Chapter 10: Star struck and scarred
1937
July 2nd
South Pacific
Enroute to Howland Island
A lone Lockheed Electra 10E was flying in the tropical skies over the South Pacific. This plane to those who were not told or unaware looked like an average plane flying from one island to another however this plane was piloted by flying extraordinaire, Amelia Earhart and her assistant pilot, Fred Noonan, a seasoned pilot and to add to that they were in the middle of a magnificent human endeavour, to have Amelia be the first woman to circumnavigate the globe via air. Now they were close to the end just a few more stops before they were back in the USA. Now they were heading to one of those stopovers, Howland Island where USCGC Itasca was waiting for them. They were already in radio range of the ship but there were problems as Amelia and Fred can find neither the ship nor the island.
"We are on the line 157 337. We will repeat this message. We will repeat this on 6210 kilocycles. Wait." Amelia radioed to the USCGC Itasca but paused to check the map, "We are running on line north and south"
There was no response from the Coast Guard Cutter.
"Something doesn't seem right, we should right on top of the island by now" Fred Noonan said as he peered out the windscreen.
"Damn, are we off course, then?" Amelia asked.
"I don't know but I think we are" Fred said.
"Damn and we got just cups of gas left" Amelia groaned. Then a bolt from the blue and storm cloud suddenly appeared and swallowed the aircraft.
"What the hell?" Amelia cursed as the plane was being thrown about by the strong winds.
"This storm cloud just came out of nowhere" Fred said as he and Amelia struggled with the controls. Then a bright light appeared in front of their plane.
"Come on, stay in the air, girl" Amelia said to the Electra.
"What in god's name is that?" Fred asked as the light came closer to their plane.
"I hope that is clear skies ahead" Amelia said as the light blinded them and swallowed the Electra leaving nothing behind.
"This is USCGC Itasca to Amelia Earhart; do you hear me, over? I repeat this is USCGC Itasca to Amelia Earhart, do you hear me, over? Earhart, are you there? Earhart, please respond!" The voice of the US Coast Cutter was heard but no one was there to reply. Thus begins the biggest search and rescue operation ever conducted prior World War 2 but the US Pacific Fleet is looking in all the wrong places.
1944
December 15th
Western Europe
English Channel
World War 2 was in its closing stages, Germany was being hammered from East and West. The English Channel that was the scene of the most aggressive battles and engagement was peaceful though this was broken by the sounds of planes crisscrossing the channel to various destinations; one of these aircraft was a lone UC-64 Norseman heading for France with the purpose of getting one of its occupants to France so he could do something good for the troops, entertainment.
"So, which units are you going entertain first, Major Miller?" A Lieutenant Colonel Norman Baessell asked.
"Don't know yet sir, I will have to wait for the rest of my band first then we will decided from there onwards" Major Glenn Miller answered. Glenn Miller was a musician that was famous in the US for his big band musical hits like "In the Mood" and "St Louis Blues March" just to name two of his hits.
"Hey why don't you play us a tune while we are still flying?" The pilot, John Morgan asked.
"Sure, why not, any time to practice is good for me but as long you keep the plane in the air, I see no problem" Glenn Miller said as he began to play his trombone. He decided to play the American Patrol.
"Well, on-board entertainment that would good idea for airliners" Norman said.
"Yeah…um, I think you will have to cut that trombone solo short, sir" John said.
"Why? Oh, that is a terrible looking storm" Glenn said, "I think I better store my trombone, better safe than sorry"
"Good idea" Norman said. Soon the storm swallowed the plane and the small plane began to pitch and roll in the strong wind.
"Hold on, sirs" John said as he struggled with the controls. Then a light appeared in front of the aircraft.
"What is that?" Glenn asked.
"I don't know but it is getting very close" John replied.
"It is a foo fighter?" Norman asked.
"No idea" John said before the light swallowed the plane.
"God, please make it so that we make it out alive" Glenn prayed.
1945
May 10th
Outside of Czechoslovakia
The German Luftwaffe Fighter unit, Jagdgeschwader 52 was evacuating their base in Czechoslovakia as the Red Army was fast approaching. The decision was made by the hastily appointed commander of the unit after the main commander went missing. Now the new commander was among the last to leave. This commander was a good pilot with 298 kills. He was a great friend of the missing commander, Erich Hartmann and the chief mechanic, Marcus Gerhard von Richtofen. He had earned the nickname called Narbengesicht (Scarface) after an crash landing left him with a large gash across his face when a piece of his propeller slashed his face. He is quite shy and humble but that is when he has his feet on the ground but once in the cockpit of a fighter, he is confident and direct but his humility stays. He currently pilots a new variant of the Ta-152 high altitude interceptor, the Ta-152H-2. It is also a known fact that he is a fan of Amelia Earhart.
"Captain, I have done a quick run of the base and everyone but the guards and the two of us are left on base" A pilot reported.
"That is good news, Leutnant Hermann, now let's get going" The captain Just then a convoy of four trucks and two light tanks rolled up.
"Kommandant, grave news, the Russians have broken through, they will be here within minutes!" the driver of the lead truck shouted.
"Don't worry about me, Kapten, worry about yourselves; get yourselves to safety! Now go! Schnell!" The first captain barked.
"Jawohl, see you on the other side, Peter von Luck" The driver said as he sped off with his convoy right behind.
"You too, Steiner" Peter said, "Now, Hermann, let's get airborne"
"Jawohl, Kapten" Hermann replied. The two men climbed into their planes and began their engines. However just as they were gaining speed down the runway, one of the hangar exploded as Soviet tanks and infantry raced into the airfield. Peter looked behind to see the Soviets rushing towards them.
"Scheiße, it looks like the Reds are here" Peter cursed. They were still not ready to take-off as they were still not at the right speed. The Soviets troops began to open fire. Peter watched as rounds and shells zipped past his plane.
"Sir, I don't think we can make it" Hermann radioed.
"We can and will!" Peter barked, "Who do you want as your captors? The Soviets or the Americans"
"But they are firing at us" Hermann shouted.
"But they haven't hit so shut up and take off!" Peter shouted. Hermann fell silent. However just to make matters worse a Soviet tank smashed through one of the barracks that was parallel and opened fire at them but it fell short and hit the ground instead.
'Come on, come on, just a bit more' Peter thought as his Ta-152 continued to pick up speed.
"Himmel!" Hermann shouted as they began to rise into the air. Just as they reached for the end of the runway, another tank appeared and it was aiming straight for them, "We will never make it!"
"Yes, we can, Hermann, pull up now!" Peter shouted as he pulled the stick as close to his guts as possible.
"CHORT!" The Soviet tank commander shouted as the two German planes took off from the runway just missing him by just inches.
"Ha-ha! Told you we will make it" Peter said.
"I don't want to do that again, ever" Hermann said. However they were not in the clear just yet as Soviet fighters appeared and they were hungry for German prey.
"Ah you got to be kidding me?" Peter grumbled as he saw that four Soviet fighters were on their tails.
"Hermann, follow me if you want to live!" Peter shouted.
"Jawohl…s-sir" Hermann stammered as the rookie pilot readied himself for the dogfight. The two planes began their dance of death with the four Soviet fighters. Peter scored one but Hermann had yet to fire a shot.
"Come on Hermann, are you a fighter pilot?" Peter asked.
"Sir, I can't do it" Hermann replied.
"Bullshit! You were able to keep with me in a Bf-109 and shoddy one at that" Peter pointed out.
"But, Kapten, I-" Hermann said.
"But what Hermann? Too scared? You are a Luftwaffe pilot, you can do this" Peter radioed.
"Jawohl, if you say so" Hermann said.
"I know so" Peter said. They continued to engage the three Soviet fighters. In the middle of the confusion, Peter lost sight of Hermann. He was chasing a Soviet fighter when he saw Hermann in front of the Soviet fighter, "Hermann, what the hell are you doing?!"
"I am going to shoot the fighter down, sir!" Hermann replied.
"That's suicide!" Peter shouted. However Hermann didn't budge and continued his course directly at the fighter. Peter watched as the two planes fired their guns at each other.
"It was nice knowing you sir" Hermann said softly.
"Hermann! NEIN!" Peter shouted as Hermann's Bf 109 smashed into the Soviet fighter which caused a large explosion. Peter watched the tangled wrecks just fall to the ground below. "God damn it, he was a good man"
Just then the two remaining Soviet fighters attacked Peter but Peter engaged and shot them down. However he could not catch his breath as a storm swallowed his plane.
"Ah, what now?" Peter exhaled in exhaustion as he struggled to keep the plane steady. Then a bright light appeared and it soon began to swallow his plane. "This feels so warm"
Strike Witches' World
Four days after the trip to Rome
Pescara Air Base
Dining Hall
Pierre's POV
It was a fine July day and we were mostly gathered in the dining hall. We had a brilliant American/Liberion breakfast as instead of Yoshika, Muto, Lynette and Arthur in the kitchen, it was Shirley, Chuck, Georgina, Gregory, Charlie and Charles in the kitchen. As we were eating our breakfast, I saw that Ben and Charlie were sitting next to each other and were happily chatting away while Muto and Lily were cracking jokes and laughing like mad. Perrine asked me if she could get a ride on the bicycle I had recently acquired which I agreed to. The bicycle had been modified by Marcus and Chuck to have a rear seat and a side car so at least two people can ride the bicycle. They also added panniers so I can go to Pescara to buy small number of groceries or any miscellaneous errands. These modifications were ones that I asked for because I felt the bicycle was a bit too plain. Ember joked when she saw the bicycle that all it needed now was an engine. So Perrine climbed into the side car while I straddled onto the saddle and we went on our way for a ride in the countryside. I stopped at the gates as the guards logged my departure.
"So where are monsieur and mademoiselle going to?" The Gallian soldier at the gates asked. I looked at him and saw that he had wavy blonde hair and had a shallow beard.
"Oh we are just going for a ride in the countryside" I said as I waited for Sergeant Nixon log our departure in.
"That sounds quite romantic, no?" The Gallian smiled.
"For god's sake, Francis, not everything is a romance movie" A Britannian soldier grumbled. The Britannian had messy dirty blonde hair. He also had rather thick eyebrows.
"Ah allez, you are too serious, Arthur" Francis said. I looked at Perrine who was just amusing herself with the mounted empty machine gun.
"Private Francis Bonnefoy, Corporal Arthur Kirkland, I can't never leave you two alone can I?" The Liberion sergeant major, Nixon appeared.
"Désolé, sir" Francis said
"Won't happen again, sir" Arthur said. Nixon stared at the two men who stood at attention facing each other.
"As if I have not heard that before" Nixon sighed, "Raise the gates, these two are good to go for their sightseeing trip"
"We; will do" Francis said as he made his way to the gates.
"Yes, sergeant" Arthur said as he too left for the gates.
"They always do this?" I asked.
"More than you know it" Nixon sighed tiredly, "It amazes me they aren't on each other's necks yet"
"Well, we better be off, au revoir" I said as I began to cycle through the base gates. We then began to ride towards Pescara. The road was flanked by trees which made me reminisces to the country roads back in France.
"This is just back in Gallia" Perrine smiled as she looked at the scenery.
"Yes, this is nice scenery isn't?" I smiled. Then we came out of the tree flanked road to a beautiful sight.
"Wow, look at all the colours" Perrine's eyes shone as she looked at the plains that was covered with flowers of different colours and bright green grass. We continued down the road while taking in the beauty. We then rolled into the town. It was a bustling town if there were people around.
"This is strange" I commented as I looked at the empty street as we cycled down the cobble road.
"Has everyone been evacuated?" Perrine asked.
"No they can't have been evacuated, look the stores, they are still stocked and there are cars still parked" I pointed to windows of the stores. We continued down the desolate street. Just then a police motorcycle appeared. The rider seemed to notice us as he made his way towards us.
"Are you two from the 501st JFW?" He asked.
"Yes, we are, why?" Perrine asked.
"Follow me, something strange happened" The police rider said.
"Lead the way" I said.
"Si" He replied. We followed the police motorcycle out of the city then down a dirt road where we found ourselves in a grain field and we saw that there was a crowd of people around and aircraft. I saw that it had a dark blue tail and we could see two of the propeller blades.
"Is that a fighter?" Perrine asked.
"It seems like it but not one I have ever seen" I said as I slowed the bicycle to a stop. I locked the bicycle after I stepped off of it. I saw that Perrine was having some trouble getting out of the side car so I decided to help.
"Mademoiselle" I smiled as I helped Perrine out of the side car.
"Merci" Perrine said quickly with her face blushing.
"Nothing to be embarrassed about, Perrine, everyone has trouble time to time" I said.
"Let's just go" Perrine said. We made our way to the aircraft. The crowd made space for us to walk to the plane once they saw us.
"What kind of a plane is that?" I heard a man said.
"It looks like a Liberion aircraft" Another commented.
"It can't be, look at the wings, it must be a different Stuka model" A teenager said. Perrine and I looked at the plane. It was a large aircraft that had gull wings. The engine must have been very large as the propellers were quite big. I saw that it had a hook at tail of the plane. I then looked at what armament was on the fighter which was four twenty millimetre cannons and I saw that it was fighter bomber as it had six rockets and two bombs attached to the wings of the aircraft. I then clambered onto the wing and looked inside. I saw that there was no sign that there was anyone in the plane in fact this fighter looks like it was just out of the factory or the armourer as there was no sign or indication that this plane belonged to any pilot. I then noticed the colour. It was it was coloured three colours; with dark blue dawning the top of the fuselage, the top of the wings and of the tail's elevators then there was a lighter shade of blue on the midsection of the fuselage and the dorsal fin and finally the underbelly of the aircraft was painted white. I saw that there was an emblem on the aircraft and it looked like the one on Chuck's plane which make me suspects that this is an American aircraft.
"Have you seen this aircraft before, Pierre?" Perrine asked. I looked at the aircraft and shook my head.
"No, I have seen this aircraft before but I suspect that this is an American aircraft" I said.
"What makes you say that?" Perrine asked.
"Well, look at the emblem on the side of the aircraft" I pointed to the bright white star.
"Yes, wait… it looks like the one on Chuck and Greg's aircraft" Perrine realized.
"Yes, it seems that it was transported her very recently" I said as I looked at the aircraft.
"So what do we do?" Perrine asked.
"Well, we are going to have to bring it back to base" I said.
"How are we going to do that? No of us can fly the plane as it is a model we both have never seen before" Perrine said.
"We can tow it" I said.
"How, all we have is a bicycle" Perrine pointed out.
"Remember Mio's saying?" I smiled as I called upon my familiar and quickly dismissed it so no one saw, "There is nothing a witch or wizard can't do"
"Wait, you are going to use your magic?" Perrine asked.
"Yes, now help me hook up the aircraft to the bicycle of mine" I said. I moved the bicycle to the rear of the plane. We then hooked a chain on the hook at the tail of fighter and then hooked the other end on my bicycle. Perrine sitting behind me making sure the plane didn't detach from the chain. I then activated my magic and began to pedal forward. The large aircraft shuddered slightly but it soon began to move and I soon gained momentum. The crowd cheered as they watched the superhuman feat unfold in front of them. The crowd followed us as we cycled to the main road then straight through town. Luckily for us, the road was generally flat. When I made it at the gates with the planes in tow, the guards were quite overwhelmed to see me and Perrine with a fighter in tow. I then towed the plane to the runway where Chuck and Shirley were.
"Holy shit, where did you find that one?" Chuck asked as he ran over to me and helped pull the plane into the hangar.
"Damn, this plane is a beauty" Shirley whistled as she too joined to help as well.
"It was found by the locals in Pescara, Perrine and I were just so happen were cycling through. We decided to haul it back here" I answered as I took a drink of water from the canteen on the bicycle.
"So, do you know what aircraft it is?" Perrine asked.
"This is an American Navy plane from the colours..." Chuck said as he examined the aircraft.
"Holy shit, you got to be shitting me! Where did you find that beast?" We turned to see Gregory run to the fighter we were examining.
"You know what it is Greg?" Chuck asked.
"Of course, this is the Chance-Vought F4U Corsair and I see this is a F4U-4C because of the four 20 mills" Gregory said.
"So this the Corsair" Shirley said as she looked at it, "I think I will stick to my P-51, thanks"
"That will include me too, don't get me wrong, the Corsair must be an excellent fighter but give me a P-51 anytime" Chuck said.
"Well, this makes things more crowded" Georgina pointed out.
"Yeah, we already have nineteen operational combat aircraft, one transport plane and one reserve fighter which is twenty one planes already and now with the Corsair, we have twenty two" Chuck said.
"Well, anyway, it is time for lunch, come on, and let's go eat" Gregory said.
"Alright, but first, we need to get this plane in the hangar" Chuck said. We then rolled the plane into the hangar. We decided to fold the wings so to save space. We then headed for lunch. This time it was a Malayan-Indonesian meal as Amirul, Amira, Amy and Lily were the cooks for the hour. Then Katherine said that she had an announcement.
"Alright, today will be a mostly uneventful day except for two facts" Katherine said.
"What is it, commander?" Minna asked.
"Well, firstly, we are going to get two more member and this time I had nothing to do with her wanting to come here" Katherine answered.
"Who is this new witch?" Wolf asked.
"Well, most of the girls know her so I will let all you guess with one hint, circumnavigate" Katherine smiled.
"Circumnavigate?" Gertrude questioned.
"Oh! I know this; it is Emily Earhart isn't it?" Erica said.
"Bingo, the witch extraordinaire and her partner, Frederica Noonan will be joining us in the fight here" Katherine said.
"When are they arriving?" Erich asked.
"Sometime this afternoon" Katherine answered.
"Damn, so she didn't disappear in this world?" Chuck asked.
"What? What do you mean?" Mio asked.
"In our world, our version of your Earhart, Amelia Earhart was attempting to fly around the globe but she disappeared in 1937 without a single trace in the South Pacific" Gregory answered.
"Wait, how were you sure that she was not on some island" Minna asked.
"The United States Pacific conducted the biggest and most expensive search and rescue operation to date, Minna, they included an aircraft carrier and battleship" Charles said.
"Yeah but still, neither pilots nor plane were to be found" Ben added.
"That is a pity to hear" Charlie said.
"Well, it shows that despite being similar, our worlds are still different" I said.
"So, what is the second news, comrade Katherine?" Katherov asked.
"The next news is that Glennis Miller and her orchestra will be stopping by to give us some memorable entertainment" Katherine said.
"Yes! We are going to get the great Glennis Miller, oh I wonder if she will play In the Mood" Shirley cheered.
"There is another different between our worlds" Chuck said.
"What do you mean? Wait; don't tell me your world Miller has disappeared as well?" Georgina said.
"Jackpot" Gregory answered.
"Damn, that must have been a morale smasher" Ember said.
"It must have been a sad day" Blaze said.
"You don't know half of it, his disappeared happened just after the Germans launched a counteroffensive that broke our lines and made a significant bulge" Chuck said.
"I bet morale must have been at an all-time low at that point" Mio said.
"Yes which is why I seriously respect General Eisenhower because he was able to keep the spirits up and manage all the chaos" Chuck said.
"I agree, General Eisenhower is very capable commander, I have met him once when I was being awarded the Victoria Cross" Amirul answered.
"Well that our world shares, because our Eisenhower is just as capable" Katherine said. We then had our lunch which was quite exotic I must say. We then went off to do our own things. I decided to help Perrine with the flower garden. Just then I decided to go to the storeroom on the other side of the runway. Just as I was crossing the runway, I heard engine noises which were sounding louder every second. I turned to my left and I saw two witches approaching the runway and they were coming in to land and I was in their way.
"LOOK OUT!" One of the witches shouted as they touched down.
"Sacrè bleu" I shouted as I jumped out of the way just as one of the witches raced past where I stood.
"Pierre! Are you alright?" Marcus shouted. I stood back up and checked myself for any injuries.
"I am good" I shouted back as I dusted myself off. I began walking towards the hangar. The two witches were just coming out of their strikers when I entered the hangar. They saw me and immediately they were in front of me.
"Please forgive my friend, sir, she didn't see you when she was coming in" A tall brunette said as she bowed to me. I was a bit uneasy by this which was made worst by the shorter curly red-haired girl who had her hands in front of her face repetitively apologizing to me.
"Sorry sir! Sorry sir! Sorry sir!" The shorter girl repeated. I felt quite awkward by their behaviour.
"Please, calm down, you two didn't hurt me in anyway, in fact if there is anyone to be at fault, it should be me as I didn't look where I was going" I said.
"Thank you sir, your kindness will not be forgotten, I guarantee it" The redhead said.
"By the way, what are your names?" I asked.
"Oh, sorry forgot my manners there, I am Lieutenant Commander Emily Earhart of the United States Navy" The redhead saluted.
"Lieutenant Frederica Noonan, US Navy at your service" The tall brunette smiled.
"I am Captain Pierre Clostermann at your service" I smiled.
"Free French Air Forces? What is that? I have never heard of it before.
"Well, I must say, quite the range of planes you have here" Emily said.
"Well, it is because we have wide range of pilots and aircrew here" I said. Just then Katherine came down into the hangar.
"Look who finally decided to make an appearance" Katherine said as she entered the conversation as well.
"Ah, Air Chief Marshal Katherine, it is an honour to meet you" Emily saluted.
"Reporting for duty as intended, ma'am" Frederica saluted as well.
"At ease" Katherine saluted back, "I see you have met one of the pilots on base"
"Wait, you are one of pilots from another world? Wow, you look better than I imagined" Emily looked at me with stars in her eyes.
"Merci…?" I assumed it was a compliment.
"Sorry sir, she has been hanging out with the Fusoan witches during our service in the Pacific" Frederica said.
"Well, that explains a few things" I smiled.
"So are we going to meet everyone else?" Emily asked.
"Alright wait here" Katherine said before placing her hand on her transponder, "Hey everyone, our new girls are here, gather in the briefing room, ASAP"
"Now if you excuse me…" I said until I heard the sounds of engines and I turned to see a twin engine aircraft land on the runway.
"What the heck are the AA gunners doing? Sleeping?" Emily commented.
"No, they have orders not to fire on planes that have strange or unfamiliar markings" Katherine said. We stood there as this aircraft taxis downs the runway and stop just in front of the hangar. Then I watched as Muto and Lily's planes come down for a landing before taxiing to their designated parking space. They then came to us with mad grins on their faces.
"What the heck is wrong with you two?" Katherine asked.
"You will not believe who is in the plane" Muto said. As if on cue, the doors on the two engine aircraft opened and I saw a man and a woman hop out of the aircraft. I was slack-jawed to see who it was coming out of the aircraft.
"Sacrè bleu, you are kidding me!" I exclaimed as I slapped my forehead.
"Why? Who is it?" Emily asked.
"It is Earhart, Amelia Earhart from my world" I said.
"Wait, you mean the same Amelia Earhart that went missing in 1937 in your world?" Katherine asked.
"Yes, that Amelia Earhart" Muto smiled.
"Damn, talk about timing" Katherine said. Then the two pilots walked up to us and Amelia looked around and she looked straight at me and she didn't seem very happy.
"You have something to explain right now, young man!" Amelia barked at my face.
"What? What do you mean?" I asked as I was confused as I didn't understand her anger.
"Why are these girls not wearing anything on their legs?" Amelia gestured to Emily. I looked at Emily and then at her legs.
"Wait, you two didn't tell them?" I asked Muto and Lily who were just smiling.
"Whoops, I knew I forgot something" Muto smiled.
"Sacrè Bleu" I sighed.
"Sorry" Muto chuckled.
"Alright, let me explain…" I began explaining about how Amelia Earhart and her partner, Fred Noonan were in another that was similar to our home world. I then explain to them about magic and how it works. That led me to strikers and why girls in this world don't wear anything on their legs because of practical issues. I also told them about neuroi.
"So these girls are not wearing pants because it will hinder their reaction time? That is interesting… well sorry for bursting at you like that" Amelia said.
"It is alright, you didn't know, though someone was supposed to have informed you before you landed" I glanced over to Lily and Muto who were smiling to each other.
"Like I have said, we are sorry" Muto smiled.
"Now get to the briefing room now, everyone is waiting" Katherine said.
"Hai" Muto and Lily said as they left for the room.
"So who are you?" Amelia asked Katherine.
"I am Air Chief Marshal Katherine of the Orussian Imperial Air Forces, currently I am the commander of the Allied Air Forces in Europe" Katherine said.
"My, I never thought I would meet a woman so high a rank" Amelia said.
"Like Pierre had said, this world is slightly different" Katherine smiled.
"So who are these two?" Amelia asked.
"I am Lieutenant Commander Emily Earhart of the Liberion Navy, I am you of this world" Emily smiled.
"I am Lieutenant Frederica Noonan of the Liberion Navy and I am Emily's partner and friend" Frederica saluted.
"Well, Fred, you don't look too bad as a girl" Amelia joked as she looked to Fred whose face was as red as Emily and Amelia's hair.
"Can you please not, Amelia, it is bad enough as it is" Fred said. Amelia then looked around and she had stars in her eyes when she saw all the planes that we had on base.
"Wow, looks like planes have gone a long way since 1937" Amelia commented.
"Yes, that is true, ma'am, all these aircraft can fly faster, higher and farther than your Electra even if you modified it" I said.
"Damn, wait what is that aircraft? The one with the tubes under the wings" Amelia pointed to the Gerhard's jet.
"That is a piece of the future; it is a fighter jet which can outfly almost every plane here" I answered.
"What is the top speed?" Fred asked.
"870km per hour or 541 miles per hour" I answered.
"Damn, that is superfast!" Amelia exclaimed.
'Though, Shirley and Chuck have flown faster, heck they broke the sound barrier" I thought.
"Anyway, you all have to come with me and Pierre" Katherine said.
"Where?" Amelia asked.
"Just follow us" I said. We led the four new fliers to the briefing room or we pilots dub the "Lecture Hall" where everyone was waiting and I mean everyone, heck, Karl, Maya, Alfred and Matthew were there as well. I saw that Eino and Lydia were asleep leaning on each other while Sanya was sleeping at her chair while snuggling a black pillow. Eila sat between the sleeping three.
"Katherine, why did you gather all of us, did the two…Mein Gott…you are kidding me right?" Wolf said as he looked at our guests.
"Holy shit" Chuck uttered.
"You got to be kidding me! Is she really here?" Charles said.
"My god, it can't be…it is, it's them" Gregory was practically speechless.
"Well, this is a once in a lifetime experience for us, isn't Blake?" Ember smiled.
"Yes it is, sis" Blake chuckled.
"Ha, ha, ha, oh if only my friend was here" Erich said.
"Which one?" Gerhard asked.
"Peter" Erich answered.
"Who?" Gerhard asked again.
"You know the pilot from my unit who is just shy of your score" Erich answered.
"Don't recall" Gerhard replied.
"Narbengesicht" Erich said
"Oh that guy, yeah he would love to be here to see this" Gerhard laughed. Erich just sighed.
"Didn't expect the base will be filled with celebrities, don't you think so, Matthew?" Alfred commented.
"Yes, and I hope the men don't get too worried about this" Matthew said.
"Ah, they will be just ecstatic, just like that" Karl said.
"Wow, it is Emily Earhart…" Maya uttered.
"I see we have another fan amongst us" Alfred said.
"Yeah, she is a big fan of Emily Earhart and she joined the military because of her but the only reason she isn't a fighter or bomber witch is because she is not very good with heights which is why she is an anti-air witch" Karl smiled.
"Damn it, why did you have to tell everyone?" Maya exclaimed.
"Alright settle down, you cheeky lot" Katherine barked, everyone then stopped and paid attention, "As you knew we were getting two more girls joining our ranks but as Muto and Lily were out for their usual training flight, they met another plane and this one had two people in them and here they are, so listen up as they introduce themselves"
"Lieutenant Commander Emily Earhart at your service" Emily smiled.
"Lieutenant Frederica Noonan of the Liberion Navy, here to serve" Frederica saluted.
"Amelia Earhart of the United States of America looks like I will be joining all of you" Amelia smiled.
"Fred Noonan, also of the USA, I hope I can help" Fred said.
"Now our turn, you already know me so, Katherov, if you may" Katherine smiled.
"With pleasure, comrade, I am Air Chief Marshal Katherov Ivan Litvyak of the Soviet Union's Red Air Forces, currently I command all ground attack units in the Mediterranean Region" Katherov introduced himself.
"General Dimitri Petrenko, commander of all Orussian Ground Forces in Western Europe" Dmitri said.
"Hallo, I am Field Marshal Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel of the German Heer, currently commander of this base" Rommel introduced himself with a smile.
"I am Colonel Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke, commander of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing" Minna smiled.
"Colonel Wolf-Dietrich Wilcke, deputy commander of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing and commander of the 501st JFW Fighter Squadron" Wolf said.
"Navy Captain Muto Kaneyoshi, deputy commander of the 501st JFW Joint Fighter Squadron" Muto said as he stood up.
"Commander Mio Sakamoto, second deputy commander and battle commander of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing" Mio said.
"Major Erich Alfred Hartmann, second deputy commander and battle commander of the 501st JFW Joint Fighter Squadron" Erich smiled.
"Major Gertrude Barkhorn at your service" Gertrude saluted.
"Captain Gerhard Barkhorn, also at your service" Gerhard saluted.
"Major Charlotte E. Yeager but do call me Shirley" Shirley gave a two finger salute.
"Captain Charles E. Yeager however I prefer to be called Chuck" Chuck grinned.
"Squadron Leader Amirah Aisyah binti Sulaiman, it is an honour to meet you" Amirah said.
"Flight Lieutenant Amirul Ashraf bin Sulaiman, pleasure to meet you" Amirul smiled.
"Major Reina Ogawa at your service" Reina said.
"Major Riki Ogawa at your service" Riki smiled.
"Lieutenant Marie Gertrude von Richthofen, head mechanic of the 501st JFW" Marie smiled.
"Captain Marcus Gerhard von Richthofen, deputy head mechanic of the 501st JFW" Marcus smiled.
"Captain Sakai Saburo, it is good to meet you" Sakai said.
"Captain Georgina Tyson, at your service" Georgina smiled.
"Captain Gregory Tyson but you can call me Greg" Greg said.
"Ciao, I am Flight Officer Francesca Lucchini" Francesca cheered.
"Hey, I am Flight Officer Franco Lucchini" Franco smiled.
"Hello, Lieutenant Franciscka Stigler here" Franciscka said.
"First Lieutenant Franz Stigler reporting in" Franz said.
"I am Lieutenant Amy Widodo" Amy waved.
"And I am Lieutenant Lily Widodo" Lily smiled.
"Hi, I am Lieutenant Charlie Brown here" Charlie said.
"Howdy, Second Lieutenant Charles Brown is who I am" Charles said.
"Hi I am Lieutenant Ember Vermillion, nice to meet you" Ember smiled.
"I am Lieutenant Emily Vermillion, great to meet you" Emily waved.
"First Lieutenant Blaze Vermillion, reporting for duty" Blaze gave a lazy salute.
"Lieutenant Blake Vermillion here; looks like I outrank you, Blaze" Blake smiled.
"Damn it! Here take the twenty" Blaze said as she gave Ember some paper money.
"Told you" Ember grinned.
"Anyway, I am Flight Officer Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen and this is Flight Officer Sanya Litvyak, this is Pilot Officer Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak and this is Flight Officer Eino Ilmari Juutilainen" Eila said as she motioned to the three sleeping fliers.
"I am Flight Officer Perrine Henrietta Clostermann, it is an honour to meet you" Perrine bowed.
"Well you know me already" I smiled.
"I am Pilot Officer Lynette Bishop, hello" Lynette smiled softly.
"Well, I am Flight Lieutenant Arthur Bishop" Arthur smiled.
"Hello, I am Sub-Lieutenant Yoshika Miyafuji" Yoshika announced.
"I am Officer Cadet Eva Helma von Richthofen, pleased to meet you" Eva said.
"And I am Warrant Officer Hanna Eva von Richthofen" Hanna smiled.
"I'm Warrant Officer Yoshiko Nishizawa, good to meet you" Yoshiko grinned.
"Well, I am Lieutenant Hiroyoshi Nishizawa, like my counterpart said, happy to meet you" Hiroyoshi said.
"Alright time for the bomber crew, I am Second Lieutenant Mack Taylor" Mack said.
"While I am Master Sergeant William Peter Lydon" William said.
"Well, I am First Sergeant Thomas Yates" Thomas said.
"I am Staff Sergeant Ben Whiting, at your service" Ben smiled.
"Well, I am Technical Sergeant Erwin Hoth" Erwin said.
"Anyway, I am Technical Sergeant Henry Tokugawa" Henry grinned.
"Hi, I am Staff Sergeant John Gonzales" John waved.
"Staff Sergeant Wilfred Wong is my name and gunning enemies down is my job" Wilfred smiled.
"Well, this is quite a unit you got here" Amelia commented.
"Why thank you" Minna smiled.
"Now we know what Emily and Fred are, they are fighter witches with their F4U Corsairs but Amelia and Fred here came in their travel around the world plane which mean that they have no combat aircraft or experience" Katherine said.
"I have the perfect post for you Fred" Charles said, "If it is okay with you, sir"
"It is fine with me" Rommel said.
"What position are you talking about?" Fred asked.
"You are going to be the tail gunner of my B-17" Charles said.
"A B-17? What is that?" Fred asked.
"Alright, did you see a huge four engine aircraft when you arrived?" Charles asked.
"Yes, I remember seeing an aircraft like that" Fred said.
"Welcome aboard" Charles smiled, "don't worry the boys here, will teach you how to man those Oerlikons"
"Okay" Fred said.
"What about me?" Amelia asked.
"Well, that is a pickle, isn't it…wait! I know" Chuck said.
"What is it, Chuck?" Greg asked.
"The Corsair, we can give the Corsair to Amelia" Chuck said.
"That's a good idea" Greg said.
"Wait? What Corsair?" Erich asked.
"We told you that Pierre and Perrine found another aircraft near Pescara and it was a F4U Corsair" Chuck said.
"Oh? Oh yes, now I remember, sorry, there were… other things occupying… my mind" Erich said though he sounded very distracted.
"Well, if that is the case, Amelia, looks like you will be a fighter pilot, if that is alright with you" Katherov said.
"That's fine by me because it ain't going to be people I will be drilling daylights into but some crumbs from hell who need some Chicago overcoats, don't worry, I'll make sure it isn't a Brodie that you let me fly while packing some heat" Amelia said.
"What?" Erich uttered.
"She means that she is fine with shooting the neuroi and she will make sure that we won't regret letting her fly a warplane" Chuck said.
"Oh, well comes the problem of training you because none of us here are well versed with the said aircraft" Wolf said.
"I can train her" Emily said.
"Are you sure?" Minna asked.
"Sure as all hell, I will get her working that Corsair like eggs in coffee, besides I have flown the Corsair before so it won't be a problem, ma'am" Emily smiled.
"Alright then, Emily and Ensign Amelia, you two can begin training tomorrow and Sergeant Fred, you will begin gunner training tomorrow as well" Katherine said.
"Well, it is a good thing I had those more four extra beds huh" Erich said.
"You have some very good foresight, bruder" Erica said.
"Thanks" Erich smiled.
"Alright, that's it, everyone is dismissed" Katherine said. We then left the meeting room and we were to our own devices.
Erich's POV
I went to the balcony to have a smoke and clear my mind. I wanted to get rid of something that was on my mind.
"That's what I get for not knocking" I said before I slipped a cigarette between my lips. I then took my lighter which suddenly was snatched from my hand. I turned to see Erica with her toothy grin with my lighter in her hand.
"Got your lighter" Erica smiled.
"That was some good sneaking, I didn't even hear you coming" I said.
"I didn't sneak up on you, I just followed you here" Erica said. I just smiled.
"Well I should have been more aware of my surroundings then, now can you give me back my lighter?" I asked.
"Not without a gift" Erica smiled. I just chuckled as I opened a pocket and pulled out a chocolate bar and I gave it to her.
"Here, you get a Hershey's chocolate bar" I handed her the chocolate.
"Danke, Erich" Erica said as she placed my lighter in my hand, "Try not to waste your cigarettes"
"I will, I have so few left" I smiled as I watched Erica head off into the interior. I then lit my cigarette and I stood there at the balcony as I tried to clear my mind.
"I had a feeling they had something but I didn't think that it would go that far" I thought as I took a drag from the cigarette. I looked at the scenery which was a beautiful one, "I would definitely bring Ursula here if this existed back in our world"
"Hello? Hello?" I heard a voice in my transponder. I nearly dropped my cigarette when I heard that voice.
"Wait, is it who I think it is" I said.
"Hello? Is there anyone there? This is Captain Peter von Luck of the Jagdgeschwader 52, I am requesting assistance, I am lost and I don't have much fuel in my tanks left" I immediately threw my cigarette away and ran to the tarmac where my Bf 109. I must have attracted Erica's attention as I saw Erica jumping into her strikers as I climbed into my Messerschmitt. I then quickly took off, heading for that voice.
"Erich, what are you doing?" Minna radioed after I got airborne.
"I am responding to a radio call, Minna, I will be back soon" I replied.
"This is Erica, I will be supporting Erich" Erica radioed.
"Roger, be safe out there" Minna said.
"We will" I radioed back. We flew out towards the sea where I heard the pilot's voice over the radio. I had not responded yet because I wanted to absolutely make sure it is who I think it is. I soon saw his aircraft and I smiled as I knew exactly who it was.
"Peter, is that you?" I asked.
"Erich, wait, is that you? Where have you been? Our base had been overrun by the Soviets and now we are over some sort of sea and why are you so calm and who is that flying next to you?" Peter said.
"Calm down, Peter and allow me to explain…" I began to explain in detail about this world, the war, the neuroi, the witches, their abilities, their strikers, the aces, the planes and where they are now. I did however leave a certain aspect out. I looked at his Ta-152 and I could see that he had just finished a dogfight. I always knew that he would do wonders in his Ta-152 especially since it has two 30 mm cannons instead of just two.
"Wow that is just wunderbar; wait, if the witches are this world's version of us, does that mean I have one?" Peter asked.
"Well, it depends, not all have an opposite gender version of themselves, like Hanna and Rommel have same gender counterpart" I said.
"Also, we have a pilot by the name of Peter von Luck and he stationed in Rosario Research Facility" Erica answered.
"So my counterpart is a guy?" Peter said.
"It seems so" I said.
"Oh well, oh is Gerhard on base?" Peter asked.
"Yeah why you ask?" I asked.
"Meet his score partner" Peter said.
"301?" I enquired.
"Yeah, shot them down before being teleported here" Peter said.
"Good to know, now let's get our feet on the ground shall we?" I asked.
"Sure, my tanks were getting empty anyway" Peter said. We began to head back to base when another flash appeared and a single plane appeared just to our right. It was a small single engine US Army aircraft.
"Aw shit! German fighters, we're fucked" We heard someone in the plane said.
"What is that flying with them?" Another voice said.
"I don't know but it looks like a girl" A third voice said.
"This is Major Erich Hartmann to American aircraft, can you hear me?" I radioed.
"Uh! Yes, we can hear you" The first voice said.
"Please follow us, we will guide you to our airbase, also do not worry, we are not your foes" I radioed.
"How can we trust you?" The voice asked.
"Easy, we haven't shot you down" I answered nonchalantly. There was a very fat silence before the plane responded.
"Alright, you got us there" The first man said. We soon came into view of Pescara Air Base. I glanced at my watch; it was just three thirty in in the afternoon. We came down for a landing with me being the last plane to land. I was not that entirely surprised to see Peter's Ta-152 land with a blue circle but I was surprised to see the American land without one.
"Well that is interesting" I said as I came down and I joined up with Erica in the hangar where the American plane had also rolled up. "Hey Minna, get everyone in the hangar, we have more guests"
"Got it, do you know any of them?" Minna asked.
"Well, I know one of them but the occupants of the other aircraft, it is an American" I said.
"Don't worry, I will have Chuck down there" Minna said.
"Hey, Erich" Peter said as he came up to me.
"What is it, Peter?" I asked.
"How many people are already on base?" He asked.
"There are about fifty so fliers on base if we are not including the base defenders" I answered.
"I hope I can get along with everyone" Peter said.
"Don't you worry, everyone here are just great people though Hiroyoshi loves to play pranks" Erica said. Just then every one of the fliers came down into the hangar while at the same time the people in the American plane exited their aircraft. I saw there was the pilot and two officers and one of them had glasses and a large black case. The Americans except for Amelia and Fred came in and they looked like they just saw a ghost.
"No fucking way! You got to be fucking kidding me! I can't believe this shit, two in one day, just…damn" Chuck exclaimed.
"Damn, this can't be real because damn this is too good to be true" Emily said.
"Murder! This day just keeps getting better and better doesn't it?" Blake smiled.
"My god" Charles uttered.
"Himmel! This is just… alright, I am buying drinks" Erwin said.
"Damn, now who else is going to show up? George Patton?" Mack joked.
"Be careful of what you say or he might just do so" Rommel joked.
Meanwhile
Strike Witches' World
North Africa
Alexandria
"ACHOO!" George Patton sneezes as he was about take a drink.
"Bless you, Patton, are you sick?" Montgomery asked.
"No but I think someone just said my name" Patton said.
"That is not uncommon, Patton" Rommel grinned.
"Oh well, let's get back to this plan of yours, Monty" Patton said.
Aces' World
1945
Central Europe
US 3rd Army HQ
"ACHOO!" Patton sneezed.
"Are you alright, George?" Bradley asked.
"I am good, must be the dust in this old goddamn manor" Patton grumbled.
"Alright, let's get back on topic" Bradley said.
Back in Pescara, SW World
"Holy shit, this is just…holy shit, now I want a lottery ticket" Greg just sighed.
"Well talk about luck" William said.
"I wonder who woke up on god's good side" Wilfred pondered.
"This is just amazing" Henry commented.
"I am seeing and I do not believe it"
"What's the matter?" Shirley asked.
"It's Captain Glenn Miller" Chuck said.
"It's Major now" Greg said.
"Alright, it's MAJOR Glenn Miller" Chuck fixed his mistake.
"Well, it is nice to meet fans of my music" The man with glasses said.
"Sir, you are an excellent musician! I love "In the Mood"!" Chuck said.
"Well glad you like it" Glenn smiled. Then Chuck turned towards me and walks up to Peter.
Peter's POV
I found it rather strange that Erich was just fine with everything that was happening in front of us. I know he and the first few pilots were here for like a month but still it is just so strange. Then there is the fact tha we are in another world where it's version of the aces but me were girls while mine was a man.
"Well, who do we have here?" I saw this man come up to me, smiling.
"Um…" I didn't know how to react to someone who was supposed to be my enemy.
"Well pal? Got a name or not?" The man asked.
"Captain Peter von Luck of the German Luftwaffe" I said.
"Well a captain, is it just me or do we have a lot of captains on base?" The man grinned.
"You tell me, Chuck" Erich smiled.
"Well, the name is Captain Charles E. Yeager but do call me, Chuck" The man smiled.
"Okay…" I responded.
"Was he always this shy?" Chuck asked Erich.
"On the ground yes, in the air no" Erich answered.
"So Peter, got a nickname?" Another man asked.
"Narbengesicht" I uttered.
"What is that?" That guy asked.
"That means Scarface" Wolf answered.
"Well, that's a fitting title" The man said. Then the Americans and I were introduced to everyone and I was surprised to see that there were two Soviet fliers and one of them was a high ranking officer whom both I decided to keep an eye out for but then again there was Erwin Rommel and he was being quite friendly with the Soviets. However I was still going keep an eye out for the two Soviets. So I found that I had magic but I had no special ability. I must say it was entertaining to see the three Americans' faces to the facts of this new world that were in.
"Well, Glenn Miller, how about to two American celebrities gathered in the same place in another world, what about those odds?" I heard a female voice. I turned and I was just stunned stiff at what I saw. There standing amongst the pilots and witches was a familiar red-head that once captured the hearts of the American public.
"Well, Amelia Earhart, it is such a pleasure to meet you here" Glenn smiled.
"Mein Gott! Why didn't you tell me that she was here" I said as I turned to Erich was still to my left.
"Who?" Erich looked around but he grinned once he saw who I was referring to, "Oh, I see her, sorry, I just wanted to see your reaction"
"You are such a bubi, you know that?" I jokingly scolded.
"Well, at least I am not Walter" Erich smiled and we both laughed as we thought about our womanizer of a good friend which we all called Graf Punski. He is a good friend and it can be said that both of us got our tactics from him. He was a great man. I wonder how he is doing right now.
"Well, hello there soldier, who may you be?" Amelia suddenly appeared in my face. I was taken aback by her sudden appearance.
"Come on Narbengesicht, tell her your name" Erich grinned like a young boy.
"Um…Captain…Pe…Peter von Luck" I stuttered.
"Well, looks we have another fan here" Erica grinned. I just stood there as I could feel the mischievous aura of two Hartmanns.
"Hello? Is the 501st on base?" Everyone turned to see a young woman with a pair of glasses while wearing an American-I mean-Liberion Army officer uniform. She was at the door with a few men just behind her.
"Who are you?" Katherine, the Orussian commander with long silver hair asked.
"I am Major Glennis Miller of the Liberion Army Band" The woman answered, "I am here to provide some entertainment for the 501st Joint Fighter Wing and the 501st Joint Fighter Wing Fighter Squadron"
"Well, you are in luck, you have both units in this one hangar" Katherine smiled.
"That's good to hear" Glennis said before turning to one of her men, "Alright, tell the boys to set up on the runway"
"Well, looks like you have found your counterpart, Miller" Norman, the American Lieutenant Colonel smiled.
"Well, it seems so" Glenn smiled as he walked up to Major Glennis Miller. The female Miller noticed this and looked at Glenn.
"What can I help you sir?" Glennis asked.
"Do you know the story of the pilots in the 501st?" Glenn asked.
"Yes, yes I do, why?" Glennis asked.
"Well, I am you in that world" Glenn smiled.
"Wait…so you are their world version of me?" Glennis asked.
"That is what I am saying" Glenn said.
"Wow, you look almost what I imagined you would be" Glennis said.
"Wait, you imagined how your counterpart would look like?" I asked.
"Well, only recently after hearing about the appearance of the pilots" Glennis said, and then it looked like she just had an idea, "Say, since you are basically me but on the other side of the fence, would you like to do something with me?"
"What is that?" Glenn asked.
"You and me do a duo and go around entertaining the troops, I bet we will make a great team" Glennis said.
"I don't know, I think I need the go ahead" Glenn said before Wolf cuts him.
"You have the green light from me" Wolf said.
"You should go, you will a great morale booster for the troops" Katherov said.
"So what do you want us to do?" Norman asked.
"Um what was your role?" Minna asked.
"I am the CO of a logistic regiment" Norman answered.
"A logistic regiment, what is that?" Franco asked.
"A logistic regiment is the regiment that which has the duty of making sure the frontlines units are sufficiently supplied" Norman said.
"What about you, John?" Katherine asked.
"Well as you can see, I am the pilot of this Norseman" John said as he patted his plane.
"Hey, I think I know what you two can do" Glennis said.
"What?" Erich and I asked to which Erich just smiled.
"Lieutenant Colonel Baessell here can help the logistic commander of my band who I think is your counterpart, Natalie Baessell" Glennis said.
"Well, that would be interesting to be working with my counterpart" Norman smiled, "Now I wonder if she drinks as bad as I do"
"Oh she is a drinker alright" Glennis smiled.
"Well, that makes me even more happy" Norman grinned. I am quite surprised to see him so accepting.
"And you, Sergeant Morgan, you and Jane Morgan will be doing some camera work, if that is okay with you?" Glennis asked.
"Sure, I have done some aerial photo-shoots before" John said.
"Yeah, and you can start with our unit" Erich smiled.
"Alright, why don't you guys get comfortable?" Glennis said.
"Don't worry, this will be a show to remember" Glenn smiled as the two Millers left the hangar.
"Alright, everyone take a seat or stand, your choice, we have a show to watch. We sat down on the floor, Erich was next to me with Erica in his lap while on my other side was the Soviet Marshal, Katherov.
"Well, it is nice meeting you" Katherov smiled.
"Yes, it is" I said as I tried to hide my suspicion however Katherov could tell.
"I can tell that you are suspicious of me and I understand, back in our world, we would never get along but well not at first but I can assure you that once we know each other, we will be friends, good friends even" Katherov said.
"I will take your word but I still don't trust you, sir"
"If it makes you feel better, I am not a particular fan of communism, in fact I despise the concept because it is just so faulted, everyone will never be equal, someone will to be on top and someone has to be below" Katherov said.
"True... wait, if you hate communism, why are you fighting for the Soviet Union?" I asked.
"Hah, Erich and Wolf asked the exact same question, I am not communist yes but that doesn't mean I am not patriotic, like your friend Erich there, he is no Nazi but he fights the war, no?" Katherov said.
"Alright, I have to give it to you there but from what Erich told me, you are in Stalin's inner circle, how did you get in without being found out?" I asked.
"Play the part well enough and everyone will believe" Katherov smiled.
"Oh" I said.
"Besides, I am such a good commander that they felt it would hinder the war effort if I was shot but then again, it maybe that I am just lucky" Katherov said.
"Well, I can tell that I am no Nazi" I said.
"I can tell and Erich here has told me about you before you even came" Katherov said.
"Well, at least you know who I am" I said.
"Now let us enjoy the show, the Liberions and Americans have for us" Katherov said. We looked to the runway and saw the band was just about finish setting up. I was surprised to see it was a big band which already bordering to an orchestra. Then we saw Glenn and Glennis Miller approach the front of the band.
"Thank you everyone for gathering for this first show of its kind as we have a double dose of Millers, your turn Glenn" Glennis smiled.
"Well, glad to see everyone all seated, now let's get this band playing, first up we will play "American, I sorry Liberion Patrol", back to you, Glennis" Glenn said.
"Alright, on the count of three, 1, 2, 3" Glennis announced and soon the band began to play and it was a marvellous show. The band played quite a number of musicals but the most memorable was when they played a tune called "In the Mood" and that when the Americans and the Liberion cheered. It was really entertaining to see Chuck take a shocked Shirley for a dance. However the show came to an end and the band packed up and headed back for Rome. Erich and I stood at the runway as we watched John take off into the sky bound for Rome.
That evening
Common Room
Wolf's POV
We were all gathered in the base's common room as we decided to spend some time together. We were cracking jokes and telling old war stories while enjoying snacks and tea.
"Hey Erich, can I tell the hat story?" Peter asked. Erich looked at him and smiled.
"What is the hat story?" Erica asked.
"Quiet down and Peter will tell you" Peter smiled.
"Okay" Erica said.
"Well get on with it" I said as I poured myself a cup of tea.
"Alright, it was back in 1944 in our world" Peter began, "Erich, Walter Krupinski, Johannes Wiese and I was given news that we were to get the Oak Leaves to our Knight's Cross. So we took an "Aunt Ju" or a Ju-52 for those who don't know to Prussia but thanks to bad weather we took a train to Berchtesgaden. While on the train we met Gerhard who was getting his Swords"
"Wait is it that story?" Gerhard asked.
"Yes, that story" Peter smiled.
"Mein Gott, go on, we haven't gotten to the fun part yet" Gerhard chuckled.
"So back to the train to Berchtesgaden, we all decided to down as much cognac and champagne as we could as we headed to Hitler's Alps home which I must say was bad enough of a combination if you didn't include the fact we had not eaten for days; you can thank the Red Air Forces for that" Peter grinned.
"You are welcome" Katherov smiled.
"Anyway by the time we got there, we were trying to sober up and quite miserably I must add. You could almost imagine it, five of Germany's top aces were completely drunk and I swear we were all holding each other up so we didn't tumble into the snow" Peter smiled as I assumed him remembering that scene.
"I don't remember that at all" Erich said.
"Well, I didn't drink as much as you, Gerd, Walter and Johannes did but I still had trouble standing up" Peter said, "Now, when we got off the train, we met Major von Below, Hitler adjutant and you can the look on this face when he saw our sorry lot, it was priceless. Here we are about to meet the Fuehrer in a few hours and we couldn't even stand straight so we made our way to Hitler's house. So the major told us that we needed to sober up before meeting with Hitler. So as we getting ready, Erich realizes he doesn't have his cap on so he decides to take a hat from a nearby stand but thanks to the cognac, he took the wrong hat and it was way too big for his head" Peter said before he took a drink from his cup.
"Whose hat was it that Erich took?" Muto asked.
"I was getting there! Relax would you?" Peter said.
"Sorry, just wanted to know" Muto grinned.
"Anyway, then von Below became upset and said, "That's the Fuehrer's hat, please put it back" to which Erich replied, "So I was right, the Fuehrer's head was as big as his ego, meh, that must go with the job I suppose" which got everyone laughing except for poor Below who must have been wondering how did we get our kills. Then Erich decided that the joke wasn't enough so he did impressions of Hitler doing his speeches complete with the hand movements" Peter said as he tried to control his laughter. Gerhard and Erich were already laughing from remembering the comedic act.
"I promise that if you shoot Stalin, I will give you all the beer in all of the fatherland" Peter did an impersonation of a drunken Erich acting as Hitler while moving his hands like the Fuhrer, "We were laughing like hell and I think remembering seeing Below cracking a smile as well but anyway after all of that nonsense we were brought in and lined up in order of the presentation of the awards. I was still feeling dizzy and Bubi next to me looked like he needed the toilet. Then Krupi, that's Krupinski, if you haven't figured out, started humming this silly drumbeat tune as we could hear Hitler coming into the doorway which I joined in by tapping my feet and Gerd started to laugh. Then Below called us to attention and we locked up, but Gerd was still trying not to laugh, I was trying wipe the drunken grin of my face and Krupi seemed oblivious to the fact that we were within seconds of being mere inches from Hitler. Below turned to look at us, as if to see who was making those sounds, just like a schoolteacher looking at a classroom to see which student laughed or said something" Peter said as he pretended to be a schoolteacher and looked at Yoshika, Francesca, Lynette, Hanna, Eva and Erica who were on the floor in front of him. They all sat quietly but they were grinning. Everyone including me was either down right laughing or giggling or chuckling, "So Hitler comes in and gives us the weakest of handshakes, heck Erich's wife Ursula gives stronger handshakes. Then he gave us our medals and went on ranting about what he plans to do with the fatherland's greatest heroes"
"That was a funny story" Gertrude said as she tried to hold her laughter. Yeah the stories continued until dinner where it was the usual crew at the kitchen. Then we headed for bed.
27th July 1945
Skies over Romagna
Peter's POV
A lone Ju-290 was flying over the Adriatic Sea. Her content was things most normal people would not understand however two of the people in the Skymaster did know what the cargo was and what it was for. One of them was renounced researcher; Flight Lieutenant Ursula Hartmann while next to her was me, Flight Lieutenant Peter von Luck, a veteran fighter pilot with 200 neuroi kills but I am a test pilot now. It is a fairly known fact that Ursula and I were quite close.
"We will be arriving in Pescara Air Base soon" The pilot said.
"Estimated Time?" Ursula asked.
"Five minutes, ma'am" The pilot asked.
"That's good to hear, isn't it, Ursula, soon we will be able to test these new equipment and guns in combat" I said.
"Yes, I hope they don't mind" Ursula said.
"Don't worry, I bet they won't mind" I smiled.
"Yes that is true but I still haven't figured out how to return the aces back to their world, I don't even know where to start" Ursula said.
"You will find a way, don't you stress yourself about it, Ushi" I smiled.
"Crew, prepare for landing" The pilots said. We could see the plane beginning to descend lower and lower towards the ground. I could see the horizon becoming more parallel with my eyes. Then I heard the wheels hit the runway. Then I heard the engine noises slowly dying out. The aircraft came to a halt however the aircraft suddenly began to turn around and the pilots were not the ones doing it.
"What the fuck is going on?" The co-pilot asked.
"Helmut, just keep calm, they are just rotating the plane so we can take off more easily" The pilot said.
"Alright, that makes sense" Helmut, the co-pilot said. The plane continued to rotate until it completely stopped.
"Opening rear door, gunners get ready to wheel the cargo out" The pilot said. Soon the rear hatch door opened and the light filled the cabin. It at first blinded us but our eyes soon adjusted. I then saw four people standing just behind the lowered door. I recognized two of them, Minna and Mio but the other two, I didn't recognize.
"Well, right on time, just like you said, Minna" One of the men said.
"I was just lucky, Wolf" Minna waved it off.
"But still, it still takes skill to estimate the arrival time" The other man who was quite youthful said.
"Oh please, Erich, anyone could do it" Minna giggled. I was surprised that Minna would be so friendly with the men especially knowing about her rules and attitude to witch-men relationships. Heck, she still has trouble getting used to me and my relationship with Ursula yet here she is being quite friendly with those two men who I have never seen before.
"Let's get going" Ursula said to me. We stood up and I signalled to the transport crew to wheel the cargo out of the transport aircraft.
"Ah, Ursula, Peter, it is nice to meet you again" Minna smiled.
"So what do you have for us today?" Mio asked.
"Well, we have some new sights and weapons for you and your planes" Ursula said.
"So no new strikers this time" Erich commented.
"No, no new strikers this time, we are still working on the Me-262 but thanks to the data from your Me-262, it will be faster" Ursula said.
"Well, glad we could help" Wolf smiled. Erich then noticed me and smiled.
"So who are you, young man? I can tell you are a Peter so what Peter are you?" Erich asked.
"I am Captain Peter von Luck, test pilot for the Rosario Research Facility" I said. Erich looked at me as if I had two heads or something.
"Rosario Research Facility is a multinational military research facility in Neue Karlsland, Erich, which would be Argentina for you" Minna said.
"Oh, now I get it" Erich said.
"Wait, how can you not know about Rosario?" I asked.
"Well, easy, I am not Karlslander, I am German" Erich answered.
"Oh so you are one of those pilots from another world?" I asked.
"Yes, I am Major Erich Alfred Hartmann and this is Colonel Wolf-Dietrich Wilcke" Erich gestured to Wolf who waved to me.
"Oh, it is an honour to meet you two sirs" I said as I saluted them which they replied.
"Well, you can drop the salute" Wolf said and I did.
"Ursula, you said that you have new sights and weapons for our unit" Minna said.
"Yes, we have some new gyroscopic sights for the planes, we have some new rifles and weapons" Ursula said.
"Well, those sights will be of good use for us pilots, so what model are they?" Erich asked.
"They are the EZ 44 gyro sights, they are 15 per cent more accurate than the EZ 42 and it is much lighter than the EZ 42" Ursula said.
"What is the range?" Wolf asked.
"Well, it was estimated at 1500 m but I managed to shoot down the target drone at 2000 m" I said.
"Hmm, that is just like EZ 42, estimated range is 500 less than what it is actually capable off" Erich smiled.
"They can also require less power" Ursula added.
"Well, that means more power to the propellers" Erich said.
"However, we are going to have open up your fighters so we can install them in" Ursula which will take a few days" Ursula said.
"Looks like our fighters are going to have to be grounded for a while" Wolf sighed.
"Well, if we are lucky the neuroi do not show up" Erich said.
"That is unlikely, knowing the neuroi" Mio said.
"That is true," Erich sighed, "So what else do you have for us, Ursula?"
"Well, I have new sights for Sanya's Fliegerhammer" Ursula said.
"Well, I think we are going to have to wait this afternoon to attach the sights and get her accustomed to the sights" Mio said.
"True, better get someone used to what they are going to use or they will not be able do anything with it, you may have the best equipment if your men don't know how to use them, the war is going to be a ruthless teacher" Erich said.
"You seem to speak from experience Erich" Minna said.
"I crashed a Ju-87 into a maintenance shed" Erich nonchalantly admitted as he slipped a cigarette into his mouth and lit it, "What? I have to start somewhere"
"True, but didn't expect you to crash a Stuka" Mio said.
"So, back to topic, what other weapons do you have for us?" Minna asked.
"Well, we have more weapons such as the MG-45 which is a lighter version of the MG-42, we also have an improved version of the Browning Automatic Rifle or BAR called the M1918A3 which is lighter, has a faster rate of fire, an interchangeable barrel and it has a larger magazine, there is also the M1919A64 which is lighter, has a faster rate of fire, interchangeable barrel, then we also have a lightened version of the M2 Browning called the M2LH "Skinny" Browning, it weights as much as a M1919 now and it has been built so it works like the M1919. We also have a Type 99 Cannon Mark 3 which is lighter and has a faster rate of fire. Orussians also asked us to bring this new 23 mm cannon for Katherine; a NS-23 autocannon. They also had a lightened DShK for her as well. The Britannians also have something new; it is a new model for the Bren LMG, the Mark 5, it is much lighter and has a slightly faster rate of fire, they also made a new model of the Boys Anti-tank Rifle, as it now fires .50 cal rounds…" Ursula explained the weapons that we had brought. I saw all four officers paying close attention to the weaponry and their specs. They didn't realize or notice the Ju-290 preparing to take off. Then Wolf seems to realize something.
"Wait, you said it will take a few days for the new sights to be installed in all the aircraft right?" Wolf asked.
"Yes, it will" Ursula said.
"Does that mean that…" Erich said before the sounds of the four BMW engines on the Ju-290 roared to life and the large aircraft sped off the runway and into the afternoon sky.
"I hope you don't mind guests" I smiled.
Later
Peter (SW)'s POV
The commanders were at first not amused by our sudden stay over but they agreed anyway. Now I was walking in the corridors of the base, just taking a stroll. Erich had given me a tour of the base. I saw Erica and she immediately asked me about Ursula's whereabouts and made her way once I gave the answer. I then walked into the common room when I bumped into someone. I looked up at who I bumped into and saw that he looked like me with the exact same scar on his face like mine. He also had a scar on his neck just like that on mine and despite the fact that he was older than me; we still look roughly the same. He was looking at me with same curiosity as I did. We then began to mirror each other as we did some kind of movement which went from moving hands to doing stupid faces.
"Hey can you two get out of the door frame already?" Erich barked from the couch.
"Sorry, Erich" We said simultaneously which we glanced to each other and smiled. We both sat down with Erich on a chair across from us. Erich was smoking his cigarette while reading a book.
"Well, you two have met each other's counterpart and I don't need to do an introduction as you two are basically each other" Erich said as he seems more interested in his book.
"So well, what are your achievements, Jugend Peter?" The Ace Peter asked.
"Well I have 200 neuroi kills under my belt and I have a gotten real nice girl" I answered.
"Who is the girl?" Ace Peter asked, he seems more interested now.
"Ursula Hartmann, Erica's sister" I answered.
"Yes! Ha! Ha! Hey Erich! Guess what" Peter cheered.
"What?" Erich asked as he looked up from his book.
"I won!" Peter cheered.
"What?" Erich uttered as he sat there with the face of the most confused man on earth if that was possible.
"Well one thing is for sure, this is going to be interesting couple of days" I said. The following days were filled with silly moments and chaos. The following days were not a good day for Erich or Erica as they would end up in some form of accident or mess. There one day where Erich and Erica were completely dossed in orange paint when Erich and Erica were observing a practice dogfight between Peter, Angela, Hanna and Eva and when on another day, they somehow got their clothes muddy when they were trying to help Muto and Yoshika up the laundry up to dry. However they kept calm and carried on. At the same as Erich and Erica were suffering unusual amount bad luck, Ursula and the engineering quartet worked around the clock to install the new sights. While Erwin spent a lot time to get accustomed to the new weapons so he could do maintenance on them. The girls also were given a rundown on the new weapons. Chuck managed to convince Shirley to use the M2LB more often. Amirah on the other hand taught Shirley how to reload whilst at high speed. After a week on base, Ursula and Peter headed back for Rosario. It was then did Erich and Erica's luck change for the better and everything became calm again.