Another one hell of a messy chapter. And also, a little air battle scene which I don't know if its easy to comprehend for you guys. Do review what went wrong because I just don't know where...
2:30 p.m.
The following day…
Adolfine's assigned office
Nothing could describe the current scene beyond Adolfine's eyes as she enjoys her delicious cup of coffee. The scenery over the airfield was a normal sight for her; she had seen this same sight over and over again thanks to her business trip across the European Theatre observing every place to the point that every airfield and bases she visited became same boring view. Her eyes scanned across the view until she met a long set of trail leading further outwards from the airfield. It was the crash site but now it's lack of any wreckage. Not even single soul was standing there anymore.
"It seems they worked faster than I thought…" Adolfine mutter silently as she sips the hot coffee. She was impressed by the speed of the personnel. To think they could move such wreckage in a single night really proves that they have a good line of logistics. "At least that won't be an eye sore anymore…"
With the sudden appearance of an unknown aircraft that crashed over their airfield, she bet that the top brass are gonna make fuss out of this especially Goring. Not only those old geezers would question the reliability of their radar and whole working attitude, they would also lay their perverted eyes on the wreckage full of sensitive technology. Thinking about that really puts her off not after what happened with the 'Warlock Incident'. God knows what wicked plan they would make with such technology.
*KNOCK KNOCK*
A loud knock came from the door.
"Come in!" she ordered.
The door opened revealing a young girl in a lab coat, it was Ursula Hartmann. The 16 years old blondie saluted her after entering the room.
"Major General Galland, the plane has been transported safely to our secret facility in Belgica." Ursula reported formally as she stands easy.
"Good. At least I have fewer things to worry about now." Adolfine nodded, "Also, no need to be formal with me, Hartmann. You can sit if you want."
Ursula smiled, "Thank you, General." she quickly took a seat opposite of the work desk.
"Coffee?" Adolfine offered.
"With sugar please."
After setting down the mood, the two eventually sat face to face and sip their coffee. Nothing beats the exhaustion of work than a good brew of Amazonian Coffee especially with the winter coming close next month. If only she can escape to Neue Karlsland's hot beach...
"Sorry to have you slept here. It was already late by the time you arrive…"
"No need to apologies, General. It was sudden after all. None of us could expect this happened."
"By the way, Hartmann... How long would it take for you to inspect the wreckage?"
"Honestly, even I'm not sure about it as well." Ursula replied. "Judging by the size of that machine, it might take days, weeks, months or something that I might fear, YEARS."
Adolfine frowned knowing they don't have time to spare. Karlsland is just right in front of them and she can't afford… No, the entire Karlsland can't afford to wait for few years to end this war. And then, there's another problem arising. If Rommel didn't notify her about the crucial information yesterday, the entire frontlines of Aachen defense line would be decimated by now.
"Thread slowly, Hartmann. If we can't use all of the parts, we can still use the engines. They might be useful for our development." Adolfine took another sip and look into the half empty glass where her reflection lies. "Though, I'll admit. Even I am losing my patience as well. Not when we're close to Berlin."
"I understand that feeling too, General Galland. I'll do my best to speed up the development of the jet strikers."
"I know you will. You've already done good deeds for Karlsland with your inventions. I know you can do the same for this project as well. After all…" Adolfine brought the mug close to her face before winking, "You're the beloved twin sister of humanity's top ace!"
Ursula smiled, she didn't expect Adolfine to mention her other 'twin sister'. "Yes, you're right, General. Though, I wish she could at least fix her lazy attitude once in a while."
Adolfine giggled, "I agree!" the two then continued to gulp down their coffee.
"By the way, General…"
"Yeah?"
Ursula placed her empty cup on the table and sat straight, "Have you finished interrogating the pilot?"
Adolfine stiffened, she was lost at words. Remembering the pilot, his words instantly echoed through the depths of her mind. She tightened her grip around the mug and sipped down to the last drop of coffee before placing it on the desk. Taking a deep breath, she interlocked her fingers and spoke.
"No. He was quite secretive. Breaking the man would be tough. Why did you asked?"
"I was thinking of having you brought him to the facility once you done with him."
"Why?" Adolfine raised her brows.
"It's best that we get him to explain everything about the aircraft to us. This machine is beyond my comprehension. I've peek inside the cockpit, while the gauges are similar to most of our standard aircraft not all of them are same. There were several buttons and panels across around this plastic screen that doesn't do anything at all. I can't risk anything at all since those buttons might activate something bad. Hence, that is why I hope that you can bring him to the facility."
After hearing her explanation, Adolfine nodded though felt slightly worried. In order to understand how the aircraft works, only he can explain how every each functions of the panel. Though, since this pilot isn't 'from around here', there are possibilities that he might be trying to escape as well but to where? After all, he's not familiar with this world.
"Err… General?"
"What?" Adolfine snapped out of her deep thought. "Oh, sorry… Just… Nothing."
"So, what do you think, General?"
"I'll… Consider it once he's willing to cooperate…"
Her tone was less convincing, even Ursula could tell it too. The young researcher wondered if something actually happened between her and the pilot but pursuing the subject further would only make things worse.
Ursula pulled out her pocket watch and checks the time, "It seems I need to go now." the blondie stood up from her chair immediately.
"Already?"
"What can I say, General? I'm a busy girl. That wreckage won't tell all the secrets by itself."
"I pray for your success, Oberleutnant Hartmann."
Just as they are about to leave the room, the door opened. Greta quickly stepped in while inspecting the documents in her hand.
"I'm sorry for intruding General Galland, could you please sign this… Ah!" Greta suddenly noticed Ursula was also in the room. "Oberleutnant Hartmann, didn't expect you to be here. Oh, and uh… I'm sorry for not greeting you last night…"
Ursula shook her head, "No, its fine. It was my fault for arriving late at night." By the time she arrived last night, all members of the JG3 had already fallen asleep including Greta. Thus, she missed the chance to meet one of her respected patrons. "Sadly, as much as I want to stay for another hour I must leave immediately."
"Eh? You're leaving already?" Greta was surprised.
"I have a tight schedule to follow. There are things that required my attention In Neue Karlsland after all."
"Must be hard for a young girl like you to handle every top project by yourself." Greta patted the young girl's head out of pity.
Ursula, however, doesn't like the head pat she was receiving.
"Major Lutzow, please stop patting my head. I don't really like it." Ursula tried to brush it off but Greta's arm proved to be equal to that of a concrete.
"Why not?" fluffiness had completely taken over Greta, her heart was fluttered with Ursula's cuteness. "You deserve some head pats for your hard work at such age! You should be happy!"
"What about my big sister? Does she deserve it as well?"
"Not a chance in hell!" Greta's face turned serious instantly. "That girl lacks discipline! She constantly skips her training! Heck, she even skipped the joint mock battle between JG3 and JG52 before the fall of Karlsland! Not to mention, her room is utter mess! It's like a land fill! Urghh, just how the hell she can live in that filth?!"
Hearing Greta's rant, Ursula and Adolfine simply giggled. To think the humanity's greatest ace is actually a lazy ass girl who lives in landfill directly replicated into her room. If this story got leaked out to the public, this would bring shame not only to Luftwaffe but to Karlsland as well. Because of her nature, she hardly gets any promotion even with the high kill count.
By the time Greta ended her rant, she was holding her hand as if migraine had struck her neurons.
"Urgh, I just can't… Just how in the world can Wilcke and Barkhorn handle her attitude?" Greta sighed deeply. Knowing Gertrude, she would nag around Erica all day long but Mina, she kinda give Erica some leeway. "Minna, wherever you are… stop giving her too much freedom. I beg of you!"
"Speaking of about them, I heard they were going to be assigned here. I didn't see them at all." Ursula inquired.
"Oh, they're still in Brittania. Wrapping up official things with Dowding since there's a lot of paper works. They'll be here by weekend if nothing else is bumping their schedule." Adolfine informed.
"Is that so? Oh well, there's always another time to meet big sis."
"I'm sure you'll meet her again, one day." Greta patted her head trying to soothe the girl.
"Again, Major. Please stop patting me."
"But you're so cute!"
"Yes, I am but you don't have to pat me all the time."
"Now, now, Oberleutnant. Consider this as your reward for your hard work." Adolfine cracked. The General was being pesky as her tone and her smile was telling it all.
Ursula sighed deeply, not knowing what she could do to counter their teasing anymore. "Anyways, I need to get going. Don't wanna be late for the inspection."
"Of course, just don't over work yourself. Okay?" Adolfine advised. "Be sure to take some break occasionally."
"Also, be careful along the way. Belgica may have been liberated but Neurois are reported to be still flying around the skies. Don't hesitate to call for help if that ever happens." Greta added.
"Of course, I'll keep that in mind." With all the formalities done, Ursula makes her way to the door. Before she stepped out of the door, the young researcher stopped and spun around. "Oh, just remember to bring that pilot when you're done with him."
Greta raised her brows as she looked towards her friend. Adolfine stammered but nevertheless, she answered.
"O… Of course, we'll try and convince him to cooperate."
"Well then, I shall take my leave." The young girl finally left.
The two Witches watched her departure from the office as the truck carrying her leaves the airfield. The two remained silent as they kept their eyes on the same truck Ursula boarded and eventually, the disappeared into the distance. After a long silence, Greta eventually spoke.
"What was that all about?"
"What?" Adolfine was caught off guard with the sudden question. "What do you-"
"You stuttered back there. When she asked you about that pilot."
"I…" another jab from Greta silenced her; she couldn't say it out loud after what happened last night. Adolfine maintained her stoic face as she tightened her fist struggling with her dilemma. 'Should I tell her?'
"Did something happen last night?" Greta crossed her arms as she raised her brows looking at her friend suspiciously.
Now, Adolfine regretted for fiddling through his g-suit to find any evidence that this man was lying. Instead of dirt, she found something that doesn't fit at all - his map. All of the scribble on the map and the topography was literally wrong. Even the entire landmass was wrong as well, the coast, the countries, EVERYTHING WAS WRONG. She wanted to pass it off as fake and report that man as insane but the content felt authentic to be fake. Adolfine doesn't know how to explain to her friend. If she did, how would Greta react? The only person who holds such answer would be none other than that pilot.
"Nothing. We should deal with that pilot immediately." Adolfine said as she walked towards the door.
"Dodging the question, huh?"
"No, if you want some answers. Our 'guest' might have one. Inform the guards to bring him to the interrogation room."
"Huh… If you say so…" Greta informed the guard standing by the hallway outside and relayed the orders.
Adolfine remained stoic as she sets out towards the interrogation room. While her face and her posture shows no signs of fear and worries, her heart remained wavering as she wasn't sure how the pilot would react after what happened last night.
'Let's just hope that he won't attack me…' The general sighed deeply. Surely, he won't jumped out of his seat and choke her, right? Though, the image of such good looking man trying to choke her wouldn't fit at all.
As the Witch was imagining the worst, the air raid siren came to live.
Greta and Adolfine snapped to the windows outside, men and women running towards their stations. The siren starts to grow louder enough to deafen the entire area.
"Neuroi attacks? Of all time?!" one of the soldiers in the hallway exclaimed.
"Greta, get your girls in the air!"
"No need to tell me twice!" Greta swiftly ran across the hallway.
As soonest she left, Adolfine began making her way for the control room. Right now, she needed to know the amount of Neurois approaching the airfield. If it's medium to large type, this entire airfield would be leveled instantly. If its gone, the plan to reclaim Karlsland would be in shambles and ground Neuroi will easily overran the defense line. The ground forces would be vulnerable without any aerial support and she'd expect that it would fell less than few hours.
Adolfine stormed down the hallway walking fast as she can. Suddenly, several bodies popped up on the corner forcing her to stop. Surprisingly, it was the last person she was expecting to meet. It was the 'self-proclaimed Osean' who was escorted for the schedule interrogation. Adolfine didn't expect that they would bring him here.
"Ma'am, we heard the siren. What should we do with him?" one of the soldiers asked in Karlslandic language.
Adolfine glanced between the two soldiers before eyeing in Trigger who seemed confused.
"Damn it…" Adolfine sighed as this situation starting to get complicated. "Get him to bunker and stay there! Do not let him die whatever it takes!"
"Jawohl!" the soldiers dragged Trigger away from the scene. The Osean was completely confused as he was forcefully yanked away from the spot almost tumbling to the ground.
"Wait, are we being attacked?! Are we really getting bombed?!" Trigger demanded for answers as he was dragged off. The pilot continued to resist and asked the questions as he was hauled away from the scene.
"Are you sure about this, ma'am?" One of the soldiers standing by asked.
"Of course, he wouldn't be able to find his way out under the Neuroi attack anyway. Come on, the Neurois' are going to attack soon."
With minor problems out of her list, the General makes her way towards the control room. Things are about to get chaotic if the Neuroi managed to pass the first line of defense. Under this situation, she doubted that the pilot would be able to make his escape especially when small type Neurois are known for their precision. Adolfine hoped that the pilot doesn't do anything stupid and hoped everything died down. No one would be foolish enough to escape while Neuroi is flying around the skies.
Little did she know, Trigger isn't the type to stay down like a good boy in this situation.
The siren continued to wail louder as Greta sprinted into the hangar. By the time she arrived, her subordinates had already flown into the skies to intercept the targets. Greta jumped into her Bf109G-6 Striker, her familiar's ears and tail, the Rottweiler protruded from her head and her lower back. Picking up the MG42 that was hung at her launcher's side, the Major flies off instantly into the horizon catching up to her subordinates.
It didn't take long enough to catch up, though there were substantial numbers of Witches flying and searching for her squadron took some time. Eventually, she managed to find her squadron. Karla who was leading the formation noticed Greta who was approaching them from rear.
"Major is approaching, give her some space!"
A single gap was opened at the middle of formation, enough for Greta to squeeze through. The Major had finally resumed the command of her squadron taking over the squadron's formation instantly.
"Any ideas what kind of threat we're facing, Greta?" Frida asked.
"No idea, I just took off into the sky on a whim. Let me contact general first." Greta reached out to her communicator and pressed the PTT button. "Ground command, this is Major Lutzow. I have assumed command of my squadron and en-route to intercept. What kind of threat we're looking up here?"
After a few seconds, the radio came to life.
"This is Galland. To all Witches and aircraft in the air, we're seeing several medium type and small type flying on the radar towards our position coming from Cologne. Possibly trying to bombard the airfield."
"Bombing the airfield? They're suddenly on offensive now?" Karla raised her brows.
"Yeah, quite weird." Frida nodded in affirmation. It was all quiet and lack of substantial assault by Neuroi in the last few weeks ever since Gallia was liberated. That's what she heard from most of the witches stationed in Aachen.
"Why they're attacking now isn't important. Right now, intercept those Neuroi and do not let them reach the airfield. We've come this far into the Fatherland, don't let them screw up our efforts in reclaiming our home."
"Yes ma'am!" All witches resounded through the communicator.
"She's still good at motivating us, I see…" Sophie muttered indifferently, her dull face remained unchanged.
"Well, that's General Galland for you!" Gunila said proudly, "Best of the best!"
"Yeah, yeah. I don't wanna hear about all the good things she did. I just wanna kill some Neurois."
Gunila pouted, disgusted by her rude behavior. "Eeehhhh, you're no fun at all! Everything in your head is about killing Neuroi all the time!" Sophie looked away, acting as if the young girl didn't exist. "Hey! Look at me when I'm talking!"
"Quiet, you two. Keep your head up." Frida scolded the two, "The Neuroi should be entering our view any seconds now."
The girls looked around the azure sky for any signs or silhouette of the aliens, nothing but contrails of Witches from other squadrons and planes flying behind them. As the remnant city of Cologne entered their sight, several dots could be seen forming above the city. The dots were moving at cruising speed with no standard formation.
"Tally ho, I have sight on the Neurois." A Brittanian Witch reported through their communicator.
"Affirmative, we have them on sight as well." Kathe replied confirming their squadron could see the Neuroi as well. "Can anyone confirm their numbers?"
"I see 3 medium types and dozens of small type. This shouldn't be too hard." A Liberion Witch scoffed.
"Don't get too cocky, Lieutenant Kane. We don't know what they're planning." Kathe retorted. If anything what her experience taught her, it would be 'overconfidence makes you careless' and Kathe was once like that. It was a bitter but useful lesson.
"She's right. They haven't been pulling any weird shit for few weeks and suddenly they launch an attack right now? Something's definitely off..." Another Liberion witch added, she was the Liberion squadron's flight lead, Captain Hannah Lambert.
As the distance between the two groups decreased, several lights flashed from the Neuroi group in the distance for a few seconds before a large beam slices the clouds in its way. For the witches, they simply evaded or deflected the beam with their shields as they've already anticipated the Neuroi would launch such attack. Just like in the book.
"Alright, JG3 will take the center." Greta quickly called her prey.
"We'll take left." The Brittanian Witch responded.
"I guess that leaves the right flank to us…" Hannah added.
"Roger that." Greta turned her attention to her fellow subordinates, "Alright, here's the plan. Hauptmann Langer, Oberleutnant Muller and Oberleutnant Brandle, you three are flying with me. We're taking down that medium type. The rest of you, take out the small type. I'd expect them trying to kill us while we're busy handling the medium size."
"Roger!" Everyone responded with exception of Sophie.
"Heh, trying to add more kill in her records…" The twintail scoffed. Unfortunately, the Major heard Sophie's little muttering.
"I heard that, Leutnant Altmann! There's a reason why I didn't pick someone like you who would fly recklessly into Neuroi formation alone. You're keeping those small fries away from us and I expect you to work with the rest of the crew. Understand?"
Sophie clicked her tongue, "Fine." She said bitterly.
"And Oberleutnant Landt…"
"Yes ma'am?"
"Keep an eye on her. She'll be flying by your side AT ALL TIMES. Copy?"
Gunila frowned, "Eeeehhhh, don't wanna. Bet she's gonna drag me down."
"Oberleutnant Landt." Greta's tone changed, "This. Is. An order." With a murderous tone, her eyes devoid of any mercy were directed at the young witch.
Gunila's spine literally chilled, "Y… Y… Yes, ma'am! Iwon'tletyoudown! Pleasespareme!" the young girl said in high pitch in fear. Even the other girls flying by her side were scared of Greta's sudden change. Every seniors in the JG3 knows that none of them dared to piss off their commander and Gunila was one of them.
"Good. I expect you to do the same, Leutnant Altmann."
"Yes, ma'am." Unlike Gunila, Sophie replied with defeated tone mixed with annoyance.
"Breaking formation… Now!"
With a single order, the squadron separates into two teams as the witches hunted their prey. The sky was filled with several red beams from all Neuroi slicing through the clouds and the sky only to have the witches deflected all the attacks. Soon, the sound of gunshots rumbling across the air as bullets of every caliber smashed the Neuroi's thick skin. Medium size quickly regenerates to cover up their damaged layer but none of the witches spares a single moment for them to regenerate.
"This is Major Lutzow to all aircraft, support the witches. Take on the smaller ones! We'll manage the medium type." Greta ordered in the midst of the firefight.
"Yes, ma'am!" All the Bf109 pilots instantly dives into the furball.
Guns and cannons blazes through the sky killing several small types in the skirmish. All Liberion and Brittanian Witches began racking up kills on the smaller ones filling up the sky with the sound of gunshots and explosions. As the skirmish turned into a massive furball, the Karlsland Witches began to make their move into the fight. Gunila, Sophie and other 8 witches maintained their formation as they shoot every last one of the small drones that dares to come closer to their seniors. The JG3 led by Gunila swiftly flies in killing every prey in their sight. Aiming her trusty MG42, Gunila fired a short burst towards the fast small type as every single bullet smacked its skin before revealing its hollow innards and the shining red core.
"Gotcha!" Gunila sends another burst killing the Neuroi before it could regenerate. "Another one for me!" Suddenly, a beam was flying towards her position high above. "Eh?!" Gunila spun and threw her shield up protecting her and the rest of her subordinates. The beam intensified as the small types fired waves of shot onto the shield. "Damn it! Sophie, get two girls with you and kill those bastards!"
"Gunila!" One of the witches ranked Sergeant called out. "Sophie went ahead!"
"WHAT?!" Gunila's eyes widened as she couldn't believe it. The girl broke formation and went off on her on! "That idiot! Where is she?!"
Following the contrails left by her engine, Sophie had climbed upward towards the Neuroi that was aiming for them. The twintail noticed swarms of lasers directed to her and deployed her shield as she injected more magic into the engine, pushing the striker to climb higher. The strikers roared as Sophie increases her altitude, gracefully avoiding the incoming lasers and deflect them when she needed. As soonest Sophie entered her gun range, she aimed her MG42 and fired at the Neurois. In a single burst, she destroyed 3 small types. But it wasn't over just yet, as soonest she leveled her altitude against the Neuroi attacking her squad mates; she fired and successfully killed 4 small types in a single burst, again. The girl returned to her formation not uttering a single word.
"Show off!" Gunila pouted but Sophie didn't retort or said anything at all. The young girl knew she wouldn't be able to do that all by herself, Gunila was slightly jealous of her skill. "Sophie, stop breaking formation! I don't wanna get chewed by Greta, okay?!"
"Yeah, yeah..." Sophie simply brushed off her warning nonchalantly.
Gunila fumed seeing her ignorance on full display, 'Does this woman have any heart at all?!' Her face was turning red like a volcano. She was completely mad. "LISTEN HERE YOU…"
*BOOM!*
"What the?" one of the witches muttered.
The explosion stunned the girls. They quickly turned towards the source – the medium type where the veterans are currently engaging. The medium type Neuroi had a distinctive plane looking shape (imagine Airbus A380 but edgier) with exception of the black and red colored hexagon forming across the surface. Swirling around it was Greta and along with her subordinates, blasting several rounds from MG42 around the Neuroi trying to find the core. However, the Neuroi's skin was prove to be tough as Frida launches another barrage of rocket from her Fligerhammer smashing a large chunk of the Neuroi's hull. The Neuroi countered by firing several beams like a porcupine at the girls' direction.
The veteran witches have already anticipated the attack. Once they have avoided, Greta increased her output and rained several rounds at its side simultaneously with Karla at the other side. The Neuroi slowly regenerates but Frida wasn't going to let that happen as she launches another barrage of rockets onto its fuselage tearing out more of its hardened skins. The Neuroi quickly regenerated trying to cover the damage while firing more lasers. It was all according to plan, Kathe flew underside of the Neuroi and start shedding its outer skins with her MG42. The alien launch another directional beam downwards but Kathe had already avoided the attacks. While the Neuroi was distracted by Kathe, the rest of the girls launched simultaneous attack on its top side, shedding more of its hard skin. Frida fired more rocket barrages onto its left wing tip losing it instantly. Since Neuroi doesn't lose control even if they lost a part of their own, they wouldn't go down easily but at the very least it slowed down. Losing a single part means losing a body part to them and now, the Neuroi is literally limping. To add more salt into the wound, Frida blew up another wing and then, its stabilizer causing the Neuroi to fly even slower. The Neuroi was taking too much damage, its regeneration was slow and the Witches are relentlessly attacking it at every angle. Greta and Karla fired another barrage across its hull before the center cracked and revealed its core.
"I have visual on the core!" Frida reported.
Threatened by core being exposed, the Neuroi makes the last effort launching several beams into the three Witches ignoring Kathe who was still flying underneath it. That was the Neuroi's fatal mistake.
"Kathe! Take it out!" Greta ordered as she avoids the intense beam raining.
The auburn haired Witch instantly activates her inherent magic where her entire body is glowing instantly. Focusing the power in her right hand, she thrusts the built up power straight to the Neuroi's belly sending the energy through the thick skin. The energy cuts through the Neuroi all the way from the bottom to the top which instantly smashes the core at the other side. The Neuroi's split in half before disappearing into white flakes in the air.
That was Kathe Brandle's inherent magic, 'condensed particle'. focusing every each of magic particle in one direction, she can easily send the overpressure magic through Neuroi's thick skin which was enough to snap it in half. Her magic was equal to a hot knife cutting through a butter and it was a trump card in dealing against Neuroi with thick armor.
"Wow…" "Amazing!" The rest of the JG3 Witches were awed by their spectacular performance.
"As expected of the veterans…" Gunila muttered.
"You're one of the veterans too…" Sophie said wittily as she fired another burst into the air killing another small type.
"Y-Yeah, but I can't pull those crazy maneuvers! Did you even see how commander and Karla avoided those beams?! And… And… And?!" Gunila stuttered as she saw two small types are making to strafe them alerting her. "WATCH-!"
Sophie nonchalantly raised her MG42 and shot both of the incoming drones killing them instantly. WITHOUT LOOKING AT ALL. The twintail's eyes remained locked with Gunila's and her face was lack of amusement as if she's waiting for her answer. Even the other Witches are awed by her spectacular performance.
"What?" Sophie asked, still with her stoic and neutral tone.
"N-Nothing…" the blonde haired witch looked away. "T-That was an awesome shot, Sophie."
"It was nothing." Sophie replied. She looked around area and saw the remaining Neuroi disappeared into thin flakes. The Brittanian team had also just finished wrapping up things as well. "Was that's all of the Neuroi?"
"I guess. Doesn't seem any Neuroi reinforcements are coming though…" Gunila looked around the sky leading further inland but no dots or menacing black objects are flying in the vicinity.
At the same time, the two remaining medium types were destroyed by both Brittanian and Liberion Witches. The rest of the small types were being taken care off by the planes and Witches in the vicinity. Soon, the battle starting to died down as the remaining Neuroi were shot down. Scanning across the sky, Greta looked out for possible Neuroi reinforcement. Knowing their M.O, they are likely to send another wave until they are incapable of achieving the objective. Though, staying within Neuroi occupied territory wouldn't be a good idea either especially when they are within the hives' operational range.
Greta reached out her communicator and pressed the PTT, "This is Major Lutzow. Any visual on Neuroi's second wave?"
"Negative. Not according to one of my girls." The Brittanian Witch replied.
"Same here, I don't see any reinforcements." Lieutenant Kane added. "You think we got them running between their tails?"
Just as they were inspecting, the radio crackled to live with Galland's voice.
"This is Galland! All aircraft and Witch in the air, return to base immediately!" Everyone were alerted by the distress call. "We have another wave of bombers inbound. They came out of Stuttgart and heading this way!"
"WHAT?!" Greta was surprised. "But how?" It only took a few seconds for her to realize when she pieces all of them together. Easy fight, 3 medium types instead of waves of Neurois… Gritting her teeth in anger, Greta couldn't contain it anymore. "Damn it! This was a decoy force! We've been fooled!"
Sophie seethes in silence. "Fucking Neurois…"
"All units in the air! Form up and head back to Aachen!"
With Greta's orders, the squadrons quickly formed up and make their way to the home base in hurry. To think that the Neuroi had already planned this in the beginning, they never thought that Neuroi was capable of coming up with such plan. Now, racing against time they must intercept the bombers from leveling the airfield.
"You better get to safety, Adolfine…" Greta prayed as they flew back as fast as they could.
Initially, I wanted to cram both the Witches and Trigger's perspective into one chapter but its taking too long and it passed way beyond my deadline. So, had to settle with this instead. Again, I'm starting to hit slump and struggling to write again. I just hope I can deal with this problem better next time. Look forward for the second part!