A Rheinland Story

[Sunset Glow]

For now, she needed to flee, the military was probably looking for already. Activating her right engine, she noticed it was still set to cruise but lacked energy. If she was right, the engine would do for one last cruise, maybe it would bring her to the Dresden jumpgate. Hopefully the military hadnt locked it yet..

As the cruise engine charged Sandra hoped she would make out of the asteroid field.. without shields a collision would be lethal and ever since her left engine exploded her craft had become slow and hard to handle.

Finally the trade line came into view but with it.. two members of the Red Hessian Army, headed directly towards Sandras damaged craft. At that moment, she thought it was over.
But instead of firing upon her, the two foreign craft simply approached and chatted idly. One of them seemed to have a liking for cookies.

(munching) Vat iz zis? One voice spoke.

Hmm looks like a Rheinland military ship, low on hull. The other spoke.

They are everywh- *static* .. I must flee! Sandra spoke ad tried to maneuver her craft but it was difficult.

Vait, who iz everywhere?

The military.. they *static* after me..

Vhy iz ze military after you? Are you not one of zhem?

Yes, I am but *static* fire upon me and almost *static* -illed me, I have no id- *static* happened, I dont understand..

Hmm, vhat do you zhink? (munching) The other voice spoke.

We should help her, if we leave here, the Rheinland military will come and- He was interrupted.

Come for whom, Red Hessian? A military ship addressed them. Ah, you have found our fugitive for us. Excellent, thank you. I knew the Red Hessians had a sense of justice somewhere deep down inside. The voice chuckled.

Zhis woman is under our protection now. Leave now or you will regret it. One of the Hessians replied.

Do not interfere with military operations, you are doing enough harm to innocent Rheinlanders already. The military replied.

We? Harming ze innozent? One of the Red Hessians spoke. Look what you did to your own! He countered.

She is not innocent, she is a criminal and is to be brought to justice. Came the reply from the military.

A criminal, vell, vell. What has she done, military? The Red Hessians responded.

I am not at liberty to discuss that with you. Private Sommer knows what she has done. The military crafts were closing in.

That is no- *static* true. I have not *static* wrong! Sandra desperately tried to make her case.

Vait, vhy are zey after you zen? Something iz not right here. One of the Red Hessians was cautious.

Indeed, now stand aside and let us do our job. There is no need for bloodshed here. The military ships were closing in further.

I dont *static now, I have no idea! I am telling you! She was pleading.

Vell, you will not take her wiz you, military, she iz under our protection now. The Red Hessians positioned themselves near Sandras damaged craft.

The military spoke annoyed. With the Hessians now, are we? It appears we were right in doubting you. Do not make your situation worse and come with us now and answer for your crimes.

Sandra was still confused, until now she had no idea what was wrong or why they were after her but slowly it dawned on her the letter.

I have not committed any crim- *static* unless speaking my mi- *static* about the political situation is viewed as one. Sandras comm. unit was failing.

You are chasing her for voicing herself? The Red Hessians spoke. Typical, still the fanatical zealots we know you!

At that moment private communications opened and one of the Red Hessians spoke. I have uploaded coordinates in Dresden. Make for zhe jumphole and wait for us zhere, we will make sure zhey dont follow you.

Sandra replied over private communications. But why are *static* helping me? You are the Red Hessian army, aren *static* suppose to shoot me?

Another reply came. We are not quite az bad as ze military wants people to zhink we are. Now go you will be zafe at ze coordinates, you have my word.

With that Sandra turned her vessel and made for the jumphole as fast as her damaged craft could.

The Red Hessians were experienced pilots and the military were only two crafts one of them a fresh recruit. They could not risk loosing another one to them. There is nowhere to run or to hide. You know that we will find you. The military spoke as they slowly exited scanner range.

The jump to Dresden went smoothly and Sandra found herself in a dense nebula, the shadow of what appeared to be a large asteroid fading into view.

Rheinland craft, we have been expecting you, hold position near dock one for a scan. The base contacted Sandra.

Um.. Roger, hol- *static* position now. In that moment the other two Red Hessians approached.

Vell, zhat went vell. He spoke.

Scan complete, you are clear to dock. The base responded.

Ja, it would be best to have your craft seen to, miss. Both positioned themselves to guard her approach. Oh and velcome to Vogtland base. With that Sandras craft was docking.