Jasta 18
18 January 1917, Halluin

A few days have past since Aldi Schwarzkopf's latest victory over the Pup. These days were relatively quiet and not much has been happening during that time, especially from the enemy's side. Also, the weather seemed to improve during that time, but now dark clouds cover most of the sky with only a few patches of blue sky visible here and there. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the bitter cold, which is currently trying to burrow its way under Aldi's flight gear. Sitting in the cockpit of his Albatros at 2000 m and keeping his head on a swivel during today's patrol is pretty much all he can do as he keeps the machine in formation along with von Bülow and Strähle. Oberleutnant Grieffenhagen is leading Kette Eins further away over German held territory. He is evaluating the 2 new arrivals and Aldi can only imagine what Herr Oberleutnant must be calling them under his breath right this moment, as the Albatrosen behind him aren't doing a good job of keeping the formation.
Suddenly his reverie was interrupted by staccato of machine gun fire coming from above. A flight of Nieuports gray as the sky managed to ambush them. As they flew by Aldi noticed black bird on their fuselage. Von Bülow and Strähle were already engaged and Kette Eins was nowhere in sight. Aldi found his assailant making a turn for a second pass. Thankfully there was only one of them attacking him this time. He banked his Albatros and pulled hard on the stick, the machine groaned in protest but obeyed and Aldi was now pointing his guns at the Nieuport, which was in the process of doing the exact same thing. The Spandaus momentarily drowned the roar of his Mercedes engine. Hit! The Nieuport changed direction and started to dive, but Aldi was already on his tail pounding the unfortunate sesquiplane to a pulp. His Le Rhone stopped turning.



The twin guns had the last word and the Nieuport was now a large smoking crater in no man's land. Aldi checked his six and then looked for other blue and red machines around him. There were none to be found. He adjusted his course for home and started to climb when he noticed a silver machine crossing the lines. Aldi gave chase and was soon behind the unsuspecting Frenchman. He was still too far to make an effective attack. Aldi told himself to be patient. The range started to decrease and the little plane started to grow in the rings of his gun sight. Finally, the Newport was close enough and Aldi waited long enough. His guns started to shred canvas again and the Nieuport attempted evasive maneuvers. He banked and dove to avoid the lashes from Aldi's guns. Aldi followed and nearly froze on the spot. The bloody Nieuport took him for a ride right into the middle of his A-flight. Four new enemies were staring in his face. Aldi flew directly through the middle of the formation with his guns set to "whatever you do, don't stop". The formation scattered around him and he didn't think twice to turn his machine around while they were regrouping, point his Albatros straight at the frontlines and dive, dive, dive. He looked back - all 4 of them were behind following like a pack of wolves gaining, gaining. The trenches were now in sight. He crossed them with only about 1000 m of altitude. They were still there, out of range but getting closer. Suddenly he noticed specks to his left. Is it us or them? Aldi decided to take the chance and bring his entourage that way. If they're friendly - he's saved. If not, well ... they better be friendly! The specks started to become larger, gaining shape and finally he was able to see the colour of the oncoming machines. Red and blue! Of all the luck! That's Kette Eins! Grieffenhagen with his 2 pupils won't engage. They're already turning away! Scheisse! Newports are now only one bullet length away from being in range. Aldi dove steeper and aimed for the nearest balloon. Fingers crossed the boys down there are awake. Maybe he can drag them from balloon to balloon hoping for lucky hits and trusting in balloon defense's proper training. A tall order. The balloon came at him unexpectedly fast. At this altitude everything happens faster. Where is the next balloon? There's none in sight. He looked back, one of them turned around. Good old Flak! If he survives, he must remember to send these boys a case of Schnapps. Aldi looked around. There's an airfield really close by. He'll end up with a hole in his back if he attempts a landing now, but maybe the anti-aircraft machine guns can even out the odds? He dragged them across the airfield. Good. 2 more have left. Only one remains. Aldi realized he now has a smile on his face. The Albatros banked and turned as if the machine also wanted some payback for being put through its paces. Few more twists and turns and Aldi was on the N17's tail, already limping from hits inflicted by the airfield's anti-aircraft batteries. Aldi squeezed the triggers with relief, watched the Nieuport nosedive into the patch of frozen ground just outside the airfield and reduced the RPM's on his motor.



He was on the ground in no time. Hopefully Oberleutnant Grieffenhagen won't be too sore for sending a French Nieuport welcoming committee his way.