimitri then addresses to Keiko."Commander Keiko, would you like to come up in the air and observe our duel, and you can learn about the way we operate and our 21st century means of communication, and you guys too you can come to watch the show.
Thinking for a moment, Keiko answer."It's a good idea, it's a way for us to learn new things from you."
"Of course we're interested boss, we don't want to miss it."His teammates answer.
After having asked for the form the authorization to the admiral for their little 'duel' and having received his agreement everyone gets ready and a few moments later the back elevator of the CDG brings on the flight deck the striker of Dimitri and Hannah, the Frenchman exchanged his pants for a green short and wears a helmet while an sailor gives him a weapon.
"Here is your Hk Dimitri, repaired and cleaned and try not to damage it this time." Said the man responsible of the armory ship.
"Thanks Albert I'll be careful. "Dimitri said as he picked up the HK-416, checking the Blue colored magazine filled with paint cartridge. "Perfect, so Hannah are you familiarizing yourself with this weapon?"
Handling the weapon with care and following the explanations of one of the sailors she answers."This is the first time I've tried a weapon like this, I have to admit it's lighter than an STG-44... "Said Hannah. "Ok the magazine is the one for training, I'm ready captain ready to kick your ass!" She said with a confident smile.
"I was going to say the same thing but it would have seemed inappropriate, all right let's get ready to take off."Says Dimitri while the elevator brings the rest of the two squadrons the two duelists take position on the flight deck, after a last check and an adjustment of the parameters of its Striker so that this one does not go as fast as that of the star of Africa an operator secures this one, Dimitri using its magic activates the magic engine of the Rafale striker under the interested eye of Hannah and her friends, magic circles emerge from the reactor and it says."Rapier 1 to control I'm ready to go!" As soon as the line is said the operator of the catapult activates it and launches the striker like a plane.
"Wow really not bad but I don't need this toy, I'm taking off!"Says Marseille at the signal of one of the operators, indeed the fact that her striker is older and therefore less bulky she does not need a catapult to take off, only a sufficient length of runway, she takes off when Jean notices something that makes him blush and smile and takes his radio.
"Boss I think we forgot a little detail about the storm witches... " He said amused.
"What detail?" Dimitri said as he saw Marseille coming towards him, the wind lifted her white skirt revealing her underwear which were of the same color, embarrassing the captain who said.
"I... think I just understood what you mean." He respond a little embarrassed, because he is used to the fact that when they use their striker everyone, including women wear shorts he has not the 'opportunity' to see its wing-women undies.
"Here I am!"Says Hannah when she notices Dimitri's embarrassed gaze." What's wrong De Vercors, a problem? "She asks before realizing that her skirt revealed from time to time her underwear, not embarrassed she says with a teasing smile."Well well it looks like you're not used to this kind of view am I wrong?"
"Well... "He said a little embarrassed, scratching his head. "I mean, the girls I know wear shorts like us all the time when we have to use our striker unit, so you're right."
"Don't look!" Screams Eva arriving at full speed to the attention of Dimitri hiding his eyes, followed by the others. "It's okay Eva I was not looking, well not voluntarily calm down. "Says Dimitri who gets out of his embrace.
Hannah laughs a little when she sees this and says, "Which is not the case for us, as our squadrons are exclusively composed of girls, it doesn't cause any trouble between us." She explains.
"And the soldiers in general are used to it, so it doesn't cause any worries and moreover not wearing shorts allows us to maneuver better."Keiko add.
"I feel like I'm going to like this place... "Says Jean rubbing his chin and having his shotgun on his shoulder while catching a glimpse of the Storm witches' underwear.
"That applies to you too pervert!"Said Eva hitting him with her P90.
" Ouch it was not worth to punch so hard! "Complains this one what makes laugh Anaïs amused by the situation.
"But if it causes you problems, we can wear one of your shorts, they do not seem to bother you apparently. "Keiko Says again.
Eva turns around and says."Yes, they are special shorts made of nylon which allows a better movement while keeping a certain comfort...and it avoids the perverted eyes of certain people."She says with a clenched fist to Jean's attention and adds, "I could provide you with some." Which seems to interest the Fusoan woman.
"I'm sorry, I won't do it again, for the moment..."Says Jean whispering at the end of his sentence.
"Well, are we going to continue talking about clothes or are we going to do this duel?"Asks Hannah who is starting to get impatient. "I'm ready."
"Sorry, I'm ready too."Says Dimitri.
Eva says to both of them."Very well then I remind the rules, the one who touches his opponent the most times in less than 10 minutes wins the match then ready...go!"At the signal of Eva who fires a shot in the air the two duelists separate each one on a side before flying towards each other, Hk-416 ready to fire.
Meanwhile inside the CDG...
A Determined man.
While a duel takes place in the sky another kind of duel takes place in one of the rooms of the CDG, that of a man and his laptop, assisted by several technicians Professor Ayoub El Soulef did not waste a moment to perform simulations and other experiments with the equipment at his disposal, During an umpteenth simulation which turns to failure the Libyan knocks the table with his fist and exits an insult in his native language attracting the confused looks of his colleagues, apologizing thereafter for his sudden change of mood they resume their duties.
"That does not seem to be fine professor, you with wished to see me, are you okay?"Says Martin entering the room accompanied by his NATO colleagues.
"Yes I'm fine admiral sorry just a little tired, it's about my research. "Said Ayoub.
"What kind of research? "Questions the American admiral.
"My research about our arrival in this world."He said while tapping on his keyboard showing various and complex scientific diagrams."As you have all understood, the incident with the ratsel core has transported us to an alternative universe in the middle of an alternate World War II and I am trying to recreate on my computer what brought us here."
"And did you find something? "Madison asks.
"Not yet but what I can tell you is that the reaction created between the ratsel, the radioactivity present in the air and the input of magic has created a breach in the space time which allowed us to travel from one dimension to another. "Explains the Libyan.
"So we just have to recreate what brought us here and we can go home, right?" Said the American.
"I don't think it's that simple..." Says Anton septic. "Isn't it professor?"
"Unfortunately yes I need more calculation parameters, because a single miscalculation could probably send us to another of the many realities that exist, to another time, past or future and if I can avoid using a core of ratsel that can cause our loss I will do it."He explain.
"Personally, I preferred to avoid traveling too far into the past...I didn't want to end up in the Middle Ages!"Antonio said to try to ease the mood.
Ayoub smile a little and said."Me too, that's why I need more elements, we are lucky to have landed at this time where, apart from the ratsel, nobody is hostile to us...for the moment, if I can benefit from the help of eminent scientists of this time and if our reality is similar to them people like Albert Einstein or Oppenheimer must exist and with them, it will probably be possible to find a way to go back home but it will probably be long."
"So to sum up, until you find a way, we are stuck here." Concluded the Admiral, El Soulef responded to the Admiral with a nod and added. "Sorry I can't do better."
"You can't do anything about it and even if the technology of the years 1944 is not the one of 2018 it should be capable of helping you ". Responds the sympathetic admiral.
"Yes we should probably be able to help each other, I think the innovations and technologies and our knowledge of our world could persuade them to help us and I will continue my research."Says the professor as Jessica enters the room to report the upcoming arrival of the ship carrying Patton.
"Thank you for all these explanations professor, I must leave you I have a person who precisely could help us in your quest and you should rest we work better with a relaxed mind, see you soon."Said the admiral while leaving the room with the others, as soon as left Ayoub returns to sit and plunges again in his research, he looks at the photograph of his family and murmurs with determination. "I have to make it, for you and everyone else I will make it and we will come back..."
(1)ASMP-A Stand for air sol moyenne portée ameliorée is a french designed nuclear cruise missile build by MBDA who can be launched from jet-fighter like the Rafale or Mirage, with a range of 500km for a weight of 850kg It entered into operational service in 2010, the missile has a great power of destruction, power equivalent to twenty times the Hiroshima bomb, however no variant that can be used from a striker unit exists(officially).
(2) SU stand for striker unit.