Strike Witches: Black Masks

Chapter 6: The Team Part IV

Date: May 20th, 1943
Location: English Channel, Europe

The sound of multiple engines is heard. A small group of five planes is seen flying towards a country that has a large black cloud above it. "All right boys. Do you remember our objective?"

"Yes. We are to test our compatibility with each other by luring and taking out a Neuroi craft."

"Very good, Mitchell. At least you listen."

"We all heard that, commander."

"I know. Morgan, since you have the fastest aircraft out of all of us, you should lure out the enemy."

"Up yours."

"What was that?"

"N-Nothing sir."

"Thought so."

"Morgan, you shouldn't mess with him. There's a reason why most of our fellow BMs are afraid of him."

"Yeah. The various means of him disciplining the new guys… Just the thoughts are enough to send shivers down your spine."

"Enough chatter. We're getting close. Morgan?"

"I'm on it." One of the planes leaves the group while picking up speed.

"So commander, I've been meaning to ask: How have you managed to keep the higher-ups from examining Charles' jet?"

"I'd rather not talk about it. Just the sight and discussion of that F/A-18E is starting to get me sick…"

"When the enemy comes, should we attack it with our planes or just switch to Striker Mode and take it out with our big guns?"

"We'll attack the Neuroi with our planes to test the actual aircraft compatibility. I'll choose for us to continue in Plane Mode or go to Striker Mode."

"Hey guys. Here comes our guest."

A black object is seen following the jet fighter.

"Alright then. Everyone, break formation and attack!"

"Roger."

The planes split up and start firing their guns at the black object.

"This thing looks like a manta ray."

"Seems more like an arrowhead."

"The forms these things take are surprising."

"Yeah. Just like the beginning of this war… They took the form of a Blohm & Voss BV 141."

Red beams and bullets are exchanged between the Neuroi craft and five planes. Blue magic circles appear to protect the planes from the beams.

The F/A-18E and another plane, a Bf 109, shoot at the red patches on its sides. An A5M Claude strafes the center. Then a Gloster Gladiator and, strangely enough, a Fokker Dr.I strafe the whole body of the craft.

"Keep that thing busy while I try to find the core."

"Yes sir."

The biplane Gladiator goes to keep a distance away from the fight. It flies up and the pilot looks over to the Neuroi. He mumbles under his breath. "Let's see where you're at."

To the pilot, the Neuroi becomes green and he sees a red dot at the tail of it. His vision goes back to normal. "The core is located at the tail. Concentrate fire there."

"Roger."

The 5 planes fire at the Neuroi craft's tail. Its armor black armor gets chipped off and a red icosahedron is seen. "There!"