New Blood

It all started with NSAAP getting in power in Republic of Alemania. First new government seized some of the territories of the former Holy Mediterranean Empire. Then, after Hammer - Beckentrop pact, with the aid of Central Socialist Republic of Councils they conquered and divided Lyahs Commonwealth. In the year 1939 the war broke on the continent. While Alemania sent their armies south and west conquering its neighbours, who so gladly allowed it to gobble into smaller countries at first, CSRC put its sights on former satellites, countries that were once a part of the glorious Union of Socialist Republics of Councils, but broke up during turmoil that happened in the mid 30-s. Western Republic and some of the former territories in Asia were quickly conquered back (though, the partisan groups were still fighting in the more remote corners of the land). But others put a proper resistance…

January 1943. South-Eastern front, near Benthorn City, Southern Socialist Republic of Councils. Headquarters of 296th special magic fighter regiment.

A wood cabin serving as a commanders office was lit with a small oil lamp. Two young men in the officers uniform were sitting at the table while three young woman were standing near the entrance.

"Starshina Lily Leitis, reporting for duty!", a young woman about twenty years old with dyed blond hair and mischievous spark in her eyes introduced herself first.

"This one will be assigned to your fighter wing, Alexis", a young man with short black hair turned to his companion. "Threat her well, she is pretty famous".

"Oh yeah, the «White lily», surprised to see her here", younger man in his early twenties with buzzcut casually looked at the visitor.

"What do you mean, master lieutenant, isn’t it the most elite fighter regiment in SSRC? Oh, and I know what you think: don’t try to hit on me. I am not into serious tough guys".

"What?.. Ah, whatever, hope we will get along, comrade Leitis. Welcome to MFR-296".

"Lily, how many times should I remind you not to tease the commanding staff?! I know, they let you slack for how competent you are but this is to much!", another woman in the mechanic uniform turned back to the officers. "I apologise on behalf of this scoundrel, she just can’t control herself. Master sergeant Inna Waypass at your service. I am Lily’s personal mechanic".

"Let’s go, we still need to check your machine before the mission", both women nodded and left the cabin. Before closing the door, Lily winked at Alexis and gave him a mischievous smile.

"Junior lieutenant Kate Slacker, I heard a lot about your achievements, commander Wheeler, I will be glad to fight with you", a woman in her mid-twenties with curly black hairand tomboyish look nodded to the senior officer.

"You are pretty famous yourself, comrade Slacker, being second best female pilot in the airforce".

"My achievements are nothing to brag about yet. Now, if you excuse me, I also need to check my machine".

"By all means, we will see you on a morning briefing", commander Wheeler waved his hand in approval, the woman nodded again and left.

After the women left, the commanding officer turned to the other man:

"So, Alexis, what do you think of our newcomers?"

"I think some of them will be a lot of headache, Alex, but it is definitely a win for our regiment to get two female aces in a fray. Also, what the heck with all this flirting?! I won’t deny it, she is pretty and competent but it does not mean… Ah, whatever. Better tell me the new orders".

"Yes-yes, of course. It is something we discussed with the general staff for some time and want to try on the front. You know how annoying the CSRC airforce can be in the area. And they also started using amplifying blimps for their artillery, which will cause a lot of trouble for our ground forces. We do not have as many aces as they are, but they are fighting on a few fronts and we have a home advantage here. So we decided to introduce a new tactic on the battlefield. General staff called it «hunters». In short, selected groups of airforce aces will be sent on free missions from now on. The aim is simple: to shoot as many enemy aircrafts as you can and get back to the base. Candidates will be selected during the next month or two, so we are gathering as many prominent pilots as possible here".

"What are the criteria?"

"Oh, that is simple. We’ll just introduce some new training programs, check the results and when see who can shoot some enemies first. The ones competent enough will be promoted. We do not have much time as the enemy is approaching. If we wait for to long, Alemania may enter the war on the Western front, not just do the occasional air raids".

"Let us hope our western allies get their shit together and at least occupy them for long enough".

"Be grateful we are getting military supplies from overseas at least. It is achievement on its own that some of them reach us.", Alex, shrugged. "Now go get some sleep, I know it is not that late yet but you are spending to much time on missions, it is easy to overwork yourself. This is an order".

"Yes, sir!", Alexis stood up, took his coat, that was sitting on a hanger near the door, nodded to the commander and left the office.

The air outside was cold, snow covered the ground all over the village. Pine trees on the outskirts were swaying slightly in the wind. It was already dark outside and only fickle light in some log cabins illuminated the night around. Alexis put his hands in the pockets and thought: «I know, Boss told me to go to sleep, but I also need to check my machine before tomorrow», he directed the gaze north-west where the airfield was located and headed where.