"Hero's of 'Chosen'"

Chapter IV: The Arrival

Rome, Late 1944

The sun dipped low on the horizon as the boat carrying Flight Lieutenant Eun-ji Choi approached the docks of Rome. The journey had been long, and the anticipation of joining the 501st Joint Fighter Wing in their new base of operation heightened with every passing wave. Choi, recently promoted from First Lieutenant, was ready for the next chapter in her aerial combat career.

The boat docked, and Choi disembarked, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of her new comrades. As if on cue, a familiar face emerged from the bustling crowd at the docks. Charlotte Yeager, renowned for her piloting skills and free-spirited nature, approached Choi with a friendly grin.

"Well, look who we've got here!" Charlotte exclaimed, extending a hand. "First Lieutenant Choi, right? I'm Charlotte Yeager, but you can call me Shirley."

Choi accepted the handshake with a smile. "Eun-ji Choi. Pleasure to meet you, Shirley. I've heard a lot about the 501st and its colorful members."

Charlotte chuckled, her eyes reflecting a hint of mischief. "Colorful is one way to put it. Anyway, hop in. I've got a supply truck waiting for us. We'll get you settled in."

As they made their way through the bustling city, Choi and Charlotte engaged in small talk. Choi shared snippets of her background, explaining her roots as a Chosen Independent Activist who found herself fighting alongside the Zhongguo Air Force. Charlotte listened attentively, her curiosity piqued.

"So, what's your striker unit?" Charlotte asked, steering the conversation toward their shared passion for aerial combat.

Choi grinned. "P-40E model. A classic, but she's got a few tricks up her sleeves."

Charlotte's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Ah, a fellow vintage enthusiast! I like your style, Choi."

The two women laughed, their camaraderie forming naturally amidst the banter. The cityscape gradually gave way to the outskirts, and the gates to the 501st's new base loomed ahead.

As they approached the entrance, Choi felt a sense of belonging. The bonds of friendship forged during the journey hinted at the camaraderie she would find within the 501st Joint Fighter Wing—a unit as diverse and dynamic as the skies they patrolled.

The supply truck rumbled through the gates of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing's new base, greeted by the vigilant gate guards who waved them through. Inside the base, the atmosphere was a blend of focused training and light-hearted activities. Some members of the 501st were engaged in aerial drills, while others enjoyed a game of baseball under the sun-drenched sky.

As the supply truck came to a stop, Charlotte turned to Choi with a grin. "Looks like we've arrived. Ready to meet the boss ladies?"

Choi nodded, her anticipation growing. The two women disembarked and made their way through the bustling base. Eventually, they reached the door where Sakamoto Mio and Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke were waiting. Charlotte knocked, and Minna's voice called out, "Come in."

Choi glanced at Charlotte and said, "Just call me Eun-ji."

Charlotte opened the door, leading Choi inside. Minna and Mio were seated at a table, discussing plans and tasks. The room fell silent as Charlotte and Choi entered, and the two saluted.

"At ease," Minna said, acknowledging the newcomers. "Charlotte, who do we have here?"

Charlotte stepped forward, introducing Choi with a smile. "Commander Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke, this is Flight Lieutenant Eun-ji Choi. She's just joined us, fresh off the boat, so to speak."

Minna extended a welcoming hand, which Choi accepted. "Welcome to the 501st, Eun-ji. I hope your journey here was uneventful."

Choi nodded. "Thank you, Commander. I'm eager to contribute in any way I can."

Minna gestured for them to take a seat. "Let's discuss tasks and assignments. We have ongoing training exercises and patrols, and I'm sure you'd like to familiarize yourself with our routines."

As the conversation unfolded, Choi, ever the pragmatic officer, inquired about repairs, ammunition, and logistical details. Minna provided thorough explanations, appreciating Choi's attentiveness to the operational aspects of the 501st.

However, as the meeting reached its conclusion, Mio, who had been notably silent, suddenly spoke. Her words were sharp, laden with disdain. "Why do I have to work with a Chosen dog? They are not human, nor are they real. She is literally a part of the Chosen Provisional Government based in Chongqing."

Charlotte and Minna immediately silenced Mio, exchanging stern glances. Minna cleared her throat, addressing Choi, "I apologize for Mio's outburst. We do not tolerate discrimination within the 501st. Now, if you'll excuse us, there's an important announcement to make."

Minna activated the base's alarm, calling the 501st to assemble outside. As the members gathered, Minna introduced Choi to the unit. The announcement echoed through the base, signaling a shift in dynamics for both Choi and the 501st Joint Fighter Wing.

As the day progressed into the late afternoon, the members of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing gathered at the mess hall for a well-deserved break. Eun-ji took the opportunity to engage in conversations with her new comrades, seeking to build connections within the tight-knit unit.

She approached Perrine first, engaging in casual banter about flying techniques and experiences. Perrine, though initially reserved, opened up as they shared stories of their respective battles and triumphs in the skies.

Next, Eun-ji found herself conversing with Lynette and Francesca. The trio exchanged anecdotes and laughter, finding common ground in their love for flying and the camaraderie forged amidst the chaos of combat.

Eun-ji's interactions extended to Erica and Sanya, each conversation revealing more about the diverse personalities within the 501st. Despite cultural differences, the language of camaraderie seemed universal among the brave witches.

However, it was when she approached Yoshika that Eun-ji decided to broach a more delicate topic. In fluent Japanese, she asked, "What party do you support, and do you agree with the oppression of Chosen people?"

Yoshika, surprised by the directness of the question, paused for a moment before answering. "I support the Constitutional Democratic Party. I don't agree with the oppression of anyone. I believe in eventual independence for Chosen and close ties between Fuso and Chosen."

Eun-ji nodded, satisfied with the response. The conversation continued, touching upon their shared ideals of unity and a hopeful future for both nations.

As evening descended and the mess hall began to fill with the aroma of dinner, Charlotte approached Eun-ji. The two walked side by side, discussing the day's events and forming a connection that transcended the barriers of nationality.

The mess hall buzzed with activity as the members of the 501st shared a meal together. In the midst of laughter and camaraderie, Eun-ji felt a sense of belonging within this extraordinary group of witches. The shadows of the past seemed to fade in the warm glow of companionship, and as they enjoyed their evening, the bonds of friendship among the 501st Joint Fighter Wing grew stronger, bridging the gaps between nations and cultures in the pursuit of a shared destiny in the skies.