Magdalena Atzenbruck was sitting in her main office at Dortmund station, New Berlin.
She had been refreshing her inbox for the last half an hour, more to seem busy than in real expectation - though there was nobody around to convince of that fact, except herself.
Her eyes involuntarily refocused on the office window from her screen.
It was a quiet day, just the usual slow stream of trade ships and police patrols drifting by lazily.
Sighing, she turned off her screen. Her professional life required concentration she wasn't able to provide at the time, and there wasn't really anything that needed her immediate attention anyway.
The toll her job had taken on her personal life was easily forgotten, until something -or someone- reminded her of it, and that was what had happened.
Her last meeting with Erich Klugmann had done just that.
Meeting? No, it had been a date - there was no other word for it. She felt a brief flutter, and couldn't help but smile.
What would he be doing at this moment? A brief pang of anxiety wiped away her smile. He was so prone to getting into trouble; she wondered if he would have new scars every time they met.
No, he was fine, surely. "Er wird schon vorsichtiger sein...." she found herself muttering aloud.
What she needed was a distraction, something relaxing to do. A little trip, maybe to somewhere beyond her usual routes.....
That Dvir person and his peculiar proposal popped into her mind.
Yes, perhaps a survey of that region, that would be good.
She looked over her office briefly and, convinced there would be no harm in a bit of absence, left for the hangar.
Erich Klugmann could not immediately come up with an explanation for what had just occurred. His eyes, visible in the clear visor of his flight-helmet, blinked despondently as his ship's AI droned in his mind; "Shields Restored".
It was a low-risk operation with an honored guest. Max Hagen was a higher-up of an opposition, hard-liner sect of the Bundschuh whose vote could prove crucial toward Klugmann earning a majority for the coveted Vorstand nomination.
He couldn't explain why his ship had listed lazily in a straight line, fodder for plasma bolts that crippled his shielding. He heard a shrill pinging in his mind, an indicator for an incoming missile payload.
"It's funny, Klugmann. What would've happened if not for your wingmate there?"
Erich turned his head out the port side of his cockpit to the Series-Z flying in formation next to him. At the last second the pilot had bodily intercepted the missile tracking Klugmann, shields absorbing the impact of the explosion.
His excuses to Hagen caught in his throat. He knew he'd much rather not be shaken, cussed out by someone lower-ranked than him in the Bundschuh's inner bureaucracy... Flying through the vaccuum of New Berlin.
He knew where, and more pointedly with whom he'd rather be.
"I suppose on the upside, your wingmates are about as well-trained as the Kanzler's personal guard".
Erich knew this was a parting verbal jab at his wingmate's selfless "catch the bullet" action only minutes prior as they made their final approach to the Taunusfeld where Bruchsal lay hidden within. But Erich didn't hear any more subsequent berating as he approached the asteroid base.
He was already lost in his imagination and dreams again.
//note: these events occurred almost exactly a year ago. I'm just late with the editing.
Despite the countless hours spent flying ALG transports across Sirius, Lena was still more of a fighter pilot. She relished the opportunities to fly as an escort, and, when there was time, liked simply flying around Rheinland in a fighter.
Her Tiger Shark gliding along effortlessly through familiar lanes; she was barely paying attention when a small blip on her comms screen alerted her that a certain comm link had changed from “not available” to “very weak”. She tapped the screen to open comms.
“Erich! Er...it's Lena. Are you alri- I mean, heh. How are you?” "Lena, is that you? Barely making you out in this Ne-- I mean... Nngh. I'm fine.” “Yes. it's me. Uh....where are you? Your signal's pretty weak.” "I'm, uh... I'm in the Crow Nebula, yeah.” “That's....quite vague. I'm at the edge, in Frankfurt.” "Did you... Need something from me, Lena? I keep worrying someone's going to see you with me and-- Well…” “Need? Well, no...not really, I guess. I just- well, I just wanted to make sure you're alright?” she chuckled, sheepishly. “I mean, I never know with you!” "I'm... Fine. I think. Merely patrolling. I'm certain you know where Bundschuh-held territory in Frankfurt is.” “I- well I suppose so, yes. Not sure if I'd be welcome there.” "Hmmh. Did you want to meet me somewhere? You sound like something's on your mind.” “Oh, it's really nothing in particular. I mean, of course I'd like to see you…You sound a bit, uhm....I don't know. Is something on your mind?” "Well, there's always Augsburg, at least if my men don't object to your being at our deck held there.” “Great! I'll be right there. This ship is fast!”
Her tiny ship broke out of the lane to the Munich gate midway. Nobody would see it slip into the
Taunusfeld. Soon enough, she had Erich’s ship on local scanners.
“There's a familiar sight. Although....I don't think I've seen that ship before…” "Oh... Ja, indeed. This is a leftover from Pirna, Dresden.” “Probably safer to head to Augsburg, yes?” "Much. For both of us. “
Their conversation was interrupted by the jump to the Munich system. Gone were the dark but clear surroundings of Frankfurt, replaced by nearly impenetrable dark fog.
"Well, you're seeing Munich from our perspective now.” “It's not pretty from anyone's perspective, I suppose.”
It was just a short trip to what used to be an exclusive destination: Augsburg Orbital Colony, now largely decompressed and entirely devoid of its previous amenities.
“I've not seen much of the inside. But it's pretty bleak, I mean....to think of what this place used to look like.” "Would you like access to our deck here? We've... Managed to re-pressurize this one and keep it barely functional.” “I would like that very much. I mean, I'm not expecting a palace. But I suppose it's better that way.” "Alright, ein moment. The docking is automated but only responds to a specific frequency…
Alright, there. Head for the lowest deck down there."
The massive door of docking bay number three slid open, and the two fighters lined up to enter what remained of the station.
Right after her Tiger Shark had settled, Lena popped open the canopy and jumped out. “Well....this is not quite like I remember it.”
The hangar bay was dimly lit. And the light there was reminding them, with regular flickering, that this was not the glamorous tourist resort it used to be.
Erich exited his ship as well, struggling for a moment with his flight mask and looking around nervously.
Lena put her hands to her helmet, hesitating. “Uh...is it actually safe to remove this?” "It should be, Lena. Our technicians aren't that incompetent.”
His words didn’t sound entirely convincing.
She pulled off her helmet and whipped back her hair, taking a deep breath.
“Well. It smells like ozone, but it's nothing like a toxic waste refinery!” she exclaimed cheerfully, flashing Erich a smile.
He offered a shy smile in exchange.
“I'll need to check with how my men are doing here, Lena. I hope you don't mind.”
Finally walking over to him across the largely-abandoned bay, Lena cautiously patted him on the back.
“Well, do you mind if I join you?”
“Of course, Lena.”
He touched her shoulder briefly, before leading the way to the massive doors that led deeper inside the structure. He pounded on them heavily, three times.
A shrill voice replied. "State your identity and intent!"
Far more loudly and defiantly, Erich answered.
“Oberst Erich Klugmann of the Vereinigte Widerstandsarmee.”
After about a minute of the two standing before the door awkwardly, it finally slides open with an echoing grind. Several armed guards lower their weapons upon seeing them.
A sizable fixed tachyon gun positioned towards the entrance gives an ominous beep.
The shrill-voiced man from before stepped up with a salute.
“Herr Oberst, we're honored to have you here... But who--”
Erich interrupted before he could finish. “She is a guest. Treat her like any of our own.”
Lena stepped forward, seeing a chance to seem confident.
“I'm Magdalena A-, erm.” she broke off, realizing it might not be the best idea to reveal who she was. “Call me Lena, please.”
The man simply sneered at Lena, but spoke to Erich with quiet acceptance.
“You have clearance to enter the redoubt, Herr Oberst.”
He looked up at Lena, seemingly relieved.
”Shall we?”
She simply nodded, and turned her gaze back at the armed guards.
Erich gestured down a dimly lit hallway, and they walked silently until a door on the side opened into a makeshift hospital. The beds were occupied mostly by men wearing Bundschuh insignia, treated by similarly adorned staff.
Erich sighed despondently.
“Our causalties from Munich are usually brought here because El-- Our other station doesn't have the space for so many wounded.”
Lena gritted her teeth, sighing softly.
“Well, I suppose I was prepared for this. You told me all about it. There's enough space here, surely, but…you really need better equipment!”
“We do, Lena. We really do. Some of these people... “ He gestured at some of the wounded. “Aren't with us, either. But we can't leave them to die in their pods.”
Lena grabbed his arm, looking him in the eyes. “Tell me these things, give me a list! We can organize things like this. We're in a position to organize medical supplies and equipment, and have them shipped here at a moment's notice!” He blinked as she grabbed him, returning eye contact.
“The best medical equipment tends to go to the Hessians, though. The casualties in their Omega War are just as bad... But it only goes to treating their own.” he stated, bitterly. “Wouldn't it be considered... ~Unusual for your crews to be shipping that kind of material, though?” ”Erich!” she turned him towards her, and lowered her voice. “There are perks to being in, umm, your position, in regards to me.
This system is devastated. There's an obvious need for hospital-related cargo. It won't raise many questions. And if need be, I'll fly them myself!” “That's... Noble of you, Lena. Really.” He paused for a moment, seemingly in thought. “Can I... Ask you a question, an honest question?”
Not averting her gaze, Lena responded. “Noble? No, helping the injured is just basic decency, and uh- yes, of course!” "How do your staff feel about us Rebels? Would they be willing to.. Say...to help us to help the wounded here and elsewhere in Munich?"
Lena turned away, back to the wounded. “I don't know, Erich. That's a very difficult question.
I interact with most of my employees on a strictly professional level. And even the personal conversations are more likely small talk during convoys. What I do think however, or at least like to think....is that we're the sort of company that attracts people that care about others to some degree. I mean, er- I don't want to sound self-righteous or anything.
But I do like to think most people that sign up are generally good people. The political depth of it all meanwhile is something that I wouldn't trust anyone I don't know VERY well with, of course. But helping out the wounded, even if it's in a place like this, with supplies? I don't think many of my people would object.” "Of course. It was... A dumb question, Lena, I apologize. Some of your staff potentially might report you to the Polizei merely for talking to me.”
Lena smacked him on the arm lightly. ”Well, I'm not going to tell them that, silly! Goodness.
It would if anything be a 'relief mission to injured individuals stranded at the remains of Augsburg'.” "That... Would be eminently helpful. The Federals are stretched thin here already... And it falls to ~us~ to pick up the survivors of Unioner or Corsair attacks.” ”Well, I'll tell you something. Compile a list of necessary equipment and supplies, anything you need here. You know, as long as it's not explosives. And I'll make sure they get here, alright? No mention of you obviously.” "I, and a large number of others would be in your debt for that kind of help, Lena. I'll have to compile that list for you tonight.”
She smiles, and gives his shoulder a brief, affectionate rub. "Seriously, Erich. These things are not so difficult. Accept all the help you can get. I'm in a position to give it and I'm happy to do so. I mean, sometimes- well. “ She bit her lip.
Gently squeezing her hand, Erich answered. "The Bundschuh's story has been one of quiet desperation for... Decades, really, Lena.
I've tried to live up to our prior leader's stubborn refusal to become chained down by, say... Other entities with ulterior motives. Usually corporations." ”I know it's hard to trust people and accept help, in your position you're more than justified to be hesitant. But sometimes it's just for the best, you know?”
He nodded, frowning. "These lives have priority."
She tugged gently at his arm. “I know, and that should be obvious to anyone that's bee- well, no. Anyone really.
Now. That's settled then, do that, send it to me privately, and I'll organize. And for now, think of it as settled, alright?"
Erich paused for a moment, seeming to reconsider. "I-- A-Alright, Lena. I'll make certain to do that."
She gingerly squeezed his arm. ”You worry about more than enough anyway.”
With that, she let go of Erich, stepped forward into the room, and cleared her throat. "Listen everyone! There will be a relief effort organized to improve your situations here. Gear, supplies and meds will be brought in. There are people in Rheinland that care about dark corners like this!"
She paused briefly, almost taken aback by her own directness. “Erm....so, yes. Things will be better.”
There wasn’t much of a response in the improvised medical ward. The mood was somber. Some of the staff murmured to each other in hushed tones.
Erich spoke in a low voice. "These men und women are overworked as is. I've tried to reimburse them doubly for their constant shifts, but we're embarassingly under-supplied here. Hopefully you or your crews will be able to help us there.”
She turned back to him, blushing. “Yes, uhm, I know. I just felt the strange need to state this. Hope is the most important thing for people in this situation, correct?”
He looked rather nervous, biting his lip. “Ja, hope is... A luxury for our people, at times.
We don't have a Kanzler to ~be that hope for us. And... *he chuckles shyly* I'd be a poor replacement.”
Lena grabbed his arm again. “I'm not going to pretend I'm good at inspirational speeches. I want to help - and I will - but- I suppose I'm more pragmatic.” She smiled, looking down. "Well, you just did something I wouldn't have had the courage or audacity to try. Last I was here, I was shot by a boarding party." ”Well, I'm very happy I managed to see you again without you sporting any new scars.”
She touched his cheek gently. ”None that I can see anyway, heh.” “Well... I'll admit that I've been... Withholding some of my injuries. Not reporting them to medical things like that.
I don't want preferential treatment in comparison to these people who ~really need it, when our supplies are so few already.”
Frowning, she punched him in the chest playfully. “Oh, yes, of course! Not seeking medical treatment has been long known to be a fantastic cure for any sort of injury! You're such a stubborn fool, you know that?”
Despite the lightness of the punch, Erich grunted painfully. “Perhaps somewhere around that region is amongst the unreported injuries." ”Do I have to pinch you everywhere till you tell me where it hurts? Do I have to squeeze you into the hold of my Tiger Shark and smuggle you to a civilian hospital somewhere?”
He laughed nervously. "N-Nein, Lena, I can hold myself together through our infamous stubborn idealism. I'll... I'll be fine.
I really wish I hadn't told you." ”Oh, you're going to!”
She pulled him out towards the door of the ward, assaulting him with pinches. "S-Stop, I'm ticklish!”
Halfheartedly trying to defend himself while some of the pinches seemed to elicit genuinely pained groans, he let himself be manouvered outside the door.
Once in the dark hallway, Lena pushed him against the wall and pressed her lips against his.
Surprised for a second, he soon became comfortable, returning the kiss as Lena put one hand around on his neck and the other around his waist, pressing herself against him.
Their lips still locked, he murmured softly. "What did I do to deserve any of this?"
She pulled her face away from his slowly, without loosening her grip on his body. "You know I said I didn't have anything in particular to tell you? I...heh. I suppose this was it." "Can this... Can this ~work, though? I mean...Between us. We're on other sides of the fence. Nobody on either end would approve of this."
He sounded more concerned than scolding, as she stroked his hair back and smiled at him. "Does it really matter? Do we need anyone's consent? Should I ask the Bundestag to pass a resolution, permitting it?" She lightly kissed his cheek and nose. "I just... Don't know if I'll be able to meet with you or be with you anywhere other than--" he gestured down the desolate hallway. "Dimly lit, disintegrating derelict wrecks."
Lena just smiled at him, seemingly unconcerned. "Oh, don't be so grim. There's a whole galaxy out there. For each square meter the Republic is watching, there's a million they aren't." "I'd... Invite you to the Bundschuh's own holdings, but I don't know how I'd explain that to the hangar staff. I mean... I can trust you with that, right?"
She pressed herself against him hard, planting another kiss on his lips. "What....would...convince you?"
He seemed more resistant this time. "I... I'm serious, Lena. People have tried to kill me three times now already. Though never... Never through this method."
Feeling him tense up, she relaxed her grip slightly. "I- I know. Well, I can't really pretend to understand, can I?
I, well- I suppose all I can say in return is, would you trust me? I'd tell you how I have nothing to gain by abusing your trust, and how I- *she gulps* I don't know. I guess it's up to you." "N-Nein."
Burying his face in her shoulder, he almost seemed to be sobbing softly. "I mean... I... I'll trust you, Lena. I just... All of ~this, Lena... It's alien to me. All I've known is so little of humanity in my life."
She stroked his hair softly, cradling his head against her shoulder. "It's never easy, is it? Nothing ever is." "I was a monster when I was young and carefree... I've been a monster fighting a guerilla war, having to choose who lives and who dies...And I was a monster when I was at Vierlande... But at least that time... It was forced upon me. I-I'm sorry. I've never had someone who...who cares. "I won't pretend to understand what any of that was really like. All the hardships I've faced in my life, probably amount to an average day for you. But what I do know -with absolute certainty- is that you're not a monster!" she spoke, very softly, and gently lifted his chin to kiss his forehead. "It's... It's a very hard thing to keep one's humanity when you're forced into these corners, Lena. I've seen what happened to all the other revolutionary entities. I've seen the inner demons of the Coalition. Their way of life is... Not what I would wish upon anyone."
She smiled, repeating the kiss. "Well then, you should be happy you've turned out so well, right?
For all that you've seen, all the disappointments others like you have faced and faltered at, you've not been broken." "I'm... I'm terrified of becoming something I'm fighting against. Every time I grip the podium at Bruchsal, Lena...Every time I look out at the cheering, clapping people waiting for me to speak...I see people who are putting everything on the line to follow ~my visions and dreams."
Gently running her fingers over his forehead, she tried to reassure him. "And? Who wouldn't be scared in such a situation?"
He was silent for a moment before responding. "I just... I don't know how he can do it." "If you're going to worry about how every single person acts and thinks, you'll never stop. All you can do is try the best YOU can do. You can't turn everyone into a perfectly balanced individual that always makes measured, reasonable decisions. Just....just do your best, alright? That's the best anyone can do. And I think you're doing just fine in that regard." "How can he do it?" he repeated to himself, quietly. "Rheinhardt... How can he look at himself in the mirror with a straight face? Does he have someone like you to... To reassure him?" "What, the Kanzler?" She shrugged lightly. "Probably doesn't give it too much thought. If you're in a position like that and you deal with it well, it'll all come naturally....for better or for worse."
Finally, he grasped her as tightly as she had been holding him, and they both remained silent for a period of time neither could measure. Eventually, she pulled his face to hers, meeting his eyes. "And no, he doesn't have anyone like me. And nobody else has someone like you. Because a connection two people have, uhm, well...." She blushed, looking away briefly. "It's always unique." "Especially... In our case, yeah..."
She leaned in for another kiss, very slowly and timidly this time, when a loud beep from her pocket jolted her out of her trance. She let out an exasperated sigh. "No....I forgot about that. Erich, I have to go. Fast."
Erich seemed equally startled by the noise. "O-Of course. Will you need an escort out of this murk, o-or--" "No, not at all, you know me...*she smiled confidently* I can take care of myself. I just had a meeting I forgot about. I'm sorry, I really don't want to be running off like this...."
She sighed again, stroking his cheek tenderly. "Alright, Lena... I-I'll... Compile that list of supplies for you as soon as I can." "Please do. And....get to a doctor! I will seriously squeeze all of you next time, testing for bruises!"
Erich pressed his forehead against hers. "I'll do what I can regarding that. That's all I can do."
She rubbed her nose against his playfully. "I'll...well, you'll find ways to contact me, obviously. Do it soon!" "I promise I will, Lena. I... I really care-- Love you."
After planting one last kiss on his lips, she finally loosened her embrace. "I have to run. I, uhm- I lo- see you soon!"
She turned away, blushing, and ran down the hallway towards the hangar.