The Kitakami Chronicles

Chapter 6: Hope

It was another morning at Naval Base 6 and Kitakami contemplated her previous battles. All she could think was about the impact she caused during Offensive Campaign No. 444. Her skills were unmatched during that battle and people started to take notice of her. Her tactics however were not honourable as she did some questionable things during the assault. Not to mention that she was still a ways away from reaching the 6 million credits needed to pay off Kiso's debt. Either way, the flagship of the ROCN took note of her and Ooi as they were the key to turning the tide of the war. It has been a couple of weeks since Guangzhou was liberated and the Nationalist forces have made their way northwards. It felt like a long break of relaxing at the base but soon enough, the pair got called in for briefing. Another mission will be available for them.

"I hope you two are ready. I'm only dispatching you on this special sortie so pay attention. You will be rewarded for your actions." Lo Yang placed her trust on them.

"Alright. Let's hear what you have to say." Kitakami prepared herself for what will be her next task.

Today we will initiate Operation Duì dǎ. The coastal town of Ningbo is located just outside one of major commercial cities, Shanghai. The Joint Forces will deploy airborne tanks comprised primarily from one of our airborne army divisions. The planes deployed will be provided by the British. We also have a landing force you need to protect in our surprise attack around Ningbo. This operation will play a critical role in China's liberation. Your mission is to provide support for these troops from both air and sea. Destroy the PLA's air defense network and all interceptor aircraft, securing a safe drop for the airborne unit. Then destroy any coastal defenses for the landing force. Be aware of civilians still inside Ningbo. Your actions will determine their fate. Good luck.

"Well buddy, hope you enjoyed your time off. It's time to get back into the action." Ooi told her sister.

'Yeah. I'll gather my supplies. I'll wait up with the landing ships once you are ready." Kitakami gave her the heads up.

When they were off the coast of Ningbo, they were with several landing ships. They also happen to be their only escorts for the mission. Above them were several British transport planes carrying the light tanks needed for the operation. Over the radio, the commander of the airborne army unit left a message for the two.

"Escort units, this is the 601 Air Cavalry Brigade. Our planes are now in the designated airspace. We can't return to base until we empty our loads. We're counting on you."

Kitakami and Ooi sent out their catapult fighters to provide air cover and possible ground bombardment. The transport planes appreciated the help. As flak started lighting up the sky, the planes of the two cruisers helped deal with obstacles that stood in the way of the transports. As usual, they were doing a pretty good job as the escorted planes prepared to drop the tanks. Lo Yang directed over the radio to attack any AA positions near the drop zones which the catapult fighters did. Torpedo Division X also provided a little artillery support.

"Get yourselves in gear people! You've gotta drop out of this plane or you're of no value to this unit!" A commanding tank could be overheard ordering his troops on the radio. "Anyone showing weakness will be left behind! Use that anger to get fired up and take 'em out! Understood? Go get 'em!"

Tanks then started falling out of the British transport planes and fell gracefully down with their parachutes. A few unlucky ones had a failure and soon crashed hard into the ground. Every operation is going to have a few setbacks but at least the majority of tanks are still operational. "We're the best!" One tank chanted. Another ordered everyone to move out.

"They're a bunch of brave soldiers I'll give them that." Ooi noted.

"I wonder what it's like to be a land unit." Kitakami pondered.