Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer

[Traudel Habermeyer]

accessing database...

...KKS-Sprotte...

...awaiting input...

...recording

Identification: Habermeyer, Traudel

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Submitting Log Entry

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The recording shakes before stabilizing. Someone's hand retreats, likely the device had been placed elsewhere. Traudel can be seen walking over to a seat on the bridge, two men already present. One a good decade older than the other. Part of the viewport was in frame, allowing a glimpse to the outside. Swirling nebula, murky and obscure to the naked eye. At times bigger chunks of... something become visible when flashes of light illuminate the entire cloud. Those familiar could quickly identify the cramped nature of an Oder-class' bridge.

"Sie ham die Musik vergessen, Habermeyer." "Verzeihung, Herr Kaleun. My mind is... i am on it." Kertz nodded with a faint smile, hints of worry hard to entirely hide. Schneider can be seen rubbing his forehead, leaning over. "She does not sleep. You might have to order her to again, sir." "I know. After this is done. Thought we worked that out last time, but he-..." Familiar tunes to any Rheinländer filled the air.
Joining both men again, glasses are handed out before Traudel sits down once more. "Bitteschön." "Zugehört! We may not know if this day is the day or any other. We may not even know if we missed it by a week or more. What we know is that we have a task to complete. Same as last year and the year before. Same as the year to come." Towards the latter half of the statement Traudel can be seen blankly staring ahead, then eyeing the nebula. "One year comes to an end while a new one dawns... or has dawned already. Ein frohes neues Jahr Ihnen. To many more successful operations for von Herzsprung and the Rheinwehr." Glasses clink, the small crew sharing a short moment of enjoying meager rations and whatever beverage they had on hand.

"You record that, Habermeyer?" "Ja, i do." "Why... ? That is not mission relevant. This is us not knowing when the new year began." "Schneider, i don't expect you to understand. This is for if we return." "... was? If?" "She means when, Schneider. When we return." "Nein, i thi-..."

"Oberleutnant Habermeyer. It is late and you need rest. That is an order." "Zu Befehl! Gute Nacht." Kertz closes his eyes as Traudel steps away, exhaling in silent frustration. "Turn this off, Schneider." The recording ends as one of the men gets up with a concerned expression, nearing the recording device and reaching out to it.

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Log Entry Submitted

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