Strike Witches 2012 Episode 9: Warkeeping

by **Hetland 2** » Sun Mar 03, 2013 2:05 pm

Maria ducked into the back alley, her pistol at the ready. She looked back at Svetlana and pulled her into an embrace. "Don't worry, Bambina, I'll protect you." She sniffled, very obviously upset at what was going on. "I'll protect you even if it costs my life. Don't worry and don't cry." She looked around, the coast was clear. "Come on, Svetlana, let's get you out of here." Maria grabbed her hand and ran.

by **Finorskia** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 6:42 pm

Natalie was kneeling by the sidewalk only a few feet from the where the battle had taken place. She was still in sight of the witches and the tank crew. Her uniform was covered in dust, dirt, and debris from the blast from the tank. She was sobbing, dears streaming from her eyes. At her feet was the body of a young girl. Natalies pistol lay on the ground near the dead girls head. In a feint voice Natalie kept repeating, "I'm sorry".

by **Minroz** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 2:09 am

The barrage of bullets surprised them. Tulpar-3 got killed by stray bullets. Grunting, Nuray pushed the dead body away from her. While the rest of Central Asians duck.

Then the Sonic-boom blew away everyone in the building, much to their surprise. Along with remaining mercenaries, Nuray and Aigiarn hastily gripped onto whatever they could hold on.

“Who the hell are they?” The Turkish yells. Feeling annoyed by being blown away.

“Beats me! But whoever they are, they’re damn crazy awesome!” Aigiarn quips with the smile.

“Yeah right. That is if they don’t kill us.” Nuray gripes as she got up.

Awoken from her stupor, Tulpar-1 got up and tries to lunge at the Manchurian girl with her knife. Nuray notices it and cries out to her friend. “Ai! Watch out!”

As soon as the Central Asian got closer to her kill, Aigiarn then swings her sword and cleanly chopped Tulpar-1’s head off like one from the samurai movie. The headless body spurts out huge streams of blood, soaking the Manchurian red. Anyone squeamish will puke at the sight, especially the bloodied teenage swordswoman.

Tulpar-2 tries to get up and got shot in the head by Nuray’s pistol, already replaced with new magazine. Breathing a sigh of relief, the Turk holsters back her pistol. She then brings up her hands forward to the Heavens, chanting an Quranic verses, praying for the dead, out of respect.

Cracking a cheerful smile, Aigiarn sighs at the corpses. She spoke to the dead mercs, “Sister, I applaud you all for your gallantry as a warrior. Cheers to that! Pity, your life quite is short, hehehe. If you’re on our side, I would gladly treat you to lunch or dinner or whatever we do for fun. Never bring a gun to the swordfight, they say, Da. May Allah guide your poor souls into paradise. Amen.”

“Amen.” Nuray affirms. She sighs afterwards and took out her cigarette. “Allahu Akbar, what a crazy world we live in.”

Lighten up the cigarette; she smokes it to calm herself down.

“That’s what makes the world interesting, hehehe.” Aigiarn chuckles as she opens her canteen of vodka. Taking a swig of it, she made a satisfied huff. “Aiya!! This hits the spot!”

by **Rupudska** » Sat Mar 09, 2013 4:50 am

The Witch that had made the sonic boom and the Witch that had dropped bombs made a vertical landing next to the now-destroyed building. At least the Orussian government wouldn't have to spend much money to tear it down.

"Hey hey, anyone in there that's not dead? Anyone not dead that should be?" She climbed out of her Striker units and walked into the building, carefully wielding her gun, which was emitting a greenish glow from the barrel tip.

Pixiv · by **Wolfenium** » Sat Mar 09, 2013 5:01 am

Rupudska wrote:The Witch that had made the sonic boom and the Witch that had dropped bombs made a vertical landing next to the now-destroyed building. At least the Orussian government wouldn't have to spend much money to tear it down.

"Hey hey, anyone in there that's not dead? Anyone not dead that should be?" She climbed out of her Striker units and walked into the building, carefully wielding her gun, which was emitting a greenish glow from the barrel tip.

"You," barked Adela from the top of the adjacent roof, a foot on the ledge with the Hecate II in hand, "Soundwave!"

Covered in soot from the blast, Adela looked like an ashened coal miner from below. Annoyed, she thought the levelling was outright excessive. Gripping her weapon on hand, she had half the mind to blow her brains out, but the noble would rather save her effort.

"You want to get us chased out or something," she yelled, "who gave you the authority to do demo work here!? You just turned a carpet of dust on me!"

by **Rupudska** » Sat Mar 09, 2013 5:41 am

The Witch held up her hands in mock defense. "Hey, I'm an interceptor Witch, not a ground-attack. I don't carry bombs or air-to-ground missiles, so it's not like I could have done much help without causing even more collateral damage than I did."

She brushed off a bit of dust from her shoulder. A Witch then showed up behind her, with slightly greenish black hair. It was probably best not to ask why it was that color. "Yeah, besides, it did help."

Pixiv · by **Wolfenium** » Sat Mar 09, 2013 5:51 am

Rupudska wrote:The Witch held up her hands in mock defense. "Hey, I'm an interceptor Witch, not a ground-attack. I don't carry bombs or air-to-ground missiles, so it's not like I could have done much help without causing even more collateral damage than I did."

She brushed off a bit of dust from her shoulder. A Witch then showed up behind her, with slightly greenish black hair. It was probably best not to ask why it was that color. "Yeah, besides, it did help."

Pouting a bit, Adela felt like she was increasingly swamped by strangers. It seemed like a definitive trait for the 501st to meet new people. Still, she was one of those newbies before. Now she did not really know what to make it.

"Then mind telling me who you people are," she questioned, "it's like I'm getting old in front of all the new blood around me."

by **Al-Harbiyyah** » Sat Mar 09, 2013 6:11 am

"It was messy, but at least they're safe." Yukine muttered to herself as the battle finally over. She looked over where the scene of the battle is, smoking rubble's and burning vehicle.

She knew judging by the damage, there'll be some collateral damage, "So much for accurate bombing..." She then contacted her commander.

"Commander Ruya, this is Yukine. I can see the situation is under control. I will head back to base oh and make sure to tell the rest to stop by at the infirmary." Yukine finished contacting them and head back to base.

She knew that it'll be a long day to treat those injuries her squadron mates will received.

by **Minroz** » Sat Mar 09, 2013 6:23 am

Rupudska wrote:-snip-

Wolfenium wrote:-snip-

“Ooiiiiii! If you gals are wondering about us. We’re fine, alive and kicking!” Aigiarn quips in response as she waves her hand at the witches cheerfully. She and Nuray walked out of the destroyed building, they too are covered in soot from the explosion.

“Ahamdullilah. We’ve come to another close-call once again.” Nuray muttering in annoyance. “Fate sure loves to throw bad things at us.”

Aigiarn shrugs at her Turkish in response. “Meh.” Looking to the other witches in present. “Yo! What’s up, everybody? To those who didn’t know me, I’m Lieutenant Mao Aigiarn of the Manchurian People’s Liberation Army Air Force, nice to meet ya!” The scarface girl greets the new arrivals cheerfully.

by **Rupudska** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 12:51 pm

The purple-haired Witch shook her hand warmly, apparently relieved she hadn't killed anyone she shouldn't have. Quite warmly, in fact. Her skin was a bit warm and her hand was shaking a bit. But from her expression, it seemed perfectly normal to her. She didn't even seem to notice, nor did she notice the fact that she was panting as if she was cooling down from a hard run.

"Sakura Sokudo, Captain of the 7th Fighter Squadron, Alamagordo, United States of Liberion Air Force. I'm also the fastest thing alive."

by **Nachfolgia** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:35 pm

Skies over Krakow, Poland

High above the city of Krakow on the eastern border of Karlsland, Friederike and the rest of the JG 54 Grünhertz flew in formation. Their small three element formation was surrounded by dozens of other aircraft from the Karlslandic Luftwaffe. These aircraft comprised of B-1B Lancers, B-52H Stratofortesses, Tornados, and other fighters and bombers. These aircraft are part of Operation Donnerschlag, a massive bombing run on the city of Vienna, capital of the Ostmark Empire. This massive bombing campaign is designed to cripple the Ostmark's ability and will to wage war. The Grünhertz has been placed on Operation Donnerschlag to escort the bombers as they made their flight to Vienna. Lately, the Grünhertz have been getting put on more and more dangerous missions. Weeks before, the Grünhertz were sent to destroy a major Ostmark airfield near Steyr. They took on the mission knowing that the airfield had one of the most advanced anti-aircraft systems in the Ostmark Empire. The Grünhertz had managed to severely damage the airfield, but at the cost of two witches, reducing their numbers to 11.

Friederike and her element of four witches were flying a couple hundred feet about the main formation of bombers. For most of the flight up to that point, she had been above the formation, keeping her eyes and ears on the surrounding sky, looking for any signs of the enemy. Every so often her focus would stray away from the sky and the thoughts of the two girls what were killed a couple of weeks ago filled her mind. Annette Schoepke and Konstanze von Falkenhayn, 15 and 14, who had joined the Grünhertz a couple of weeks prior to the start of the war. In the short time that she knew them, Friederike had actually liked them, especially Konstanze, who reminded Friederike of her sister who was still in the academy learning how to be a witch. Annette and Konstanze were full of emotion and energy, a complete contrast from Friederike. Their faces and memories made Friederike wonder how many more young girls will die before the Ostmark Empire falls.Why are my memories of them showing up now? I need to stay focused on the mission, on protecting the Empire. So, why am I wondering if their deaths worth the fall of Ostmark? If the death of the Grünhertz is worth it? Friderike thought to herself as she continued to fly in formation.

Pixiv · by **Wolfenium** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 7:29 pm

However, Friederike need not wait long for the end to come, as radio announcements began connecting to the radio. A crack fizzling within all military transmissions, a soft-spoken voice aired out within the radio waves in earnest. While many awaited the word on Ostmark's surrender and capitulation, few was to expect the news to come. But while most were not familiar with the owner of the voice, for Adela with her earpiece, it was an all too familiar sound.

"Compatriots, dignitaries, esteemed members of the press, m-my name is Colonel Ljiljana Beria Milovanovic, commander of the Illyrian 74th Carpathian Squadron. I've called forth this meeting today to deliver a tragic piece of news. This morning, after much consideration, I was to... I was made to decide the fate of our leader and liberator, Marshal Stefanija Trpimirovic, along with many of my fellow witches, on charges of immense gravity and serious penalty.

We have discovered, in their possession," she explained, revealing a large folder from behind the podium, "documents linking their involvement to several intelligence agencies of member states belonging to the League of Nation, the same League which claimed to be fighting our war against the oppressors in our name. I do not wish to name any, out of consideration for the ongoing struggle against the alien threat, but I fear that even if Illyria herself were to break free, we may fall under the whims of other powers seeking to partition the Hasburg realm - and us - for themselves. I have... personally foreseen the executions of these collaborators myself... I express nothing but regret for the events and bloodshed that transpired.

After much lament and prayer..." she announced, growing more hesitant, "I've... I've negotiated with Vienna for the autonomy of all minorities within their federation, and amnesty for all combatants in the uprising. In exchange, I will be... dissolving the Illyrian Republic, and returning all territories to its former owners before the uprising. I myself would probably face trial alone at the hands of the administration, and I know my actions are a betrayal, a betrayal to all of Illyria... But I will ask only from God for forgiveness... I will not have my sisters trade one slave master for another. Bitter or not, I have done what I could. I thank you for your support, and I beg you to show calm and restraint in the aftermath."

Adela froze at the words of her former commander on the radio, not know how to react at her message at all. What made no sense was her sudden and admittedly abrupt surrender, in a war that was clearly in her favour. Adela could not imagine her throwing a bomb that heavy, at least until she considered Ljiljana's original purpose in the 74th. But ever enigmatic, and increasingly complex, Adela could not comprehend what she was seeing any more. But instead of her usual fit of rage and noise, the girl simply collapse in a faint on the roof, the Hecate II dropping with a clank. It was too confusing for her to take any more. It was too much for her mind to handle.

by **Occupied Deutschland** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 10:03 pm

For a long while Bushra didn’t think the words coming over her radio were real. It was only after an awestruck newscaster summarized the brief speech that it really struck home.

The Illyrians were surrendering. After seceding from Ostmark, starting an international war and breaking up the tenuous human alliance against the Neuroi, they wanted a return to the status quo.

Why?

Bushra yawned for a long moment, and then jerked upwards slightly as she caught herself slowly drifting closer to the ocean below. She felt like a possible answer to the question was obvious, but in her state she just couldn’t comprehend it. She’d been flying too long.

Conspiracy theories of Illyrians in bed with the Hapsburg’s danced in her head for a moment, but if she tried to focus on them her fatigued mind simply couldn’t come up with any details. They seemed to float at the edge of her mind, constant reminders and warnings of what could be happening. But they were little more than ghosts. Unable to be grasped by the sound portion of her mind that separated such mere delusion into reality.

Mind controllers…

Ljiljana had to have some kind of ulterior motive. Mind controllers always did. It was the nature of having that much power over another person. It corrupted people, just like her teacher.

But then, the Illyrian witch had a point. How much of this war was greed on the part of the other powers? Karlsland was anything but a shining white knight making war in the name of the oppressed peoples of Europe. And Liberion, much as it liked to play the role, was just too naïve and too lacking in understanding of the dynastic and religious feuds that made up the rest of the world to be of much help even when they did come in on the right side.

Bushra yawned. The world wasn’t just good and evil, though those certainly existed. Her teacher was—had been—proof enough of that, and the Neuroi were the clincher. But there seemed to be all kinds of shades of grey.

Bushra had no idea where anyone fit into that scale.

Bushra jerked her eyes open when she realized she had inadvertently shut them. The water of the Black Sea seemed to fill her vision before her.

Screaming, Bushra jerked up again, trying to gain some altitude. The ocean receded, but she yawned once more, fighting to keep her eyes open. She wasn’t used to flying for so long. Soon maybe she’d be able to rest. She just had to make it to Odessa. Make it to the five-oh-first.

by **Nachfolgia** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 4:30 am

Friederike's thoughts of the two girls that were killed was suddenly interupted by the sounds of crackling of her radio. The crackling quickly subsided and a voice came over the radio. The voice was soft and low, but it was a voice that Friederike recognized. The voice belonged to Ljiljana Milovanovic, commander of the Illyrian 74th Carpathian Squadron. What is she doing coming over a secured frequency? Friederike thought to herself as she listened to the broadcast. Friederike could hardly believe what she was hearing over the radio. It made no sense that Ostmark was capitulation and everything was going back to status quo. Why on earth would they make this decision after everything that just happened? After so many lives were lost? Friederike thought, trying to wrap her head around the situation. She wondered what was going to happen now that the war seems to be over.

" Friederike, did you hear that? I can't believe it." Anka's voice came over the radio.

" yeah... I did." Friederike replied, a sign of disbelief on her face.

by **Imota** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 1:18 pm

Beatrice blinked. As near as she could tell, Colonel Milo Mindreader had given up, and her revolution was over....

Or so she thought, anyway. When it came to politics and grand strategy, she could never be quite sure.

"Dammit, what's going on..." she said aloud to no one in particular.

by **Minroz** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 6:48 pm

Rupudska wrote:The purple-haired Witch shook her hand warmly, apparently relieved she hadn't killed anyone she shouldn't have. Quite warmly, in fact. Her skin was a bit warm and her hand was shaking a bit. But from her expression, it seemed perfectly normal to her. She didn't even seem to notice, nor did she notice the fact that she was panting as if she was cooling down from a hard run.

"Sakura Sokudo, Captain of the 7th Fighter Squadron, Alamagordo, United States of Liberion Air Force. I'm also the fastest thing alive."

“Awesome!” Aigiarn chirps in response to Sakura.

Wolfenium wrote:-snip-

Hearing the news from the radio, Aigiarn and Nuray were quite surprised that the war ended. They never expected it to be ended – this quick. Especially this is done single-handily by the lone Illyrian witch.

“Wow!” The Manchurian whistles. “That is...unexpected. Whoever this gal is, she has guts.”

“But all what’s left is my country…” Nuray utters in worry, concerning about Ottomania. “They’re still at war with Orussia.” Clenching her fists, the Turkish is trying to ease her worries. Her friend, Aigiarn notices and frowns seriously, she understand what Nuray is thinking. For some reason, the duo seems to know about the Orussia’s next move against the Ottomans – one which will upset the balance of great powers.

“Major (Ruya), what should we do now?” Aigiarn asks.

by **Rupudska** » Sat Mar 16, 2013 7:38 am

Ruya shrugged. "Hopefully, we'll go back to shooting at Neuroi. That's what the 501st is here for, not shooting at people."

Or getting shot at...

She pushed the truck onto its wheels. "All right, so let's get moving."

Ruya briefly heard an encrypted message transmitted across all channels. However, it was incredibly staticky-sounding, so she passed it off as interference.

Sohvi, who heard it as well, had a very different reaction. She paled, more so than she already was, and swallowed hard. This is not good...

Strike Witches 2012 Episode 9: Warkeeping

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