Airviper

April 8th, 1943. 73rd GMR main base.

"These are our new «birds» sent from there West", commander Wheeler touched one machine gently.

"Ah, «Airvipers», I personally prefer my trusty «Jac»", Lily was not impressed.

"I remember your old regiment getting re-quipped with Chime «P-39-Q» models. This is «P-39-N» ones, they are a bit different. One main gun on a nose, two smaller ones on wings and two normal machine guns. A lot more firepower. We got twelve delivered here, so any aces willing to use them are welcome. Wing-leaders Boris and Baldy already signed for it. I personally want to try one too. Comrade Gruel? Comrade Martinson?"

"Thank you, but no, I also prefer my trusty «Jac-7s»", Martinson declined.

"Same here, I feel more comfortable with my 9s".

"As you wish. Comrade Grey from Martinson's wing also signed and we still have a few spares. Kate? Maybe you changed your mind regarding «Airvipers»?"

"I also have to decline, Boss".

"Ok-ok, in this case I will ask other pilots, wanted to start from my wing-leaders and top aces. You are free for now. We will go on a next hunt tomorrow morning".

"Yes, sir!", and one by one they left the hangar.

"So Boss wants to lead the next hunt himself? Martinson, will you join us again?", Alexis asked.

"No, this time I am leading my guys in a different area. You can ask one of yours if you need the fifth member".

"Got it, I will ask comrade Hunch, he fights pretty well with Kate".

"Lily, want to have a flight practice together?"

"Why not? Kate, are you with us?"

"Not this time, I need to check some things with Jane. I will practice later today", and she left in direction of the womens' cabin.

…The last target went down under the icicle barrage. They landed their fighters on the practice field and jumped out to the ground.

"4-4 today. A draw again", Alexis approached Lily, who was looking at the remnants of the last target.

"I am still surprised you can catch up with me if you get serious'.

"I may be on a commanding position now, but I had more aerial kills than you. Still, it is pretty hard to match your skills".

"But of course, who do you think I am?"

"The famous «White Lily». Let’s go back and change'.

"And take a shower!", and they went back.

Next morning, in the south-western Benevolent City province area.

"Enemy fighters on the horizon. Seven «Jacs» and two «Wolfs» from the look of it", Kate, who was flying at the vanguard, informed the group.

"Kate, you are going top left with comrade Hunch, Alexis and Lily, you are going top right. I will take the leader, it should demoralise them".

"Roger that!", and they changed positions according to orders.

The enemy group spotted them and turned into their direction, as the enemy had numbers advantage. Once they got close enough, top groups scattered to the sides drawing fighters' attention, while commander Wheeler unleashed a barrage of enchanted ice needles at the leading fighter and dived down once they scratched the enemy fuselage and drew their attention. His new «Airviper» had a big number «100» painted on one side and a regiment emblem on the other.

Another «Jac» followed them, while the other fighters divided: three pursued Kate's group and four Alexis’s. They were dancing in the air trying to force each other in a vulnerable position.

Alex dived to the ground, dodging from enemy pebble barrages and fireballs. The second enemy was still distant enough to properly aim at him, but the first pursuer managed to scratch his wings with earth spell. When the ground was very close, he abruptly turned his fighter up and ascended. The new machine, apparently, was pretty unruly when you flew on higher altitudes, but was very capable on middle and low ones.

The enemy leader barely managed to straighten his fighter, while also dodging his partner, who almost slammed into him mid air. Alex used the commotion to turn his machine and unleash the fireball barrage from the top. The enemy leader got its cockpit crushed, it slammed to the ground for real this time, while the second fighter sustained minor damage to its nose and left wing and started fleeing in the direction of nearby enemy base.

Losing the leader discouraged the enemy. Two pursuers of Kate's group tried to turn on Wheeler after the contact with their leader was lost, only for Kate to also turn and unleash the Burst into the first of them. Its left wing lost a big chunk, while Hunch, who made enough distance from the remaining pursuer, added a barrage of stones to the mix. The enemy fell to the ground, while the second pursuer sustained a moderate damage to the side and fled.

On the other side of the field Lily and Alexis with two enemies on a tail each turned their planes and started going in each others direction in the clouds. Then they abruptly turned up, while almost colliding, and scattered in the fast manoeuvre. Two enemy planes missed the chance to avoid the collision and clashed midair. The other two barely avoided the clash but were damaged by the icicle barrages from the Alexis’s duo fighters. So they also turned their tails and went to the base.

By the time Alex returned to the group, the fight was over. Three of the fighters were killed by the joined effort of the group members, while other ones sustained moderate damage and fled the scene. They were not pursued as the enemy base was in close proximity and, while the new fighters were unlikely to come fast enough, there was a decent air defence there.

"You know, I like this bird. Will probably use it from now", commander Wheeler jumped from the cabin and petted still warm wing. "The next mission is in three days so for now you can be free".

"Yes, sir!"

"Lily, do not forget that we have plans for tomorrow", Alexis approached her after they left the hangar.

"Yeah, yeah. I will be waiting for you near the entrance to the village at five. I hope you have things planned properly".

"I hope so too. Have a good night, you did a great job today'.

"Good night".