Children of the Hessians

[Victor Steiner]

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Location: Vogtland Station
Date: 16 October, 824 A.S

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It would be an outright lie to say that he wasn't afraid. In point of fact it would probably be considered the lie of the century if he had said that. Fighters to the left of him, fighters to the right, bombers up above and large station turrets tracking his every move with gunboat patrols lurking around every other corner. The Hessians took security personally, any attempt at a raid was bound to meet some heavy resistance before they even made it to the station. He'd been waiting for a few, tense minutes while the station's security checked and then rechecked his permission form. A single mishap would have cost him his life and everyone knew about the Hessian's reputation. Alfred Steiner considered himself a lucky man when permission from the control tower came through, finally allowing him to dock. His small eagle snuck into the docking bay and he let out a very small shudder of fear when he heard the clangs and crashes of the great hanger doors seal behind him.

He was in the belly of the beast, and there was no way out. He set his ship down and was greeted by serveral unexpected sights and sounds. Loud voices rang over loudspeakers, Rheinlandic voices of all pitches and genders called out and rang around him. The Hessians were anything but quiet. There were men and women moving everything from cargo to weapons in this particular hangar bay, and although it was large enough to house a dozen fighters, it felt far too crowded. He gathered what he felt he would need for his trip, before steping out and almost tripping over the various cables that lined the floor. He danced out of the way, hoping to avoid the seemingly ill tempered mechanic who was wandering around barking orders. Given that he was in the Red Hessian base, he felt it might be an idea to wear his red doctoral robe, if only to win some points with his new found hosts. He instantly regretted the decision to do so. Not only was the hanger loud, but it was filthy. Unsurprising really, given that they were maintaining and repairing ships. In his attempt to remain out of the way and somewhat presentable, he nearly ran straight into a very proper looking Hessian Officer. It appeared that the man had been waiting for him, a strange yet vicious looking smile crossed the mans face as Alfred looked at him and offered his apologies.

The man simply nodded, and motioned for him to follow. Alfred followed the man, and his two armed escorts, down to what looked liked a security checkpoint. His equipment was taken from him and examined closely, Alfred hoped they would be careful with the camera, and once they were more or less satisfied that there was nothing amiss, let him pass through. He was himself, closely examined as well. But beneath his robe there was nothing aside from plain, yet formal, clothing, and it soon became apparent to the security team that was about as unarmed as they came. The officer who first greeted him lead him on to a small, unassuming room with a row of plain, unassuming chairs, where Alfred was instructed to sit and wait. While the officer went off to get...whoever it was he was supposed to get, Alfred took note of his surroundings. Vogtland was cold and surprisingly dark for a station that was quite busy, and supposedly, highly populated. It's people were loud, and anything but interested in him. He got the feeling they did not see all to many guests here, and those who did arrive were to be treated with suspicion. He, on the other-hand was well out of his comfort zone, armies and guns did not usually make him feel comfortable and he was much more interested in getting about his business. He had bought with him a medium sized satchel, that contained a number of papers, and a few pocket sized books, he had also bought a second, smaller bag that contained all manner of sweets and candies. He'd brought it along specifically for the children he hoped to meet, and while he freely admitted he had no idea what he'd face in regards to the younger Hessians, he made a calculated guess that it would win some favour with the children. After all, Vogtland didn't seem like the place where one would find a sweet shop.

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