by Carlo Zen
“Drop all your heavy equipment immediately. That goes for the eval equipment as well. We’re diverting our energies to searching on the ground. Anything that won’t be useful you should blow up along with your heavy gear.”
“Understood, Major, but if it’s a combat search and rescue mission in enemy territory…”
“I’ll take a unit and act as direct support. You can have either Grantz or Serebryakov. Captain Weiss, select search party members on the double.”
“Are you sure?”
“You mean you want to trade? C’mon, I’m pretty sure I can cover my subordinates’ backs.”
Why should I have to descend to the surface, where there’s nowhere to run? Not that I don’t trust Weiss’s support, but if the alternative is giving up a position from which I can escape if need be, then I’d rather risk losing my able vice commander.
…Although lately I’ve realized no one will praise you for having an idea like that.
“Understood. Then I’d like to take Lieutenant Grantz.”
“Are you sure you don’t want Lieutenant Serebryakov? She has more experience with this sort of thing from her time on the Rhine. She’s probably more used to it than Lieutenant Grantz.”
“But she’s paired with you. I think we should maintain formation.”
“…Okay. Split the battalion in two. Captain Weiss, you’re handling the search. Lieutenant Serebryakov, you’re with direct support as my adjutant. We’ll be providing support from the air.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
And so, with heroic resolve, Captain Weiss and First Lieutenant Grantz undertook the annoying ground search mission, but they soon received notice that things were getting worse by the second.
“Captain Weiss, I have some bad news from Control. We’ve got two Commonwealth aerial mage battalions coming in fast. The ground army is also on the move.”
Weiss’s reaction to Grantz’s heavy remarks was to look to the sky. It was reassuring to have Major von Degurechaff and the other two companies up there on patrol.
But it hit him again that time wasn’t on their side. Well, of course it wasn’t. They were in enemy territory. Obviously if they hung around for too long, enemy reinforcements would show up.
“The hits just keep coming… What does the commander have to say?”
“It seems like she intends to intercept. She said that her and Lieutenant Serebryakov’s companies will distract them, so we should continue searching.”
“I think I found something.” With that bitter grumble, he sighed and bit back the rest of his displeasure at being given such an impossible mission. He had just barely managed to spot some wreckage on the surface, but that was it.
“There are signs of people moving after the crash, but how can we search without a dog? Lieutenant Grantz, can you spot any footprints?”
“It’s not that I can’t, but…we’re going to follow them? I don’t really think the battalion is…” He was about to say, …capable of this sort of tracking mission, but realized he couldn’t and fell silent.
Weiss wordlessly patted Grantz’s shoulder and sighed in his head. We just have to.
Major Tanya von Degurechaff, their battalion commander, was the kind of person who brute forced her way through impossible situations with sheer ability. As one of her followers, Weiss felt that if anyone could pull this off, she could.
Saving friendly troops is a soldier’s pride and a duty to their fellows.
That sentimental thought did clash with Weiss’s realist nature. He had learned through experience how important it was to declare impossible things impossible. Searching any more was too big a risk. It could result in levels of attrition the battalion wouldn’t be able to ignore.
Grantz wasn’t saying anything, but he seemed to feel it, too. Though he maintained that uncomfortable silence, the way his eyes appealed to Weiss made it easy to tell.
Perhaps it was time for Weiss to consider calling off the search on his own authority.
“…Fairy 01 to all units. Everyone gather up on the double. I say again, gather up on the double.”
“If she’s calling, then let’s go up.”
The pair headed back to Major von Degurechaff, jumping to the conclusion that they must be withdrawing. Which is why in the next moment, they were completely stunned.
““Huh?!””
What did you just say, ma’am? Captain Weiss’s and Lieutenant Grantz’s dumbstruck faces ask. Maybe they just don’t get it, or maybe their combat experience is getting in the way.
If that’s the case, then I need to break it down for them, Tanya realizes, and she begins to explain again about the police wireless they just picked up.
“It’s Commonwealth police communications. Apparently, they took in the passengers of a crashed imperial plane. How lax. I can’t believe they put such critical intel on the police wireless.”
“Well, I mean…if they weren’t expecting their police wireless to get intercepted in the first place, then it sort of makes sense…”
“Yes, you’re quite right, Captain Weiss… It’s unexpected, but…it’s definitely good news. Not only have they saved us the time and effort of looking, but we even know where they are and where they’re taking them.”
I think we can do this. With that conviction, Tanya gives her decision. “Lieutenant Serebryakov, aside from me, you’re the one with the most knowledge in this area. Given your experience with rescues on the Rhine, what do you think? Tell me your estimate of the enemy fighting force and how many troops we need.”
“It’ll be militia or a police peacekeeping force. A platoon should be enough to subdue them.”
“That’s reasonable analysis, but you’re relying too much on the enemy making a mistake. Considering we’ll have to escort the package, it’s worth sending a company, so that’s what I’m giving you. Lead them and do whatever it takes to secure the package.”
“Yes, Major. You can count on me.”
She gives a ready response in the affirmative. Serebryakov has grown into the type of officer who understands what must be done and what she is capable of. Tanya knew her back when the old hands would tease her as “Princess Visha,” so she joyfully welcomes the magnificent growth of the girl’s human capital.
…Humans really are capable of learning—under their own steam, thinking for themselves.
If I’m having personal feelings on this battlefield, I’m probably not cut out to be a soldier.
Even as she runs over these essential things in her head, she begins to focus on the task at hand and clear her mind of distractions.
“Lieutenant Grantz, support Lieutenant Serebryakov’s unit. Whatever you do, don’t accidentally hit the package.”
“Understood.”
The prisoners have been found, so now we rescue them. My apologies to the Commonwealth police officers, but…they won’t be able to drive back the 203rd Aerial Mage Battalion.
“Okay. Captain Weiss, you’ll stay with me to intercept the approaching enemy air forces with the rest of the battalion. We’ll secure the relevant airspace. But you’re in charge of supporting everyone on the ground. I’ll handle the attacking.”
Tanya briskly gives orders, but there is still something worrying her.
The biggest problem is what to do after securing the package—or more precisely…how to deliver the package safely to the rear.
If it was an injured magic officer, a mage could carry them.
The high-ranking officers of the 114th Air Division, however, are pilots. They may be used to the sky, but they’re used to flying as pilots—which means being inside an airplane.
Can we fly carrying their unprotected bodies? What if they’re injured? It’s probably too risky even if they’re not. Trying to carry an unprotected high-ranking officer is like a creative punishment for all involved.
Considering the kinds of accidents that could occur, we should be ready for the worst-case scenario.
But really, this is impossible.
As long as it’s an order, though, we aren’t allowed to fail. At that point, we really need to get them on a plane somehow. Could we request a rescue plane? No, I highly doubt anyone would come.
Penetrating enemy territory and landing…? And as soon as she thinks it, Tanya breaks into a smile. Ah, what the heck. This is simple! We’ve done this before.
“Vice Commander!”
“Ma’am!”
“The 103rd Fighter Wing is nearby, right? Give me their frequency!”
Weiss looks at her, wondering why in the world she would need that, and Tanya smiles. You’ll understand when the time comes.
“Fairy 01, this is Mosquito 01. All I can say about the reception is that it’s awful. But I can hear you somehow. Go ahead!”
“Thanks, Mosquito 01. To be frank, I’d like your assistance with a special mission. I want to borrow three planes with fuel to spare and competent pilots…”
Thus, Tanya gets straight to the point over the wireless with Mosquito 01.
The response, delivered instantaneously, is willing consent. The Empire is proud of the cooperation among its officers in the field, and this time it’s functioning perfectly.
“Understood, Fairy 01. I have confidence in your skill and reputation. Three, right? Kette tactics…? But I think for a special mission, you should take a Schwärme. I’ll give you four, a flight. Treat us when you get back!”
“Fairy 01 to Mosquito 01. I’d love to treat you guys, but please make the receipt out to Galba Control. I don’t think they’re cheapskates who would deny my payment request after these ridiculous orders!”
“No, ma’am, but that’s quite a thing to say.”
They exchange light banter because they’ve been on the battlefield long enough to trust each other. From Tanya’s perspective, this is what makes the Imperial Army’s organization great. It’s a miracle of allowing those in the field a measure of authority and everyone coming together to work toward bigger objectives. Of course, if it ever lost this unity, it would be nothing more than a papier-mâché tiger, but…
“Fairy 02 to Fairy 01. Friendly fighter planes at four o’clock. It’s four, as we were told.”
“Fairy 01, roger. I really gotta hand it to the Mosquitoes.”
Before long, Tanya receives word from Weiss that the planes she requested are approaching. Good, good. She breaks into a grin.
This is a bit of a stunt she’s pulling, but there have been pilots who landed in enemy airfields and then set them on fire. Landing in enemy territory and recovering friendly pilots shouldn’t be impossible.
“Come in, Fairy Battalion. This is Mosquito 06; this is Mosquito 06.”
“This is Fairy 01. Reception is fine. There seems to be no problem with the wireless at the moment. Mosquito 06, thanks for your help.”
“Nah, we have orders to work for free alcohol. At your service!”
So pilots run on booze? Tanya winces and is about to explain the situation when an airspace-wide warning interrupts.
“Urgent warning for all battalion members! I’ve detected two battalions of enemy mages! It’s the ones we were warned about! As we heard, they’re at an altitude of six thousand! They’re rapidly approaching our position!”
One of her men on watch puts out a warning. When she focuses for a minute on finding enemies, sure enough, she picks up a large number of signatures. It’s two mage battalions, as expected. And vexingly, they’re on their home turf.
“Interception units, prepare to engage! Let’s go! Mosquito 06, please take shelter! I want you to avoid combat if at all possible!”
“Why?!”
“No time to explain. Just hold tight for a minute!”
“Commander, Lieutenant Serebryakov says she’s secured the package!”
“…Now? Shit, just a bit too late! How’s it doing?”
“No serious injuries but a couple of bumps and sprains.”
Just as Tanya was about to shout to gain altitude, Weiss reported the good news. Honestly…just collecting them is great. But she does feel a bit ambivalent, since they could have avoided this battle if they had recovered them just a little sooner.
“That’s good news, but— Fuck, we’re in enemy territory! We don’t have much time…”
The two enemy mage battalions are closing in. All she has is one. Plus the deadweight package. It’s no wonder she wants to call off the whole thing in despair. Who could collect their marks and get out under these circumstances?
But Tanya can’t give up.
She has to get through this somehow. And then she can’t rest until she’s argued using both her achievements and grievances so that she never has to do such an unreasonable mission ever again.
…Which means that, even for the sake of running away, her priorities must be clear. In this case, delivering the package to the rear has to be highest.
“Vice Commander, take your unit and secure a short runway. It can be a square or a park—I don’t care as long as a plane can land on it. Even just that field over there! Use Lieutenants Grantz and Serebryakov as you would!”
“Huh?! A-are you sure?!”
Weiss’s decision to object to Tanya’s move to have three companies take on a different mission right as the enemies arrive, while also keeping within the bounds of what’s acceptable, is truly sensible. Certainly, even for the elite 203rd Aerial Mage Battalion…fighting two battalions with a single company would end with a big checkmark next to “unfit to command.”
She understands it’s impossible. But there are some circumstances in which you have to accomplish something, even if it warps all logic.
“I’m well aware how foolish it is to take on two battalions with a single company! But our orders from home are to secure the package—we can’t ignore them!”
“…Is that…is that why you called the planes?”
“We’re going to have them land in enemy territory! If we didn’t cover them, it’d be a crime against morality! Do whatever it takes to secure a landing space and support them!”
You catch on quick. Tanya smiles, but Weiss frowns as if to say she’s being ridiculous. It’s so easy to imagine what’s on his mind; she wants to point out that it’s written all over his face: You’re telling us to put those planes down in enemy territory?
But the pair’s conversation is cut short by an incoming wireless message.
“Mosquito 06 to Fairy 01. Can I interpret that as you wanting us to perform a forced landing in enemy territory?”
“Fairy 01 to Mosquito 06. Just as you heard. We have to pick up the downed 114th Air Division personnel.”
Bracing herself for complaints, she’s not against playing her trump card—using her military authority—if need be. She is so ready to respond to their protest that they catch her off guard.
“We got this!”
Over the wireless comes proud, reassuring acceptance.
“We’ll need you mages to pick up the pilots. We’ll all do our part, so thank you! I’m glad you decided to rely on us!”
Happy to find the members of the fighter wing so adventurous, she’s again convinced her decision was correct.
“Mosquito 06 to Fairy 01. I’m moved by your concern, but it’s too much. You don’t need to roll out a red carpet for us just so we can pick up our guys! Just give us the location, and we’ll take care of the rest! All we ask is minimal support!”
“Fairy 01 to Mosquito 06. Thanks for the offer, but we have to guarantee the package’s safety as well. And if we extend our full services, it should help avoid a secondary crash. I’d like us to try for a swift withdrawal.”
“…Mosquito 06, roger!”
The emotional response is eager—wonderful. I love the passion of someone who knows what their job is. This is the model for what a worker should be. At this moment, even Tanya is smiling in spite of herself. She has sensible colleagues and unfussy subordinates.
With this, they are capable. There are no better working conditions than these.
“
Just like you heard, Captain. Find them a place to land as fast as you can.”
“Roger!”
When Tanya urges him to get going, he zooms away; I’m sure he’ll get the job done. Serebryakov will make it with the package in time. Even Grantz should be able to handle supporting the others.
All that’s left, then, is for the Mosquitoes to land, and things should work out.
So basically, she has sent off her friends with her trust, and all she has to do is buy time for them to get results. Anyone can do that.
“All right, so we’re one company up against two battalions. If our altitude difference is two thousand…then we’ll crush them from above.”
The name of the game is harassment. If our task is to hold them up, then there’s no need to wage serious war; this is doable. Luckily, the soldiers I’m leading are old hands. The vets of the 203rd Aerial Mage Battalion, which has had almost no personnel attrition, really shine at times like this.
“…Ha-ha-ha. This’ll be a cinch. Troops, time to make ourselves a nuisance and entertain our guests!”
If an outsider had been listening to that wireless contact, they would have interpreted the frantic call as nothing short of a desperate entreaty.
“Pirate 01 to Yankee Battalion HQ. Urgent. Increase your altitude now. I say again, increase altitude.”
And Lieutenant Colonel Drake himself, as he called the Yankee Battalion, would have willingly admitted that that was what it was.
“Yankee 01 to Pirate 01. Sorry, please explain. Climbing above our operating limit could seriously affect how long we’ll be able to continue fighting.”
“Pirate 01 to Yankee 01! Look out for the approaching enemy mage company. The signatures indicate they’re Named. They’re up at eight thousand!”
“I understand what you’re saying, but it’s only a company. Don’t you think this is a delaying tactic to manipulate us into tiring ourselves out?”
Ah, shite. He was at wits’ end with this awfully easygoing allied unit. And because the Commonwealth was respecting the Unified States’ request that its voluntary army be able to operate independently…he was stuck suffering through long, pointless arguments with the two mage battalion commanders; it was pure torture.