The Vienna Game

[Albrecht]

According to the Bretonians the Technocracy were infected. That was their line and by God did they stick to it, despite being unable to produce hard evidence. That the organisation was secretive and arrogant was not up for debate, but infected seemed a bit too far. Until now, discussions about infection, including the strategies and means by which nomads achieve it seemed harmless on the surface, yet it also made plain the organisations interest in the creatures. Why wouldn't they be? If technology and preservation was their goal, why not alien technology? Who better to guard it? Who better to know when to use it and against whom...

Christian didn't buy their 'only here to help' routine, Haybermeyer appeared to be their target, or at very least a person of some interest. She may not trust them, yet, but it seemed she liked them. If only for their manners. Fair enough, they had not done anything to her, why wouldn't she like them? It was a perfectly reasonable thing to assume. Insecurity is so often a source of a great many tragedies and betrayals. As is loyalty, oddly enough. He turned back around, his features hard and unamused, yet softer than they were a moment ago, his armed crossed, somewhat defensively, as if he was regarding her with a degree of skepticism now. I cannot order you to do something contrary to the military code of honour, but I will make the strong recommendation. Do not invite them into your home. He stopped himself from going further, perhaps he should not have said that either. No matter, it wouldn't hurt, although he couldn't control her actions from this point forward. I should not have to remind you that this conversation never happened. You were never here. He did not know if she was to be trusted, yet she had provided some valuable insight all the same. Better now she be sent on her way before he let slip his internal thoughts. Thank you Oberleutnant Habermeyer, you may go. with that he lit yet another cigarette and returned to his chair, gazing back out toward the gardens, lost in thought.

[Traudel Habermeyer]

With Christian turning around to face her again, Traudel's posture was adjusted without so much as a second thought. A reflex at this point one could say, or a means to calm oneself each time a superior laid eyes on her. The slight shift in demeanor causing a minimal frown, before she lowers her head a bit. "It is on me to express my thanks, Your Highness. As i merely strive to serve to the best of my abilities, yet Your Highness' time is far more valuable and limited than mine. This exchange has, naturally, never happened. Nor was i ever here, jawohl."

As he sat down again and lit another cigarette, Traudel hesitated for the briefest of moments. "Caution will be exercised when dealing with them, i am taking these words to heart. Should there ever be anything else, it will be my honor and privilege to help in any way once more. I remain loyal servant of the Emprie, our Kaiser and the Imperial family." Heels clicked as Traudel stood at attention, rendered a salute and prepared to depart. Giving a couple of seconds should any topic yet remain despite the closing words. If not the Oberleutnant would simply turn around to step back inside and towards the door she had entered through a while ago.