"Right, let's pick up where I last left off."
I opened up my laptop and began to overview the information I was able to obtain through multiple interviews and other means.
» 108 TASK FORCE PROFILES:
+ Wild Badger Platoon +
[Frederica "Rico" Archibald (Wild Badger 1)]
_ [Age]: 18 / [Nation]: United States of Liberion
_ [Rank]: Sergeant / [Familiar]: Badger
_ [Profile]: The leader of Wild Badgers. A hot temper and straight forward attitude girl. She sometimes has a difficult to express her true feeling. Perhaps, Tsundere was the word?
/ / / /
[Amabel "Amber" Campion (Wild Badger 2)]
_ [Age]: 18 / [Nation]: United States of Liberion
_ [Rank]: Corporal / [Familiar]: Lion
_ [Profile]: An energetic girl. She loves anime and gatcha game, especially a certain bunny girl character bearing the same name as her.
/ / / /
[Talia "Violet" Conway (Wild Badger 3)]
_ [Age]: 18 / [Nation]: Commonwealth of Australis
_ [Rank]: Lance Corporal / [Familiar]: Koala
_ [Profile]: A shy girl. She has the ability to detect surroundings.
/ / / /
[Lou "Blake" Kenyon (Wild Badger 4)]
_ [Age]: 19 / [Nation]: Commonwealth of Faraway Land
_ [Rank]: Lance Corporal / [Familiar]: Gray Wolf
_ [Profile]: Aloof girl, yet she has a sharp mouth. Not much to say at this point.
+ Green Tails Squadron +
[Sigfrid "Archer" Akerman (Green Tails 1)]
_ [Age]: 25 / [Nation]: United Kingdoms of Baltland
_ [Rank]: Squadron Leader
_ [Profile]: A former Witch. With her experience and charisma, she was respected among the peers and Witches.
/ / / /
[Franziska "Fencer" Schüttmann (Green Tails 2)]
_ [Age]: 24 / [Nation]: Republic of Karlsland
_ [Rank]: Flying Officer
_ [Profile]: She tend to have a serious side. She prioritizes the safety of her flight leader rather than her own. She sometimes expressed her difficulty in dealing with Omega 11.
+ Esteri Team +
[Maisie "Ice Tea" (Esteri 1)]
_ [Age]: 18 / [Nation]: Commonwealth of Britannia
_ [Rank]: Flight Lieutenant / [Familiar]: European Hare
_ [Profile]: Despite not sharing the family name, it is believed that she's coming from a noble family. When her Witch power was awakened, she decided to live her own way, without being dictated by her family's tradition. Some said that she actually joined the army just to escape from an arranged marriage.
/ / / /
[Renza "Coffee" Carboni (Esteri 2)]
_ [Age]: 18 / [Nation]: Commonwealth of Britannia
_ [Rank]: Flying Officer / [Familiar]: Cat
_ [Profile]: Her parents were originally from Romagna, but she earned the citizenship when she was born on Britannia, in a London hospital. She is a girl who loves...coffee. She shared a good relationship with Ice Tea right after their first meeting in a recruiting office.
+ Omega Squadron +
[Aaron Graham (Omega 1)]
_ [Age]: 36 / [Nation]: United States of Liberion
_ [Rank]: Squadron Leader
_ [Profile]: He expressed that Liberion was only interested in its own affair rather for others' sake so he joined ARRF in hope to make a better change. His superior flying skills made him a model pilot.
/ / / /
[Brown Key (Omega 5)]
_ [Age]: 29 / [Nation]: Commonwealth of New Zeeland
_ [Rank]: Pilot Officer
_ [Profile]: A man a wide knowledge about the world's history.
/ / / /
[Felix "King Bailout" Ledford (Omega 11)]
_ [Age]: 27 / [Nation]: Commonwealth of Britannia
_ [Rank]: Pilot Officer
_ [Profile]: The motor-mouth among the pilots. He has an incredible luck due to his record of bailing out, hence the title.
+ Dachshund Platoon +
[Pierre Harbert (Dachshund 1)]
_ [Age]: 37 / [Nation]: United States of Liberion
_ [Rank]: Captain
_ [Profile]: A self-proclaimed big brother among his men. Believe it or not, he specially requested the platoon to be named 'Dachshund', because his 13-year-old daughter's contracted familiar is...Dachshund.
And lastly, the Mobius team.
[Mobius 1 – Name: N/A]
_ [Age]: 26 / [Nation]: United States of Liberion
_ [Rank]: Flight Lieutenant.
_ [Profile]: A rising star in the 108 Task Force. His achievements quickly made him the top ace. His emblem 'the Ribbon' was slowly became apparent among friend and foe.
However, his history was shrouded in mystery. There're many rumors and speculations about his origin. I even came up my own theory as well. However, Mobius 1 simply didn't confirm nor deny it.
[Mobius 2– Name: N/A]
_ [Age]: 17? / [Nation]: United States of Liberion
_ [Rank]: Pilot Officer / [Familiar]: Dove
_ [Profile]: N/A
Oddly enough, I was not able to collect much information about younger sibling.
Her combat record in the Middle East conflict was remained classified.
Like the brother's, her history too…was a mystery.
There're some stories about her when she was still a trainee. Her Striker had a malfunction during her flight training. She happened to land right next to a group of SAS who were doing a survival training nearby.
Because of the late night and bad snowy weather back then, Mobius 2 decided to…tag along with them.
It's unofficial, but she was able to spent 2 days with SAS, went through what they did, all the way till the finish line.
I wonder why she worked so hard. Moreover, she was not the glory hound. The way she fights, she always leaves the kill for someone else. But she always put herself in the crosshair, drawing the enemy's attention so the friendlies can take care of it. She didn't want to become a center of attention.
I hope that the new friends who had arrived to Mirai today.
One of them might be able to break this girl's shell.
...
UNS Mirai
1015hrs. September 3nd, 2019
North Pacific Ocean
With the whole space launch thingy, Mobius 2 was rather...not interested of it.
The memory of a terrified face looking at her returned, it's not the recent, but the one before that, which Mobius 2 would rather bury them.
Abruptly, her butts had been touched. or rather, got slapped lightly by her older brother.
"What are you thinking there, sis?"
"…Thinking of kicking you off this deck."
"Easy there. You don't want to make every girl to cry for my death now, do you?"
It's one day after the operation on Comona Islands.
Many thought that it would be a game changer in the future.
Even though the official order was not even made yet, but a few genius minds and motor-mouths, (or just one motor-mouth) was at his confident saying that the 108 Task Force would meet the Orussian naval force, or Erusean Aegir Fleet, aka. The Invincible Fleet.
A fierce battle will be expected on the US Eastern Seaboard.
The attack on Tokyo. Europe Invasion. And now, the US…
The war was escalating.
"Gotta win this war, otherwise, we won't have a home to go back to." Mobius 1 said.
"Home...how nice it sounds."
"Clear the runway!" A voice called out all of sudden.
"We got friendly aircraft coming in!"
Looking to the sky, a familiar sight of the advanced aircraft, Shinden II, was coming into their view.
Not only that, it was accompanying by three Witches.
They're all soon touched the runway in a VTOL style.
"Hello there." The Shinden II pilot greeted. As well as the pony-tailed Fuso Witch.
"Yah, we meet again, Mobius 2."
While the crew expressed many faces, ranging from surprised, astonished, puzzled and curious, only a certain silver-haired girl showed a face saying: 'you have got to be kidding me'.
\/ /\ \/
"My name is Captain Ren Hijikata. I'm a part of Fuso 9th Air Wing."
Standing on stage before the members of Task Force 108, the long-haired Fuso Witch made her introduction.
"From here on out, I'll be joining you as a new member of Task Force 108."
Her statement quickly earned the cheers and clapping from everyone. The first impression she had made back on the Yokosuka base still remained strong.
"I'm First Lieutenant Shion Hamamoto, Captain Ren's wingman. Nice to meet you." The bob-cut Witch greeted.
"Let's welcome for our new Witch team: Swordfish." Commodore Hayate stated.
The news brought much delight to the member of 108. They always welcomed new hands onboard.
After the two Witches's introduction, a familiar face appeared.
"First Lieutenant Kei Nagase, I'm a part of Joint Test Flying Evaluation Squadron."
"Same like everyone else, I will be joining you, as a new member of Mobius squadron."
"Wait…what?" Omega 11 said the exact question for everyone in the room.
The excitement raised up. It certainly took all by surprised, especially the two siblings.
"No surprised there. Considering how they have worked well together back in the battle for Tokyo." Archer said.
"True." Fencer agreed.
"Man! I'm so jealous. Switch with me!" Omega 11 roused up from his seat.
"Can it, Omega 11!"
"You don't seem to be interested in this, Mobius 2." Rico asked.
"Not really. At least now, my brother would get busy with his new wingman."
"Hah…it seemed like you've already accepted she's your sister-in-law or something." She teased, but then she realized…wasn't it actually a bad thing?
"And lastly…"
"Ensign Yukari Hayashida!" The third Fuso Witch introduced. "It's an honor to fight alongside with the prestigious Mobius team!"
"You were saying?"
"…"
…
…
"It is an honor to join your task force, Commodore Hayate."
"Same here, Lieutenant Kei Nagase."
"You can call me Nagase, ma'am."
With the camera in my hand, I took the picture as the two were shaking hands.
New faces certainly brought a new kind of fresh air. I could only wait and see how it'd turn out.
"Since our rank here is applied to the commonwealth, we will change your rank name to its equivalent."
"You two were on this all along." Mobius 1 said.
"Don't be like that. It's never hurt to get a few extra hands." Commodore Hayate said. "And your performance has impressed greatly to the Shinden II's R&D team."
"Keep flying with her, the Shinden II would gain a significant battle data."
"And who knows? It's possible that they will provide you a Shinden II as well."
"Tempting."
"Well, since time is pressing and you don't like the formal. I'll be giving out the promotion right here."
"Mobius 1. You've been promoted to Squadron Leader."
"You also got promoted, Mobius 2. Congratulation, Flying Officer."
"Congratulation!" The self-proclaimed as a new member of Mobius team congratulated her.
"…"
"Be nice. She will join your team as the fourth member." Commodore Hayate stated.
"Yukari here has proved herself quite a Witch during the drone attack on our base." Ren revealed it with pride.
"By borrowing a spare Striker and launched herself straight into the thick of enemy." Shion, her wingman sighed.
"Since she's reckless, and you're reckless. I think it's a fine pair together. Hahaha!" Ren's laughter somehow made the mood get awkward.
"Her antenna magic has helped our allied planes tremendously during the attack." Shion explained.
"It's certainly a talent we can count on. Knowing is half the battle." Mobius 1 nodded his head, welcoming the new Witch.
"I hope we can work together!" Yukari extended her hand to Mobius 2, who didn't return the gesture.
"Sorry. I rather work alone."
"Oh..."
Mobius 2 then quietly walked away.
Her small back, looked rather heavy from where I stood.
"Don't worry, she is just shy around the strangers." Mobius 1 spoke up. "Stick with her like a glue and she will open up to you in no time."
"I see. Thank you very much Mobius 1-san! I will do my best!" The Fuso girl hurriedly followed Mobius 2.
"Is that a way to annoy your sister?" I asked.
"Ehh, maybe." He acted innocent.
…
…
The briefing was then underway, with the news of an Orussian submarine has launched an attack on the Liberion navy force that patrolling western seaboard. They have sunk two Liberion destroyers.
Having a sub lurking around their backyard wouldn't do a good morale for the fighting troops at the front.
Task Force 108 received the call to join the search and destroy.
A few pilots voiced their concern that it might be just a ruse.
Regardless, the order was carried out.
But the mission had something that many would look forward to.
The newly form of Mobius team…sorry. Mobius squadron, and Swordfish team.
…
…
The preparation was done quickly.
Even though hunting down a submarine was not a rare thing to do, what's actually bugging Mobius 2…was the presence standing next to her.
"Hey Mobius 2. Don't you have anything to say to your wingman?" The armorer asked.
"…Try to keep up. And don't fall behind." She gave the advice which was pretty much overused.
"Yes! I'll do my best!" Yukari's loud respond took her by surprised.
"Really inspirational there, Mobius 2." Everyone around her giggled.
The ribbon witch only sighed as the hangar elevator started taking them up to the runway.
…
…
Standing the bridge, I watched the fighters along the witches making their take off like a bullet.
"Whatever the Orussian has done. I think they've successfully stirred up a hornet's nest." I said.
"Or lifting up some kind of fuse." Commodore Hayate muttered.
...
"INTERMISSION 2"
1415hrs. September 3nd, 2019
Erusea
…
« This is Charlie Point. The sector is secure. »
« This is Bravo Point. All clear. »
« This is Alpha Point. We have apprehended one suspect at point 5-3. Appeared to be some drunkard. Aside from that, all clear. »
"This is Talisman. Confirm. All sectors are clear." The voice of a young girl relayed the information through the radio sequence.
Louise Jeannaud was her name. At the age of 18, she had earned the Wing Commander rank, commanding of 5th Royal Knight Regiment of Erusean Air Force.
She was also a chief of security details for Princess Rosa Cossette D'Elise.
"Talisman to Caladrius One. You are clear to land."
…
…
Located in northeastern Erusea, there was a temperate mountainous region. It was sparsely populated, but there were many facilities under the construction and finishing building.
A new engineering college was opened, and it had been set up as a stage for the Princess to make a speech.
The opened ground was surrounded by the locals, TV crews along the soldiers and security personnel.
Everyone soon could see the aircraft was steadily making the landing.
From the first glance, one could say that it's liked a white dove, carrying a red rose.
The VTOL landed near to the long red carpet.
« Royal 2 is on the move. I say again. Royal 2 is on the move. » Security was on high alert.
Once the Princess stepped out of the plane, dozens of flash lights emitted like muzzle flashes along with shutter noises.
Usually, a sight of a monarch would be filled with lavish necklace, jewels and some red cape on the shoulders.
However, what Princess wore was a formal white skirt suit with a decorative white rose.
To the impression of many, she was an angel. Like a godsend to Erusean people.
Adding to the Princess's angelic image was her pet dog, a Golden Retriever.
"Do you know the thing that scares me most?"
The citizens looked at each other, feeling unease. Was it about the war?
"That would be the time you forgot to do your homework."
It roused up the laugh from everyone.
That was one of many things that people loved about Princess. Her speech was more productive, rather 'performative'.
"Being a royal that mean I can order you to many things according to my wish, but that doesn't I have the right to order you to die right where you are."
"No. That will be your right. It's your choice to choose where and when to lay down at your final moment."
"My duty is to tell you how to live. My duty is to create a country that you can look toward the future."
"For you will be the pillars of knowledge in the future once this war is ended."
Cheers and whistles erupted once she had finished.
"Princess!"
"Princess!"
Everyone chanted the word.
"Princess Rosa Cossette D'Elise."
Among the noises, there was a singing voice. It's an old song of the people.
Soon everyone joined, even the Princess, singing together.
…
…
Night soon came. At the mayor's mansion, a party was held, with Princess Rosa Cossette D'Elise became the main attraction.
"It's very good speech, Princess."
The officials and noblemen flocked around the Princess, congratulating her.
Since there're a lot of people here, the change of assassination was low. As chief of security detail, Louise entrusted the men to watch over as she made her way out of the ballroom.
A light vibration was made in her trousers' pocket.
With a glance on the phone's green, her initial thought was to hang up that call right away.
After giving out a resigned sigh, she tapped the device to take the call.
« How are you, my Louise dear? »
"I appreciate if you stop calling me that, Thirteen."
« Come on~ Even since you got promoted, I've already missed you soft face. »
"I'm hanging up now…"
« Wait-wait-wait! » The voice pleaded.
"I'm surprised you haven't change much. Even after you have been taught by him."
« Well, the old man has taught me some trick there and then. Sadly, he won't take up my challenge. He prefers to fight a pilot, rather than a witch. »
"Thank god for that."
« Hey! What's that supposed to mean? » Thirteen's voice invoked a small chuckle from Louise.
« …I've heard about a squadron of witches that was captured by the enemy. »
"Matagot team. All three of them."
« Prince Gaubert certainly did good job out there. »
"Keep your words where they should be, Thirteen."
« Come on. They're giving Princess a hard time, right? They are considering whether to maintain the asset for the Witches or not. »
"I admit. If the Prince Faction didn't go anti-witch that much, the invasion could have been smoother and faster." Louise agreed.
"At least the Matagot team is alive."
"It was the ARRF that captured them. They treat the prisoners better than those dirty Liberions."
« That reminds me. I happened to meet a Witch of theirs. Cute, but rather cold though, like a doll. »
« Oh! Speaking of cute. There's little cute angel living in a pub of the town that my squadron has settled in! »
"You're certainly have a great time…And speaking of angel…is that 'thing' already operational?"
« …At least from what I had learned in Orussia. It's already took off, and is on course to Liberion. »
Kept you waiting, huh?
*cracking knuckles* Let's do this.