Strike Witches:Volume1 Chapter2
Suomus was a small country in Northern Europe with a population of 4 million.
In terms of territory it was a bit smaller than the Fuso Empire.
This huge territory, when compared to the relatively small population, was made up mostly of forests of pines and other conifers. It was also particularly famous for its many lakes. Those lakes would freeze over during the winter season, and would be used as temporary landing fields. That was one reason why Kauhava Air Force Base, which had invited volunteer troops from several countries, had been built beside several beautiful lakes.
After five long months at sea, the Awamaru had docked at the military harbor in Brest, Gallia. Tomoko and Haruka had then boarded a transport plane, and had arrived at Kauhava Air Force Base at last.
As soon as they stepped off of the Karlsländer transport plane, they were shivering from the biting cold.
“Brrrrr, brrrr.”
Haruka hugged herself tightly, as she shuffled her feet. The two of them were draped in heavy military issue coats, but the coats did little to help.
It was November 10, well into autumn. However, Kauhava Air Force Base was already completely enveloped in a wintery façade, a world of snow as far as the eye could see.
Tomoko sighed, a frosty cloud forming, as she looked over the place which would be her battlefield.
“A country of snow, huh……”
“Shou-i, it’s cold, but the snow is pretty, isn’t it.”
Haruka, her cheeks as red as apples, murmured happily, even as she shivered. Tomoko scooped up a bit of the snow near her feet, and studied it.
“I wonder if the magic engine of the Ki-27 can handle this.”
“Wow…… I was really impressed by the southern seas when I first saw them after joining the Navy, but this country is just as amazing…… I’m happy I came.”
Haruka looked at Tomoko, a wide smile on her face. She was hoping that the person she idolized would be sharing her thoughts, but……
“I wonder if I’ll be able to get the same performance as stated in the specifications in this extreme cold.”
Haruka sighed softly. It seemed as if Tomoko did not feel anything at all, even with such a beautiful snowy landscape in front of her.
A snowmobile painted in white camouflage colors pushed its way through the snow to where the two were standing. The door opened, and an intelligent looking woman wearing glasses stepped out of the vehicle.
She turned to face Tomoko, and saluted.
“Welcome to Kauhava Air Force Base. I am Flight Lieutenant Häkkinen, one of the command staff at the base.”
As soon as Haruka heard ‘Flight Lieutenant’, she immediately stood to attention and saluted.
“Fu-Fu-Fu-Fuso Imperial Navy, Flight Sergeant Sakomizu Haruka!”
Next, Tomoko saluted as well, with feigned politeness. Although Häkkinen had a higher rank, there was a touch of arrogance in Tomoko’s actions.
“Fuso Imperial Army, Pilot Officer Anabuki Tomoko.”
F/L Häkkinen’s eyebrow raised slightly at the name.
“We welcome the arrival of an ace like yourself.”
“Thank you.”
Tomoko expressed her gratitude, her a touch of hostility etched into her words.
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