• We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Just a question: General Rudolf von Bünau has lost his two sons in this ATL?

Not sure. Rudolf von Bünau really doesn't have a role in the story, outside of his initial appearance.

I would like to know if people prefer:

Chapters with 4-5 installments average to be released at one time

OR

Installments released 1 at a time.
 
I dont mind as long as they arrive
 
Alptraum
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR


A Time to Feast


The food had been passed around the table, with the guest of honor, Klemens and Alessandra’s fiancé being served first. I smiled at my wife and beautiful daughter as they had served the food that they had prepared delicately with the love and respect that any home cooked meal deserves. Klemens seemed eager to eat and impatiently waited for the rest of us to be fed. The fiancé looked at Klemens with a stare of scorn; which seemed to cool the mayor into waiting. With all the plates full I beamed with joy and a smile at Christina.

“Dear, would you please bless the food?” The words seemed to cause the mayor to act slightly restless and slightly offended; but these emotions were quickly controlled from what I could see.

“All good gifts everything we have, come, o God, from thee; We thank you for it,” she so eloquently said in a humble soft voice that was heard across the entire table.

“Amen,” was the collective response of the room; afterwards the mayor hastily reached for his silverware to begin feasting into a succulent piece of roasted meat.

I looked at my daughter’s fiancé and hastened to try to remember his name, it should have been simple, and she had mentioned it in her letters on numerous occasions. “Heinrich,” I finally remembered same as my grandfathers. “How has the war affected you?” I knew the topic would unclog my memory.

“It is a war. Northern France is beautiful; Brittany’s landscape is equal of that to Norddeich. I miss being with my unit out there, but is of great relief to be visiting home and those that I have come to love,” he said while Alessandra began to blush and Christina burst into a gigantic smile.

Klemens appeared uneasy over the discussion. “Love for one another is secondary to the love one must display for ones country in its greatest time of need. Would you not agree Josef? Tristan?”

I looked over at Josef, with the facial expression indicating that I would handle the situation. “Love for one’s country does not outweigh the love in one’s heart for family and friends because I believe both types of loves are different.”

Klemens nodded in disagreement. “Your view is outdated, Herr Reichsführer. One’s love for country must exceed the necessity of family. To totality devote oneself to its country is the highest state a person can find themselves in. If we are to achieve final victory over the enemies that seek to destroy what Hitler has so graciously given, then we must obey his orders without question.”

I chuckled. “What you say is blasphemy! Name one person who subscribes to your view!”

“Herr Hitler,” he replied with a yell attempting to quell my questioning.

“The plausibility and notion that Hitler subscribes to your idealistic view of dedication to the cause is laughable. Hitler; I must admit, however wrong and delusion he is, is dedicated to his beliefs; which takes courage. However, he is not a man who has sacrificed himself to the cause. Have you seen first hand what has been done in Hitler’s name Herr Mayor?”

The mayor’s face was turning bright red in anger; all other faces remained a cool white. “What you say is treason! Hitler has the Reich’s best intentions in mind! He has guided us from the wasteland of Democracy to an enlightened way of thinking and life. The democratic plague can be eliminated and must be eliminated; by the use of all means, the most effective being the use of physical force.”

I noticed Rhiley’s face turning an embarrassing shade of red; his eyes were beginning to tear up. I was not the only one to notice this. “How pathetic! He is as weak and useless as his father; completely undedicated to the cause of National Socialism. His father was lucky that he had valiantly served during the First War; otherwise he would not be lucky enough to be breathing today. It is possible that this young lieutenant may be saved, and reformed into an excellent member of the German race. If not, then his fate is sealed.”

Josef sat still intently looking at his former deputy turned usurper. Christina had moved to comfort Rhiley, placing her arms around him as he continued to weep. Philip and Sebastian pushed their seats back; the motion was quickly followed by Adolf and Erick. I waited for my sons and nephews to complete their movements before I pushed my own chair out with my legs. I stood up, unlike my sons and nephews, and rested both hands on the table.

“Herr Mayor,” I began as I continued to collect my thoughts. “I am deeply troubled by the turn of events at this dinner…”

“As am I,” Klemens interrupted as he pushed his own chair out. While completing the motion to stand up, he pulled out a pistol from his holster. “It is with a sad heart that the Schnack family is a family of traitors. Disregarding my personal feelings, it is my duty to inform you, that you are all hereby placed under arrest.”

The Final Meal

Klemens kept dividing his attention between Josef and me; though he paid more attention to the later. He did not divide his Luger’s attention, and kept it pointed straight at me. However slight of a possibility that one of the Schnack men could draw their weapons to subdue the threat was negligible; and none of them would likely react with the high probability that there was a high probability of serious injury or death.

Klemens slightly moistened his lips with the tip of his tongue. “I am intrigued by your rapid rise to power within the Third Reich. I must say though, I wonder what the reaction will be when Hitler has learned he has been betrayed. I am sure he will be shocked and heartbroken that his savior has been plotting against the Reich and the Führer!” The news of my heroics to save the Führer had been widely published; must to my dismay but there was nothing I could do to prevent the news from spreading.

I coughed without my hand over my mouth, as not to alarm an already distressed maniac. “What do you seek from ratting me out?” I had an idea what the egomaniac wanted, but wasn’t exactly certain.

Klemens sighed, clearly angered over the stupidity of my question. “Do you really think that a person of my allegiance and skill is satisfied with being just the mayor of Norddeich? Absolutely not! I seek, at a minimum to become the Gauleiter of Weser-Ems, at the maximum, perhaps a position with the intent of purifying the Reich of treasonous, weak and disrespectful scum like the current generations of the Schnack family.”

I nodded. I looked at my wife who for the most part given the current situation remained relatively calm while still standing behind Rhiley. I knew most of the accusations being thrown out were news to Christina and most of the family. Rhiley had ended his weeping, though the last tears continued down his boyish cheeks. Philipp, Sebastian, Adolf and Erick divided their attention between Klemens and me as we traded words. Christopher and Josef intently looked at Klemens. Alessandra and Heinrich looked into each others eyes with deep concern.

“Heinrich, help me ward up these traitors so we can go outside and deliver them.” I watched with great heartbreak as Heinrich, who I should have known as the son of the mayor, broke off the stare with my daughter after a long delay. I could sense that Alessandra was about to break out into an emotional wreck. She began crying as soon as Heinrich came to an upright position after pushing his chair out. For a brief moment the father and son stood side by side, Heinrich seemingly nobler looking and an inch or two taller than his father. I watched as he took five steps to his left and reached for his own holster.

He half-heartedly raised his own sidearm, finally leveling it off pointed towards the head of his target. “Father,” he said with a tremble in his voice at first before being interrupted.

“Yes?” was the rather berating response.

“Father, I cannot allow you to do this. You use to be an honorable man, until the war started. Once it started your truly colors began to be shown – you are no better than the very people Tristan is trying to protect us from. You are no better than the men who torment others for their own sadistic purposes. You father, are the traitor, not only to the German people, to your family, but to yourself.”

Klemens turned his head around to look directly at his son and saw that a weapon was pointed at him. The mayor began adjusting his weapon away from me and towards his son. “You cannot be serious! I am your father, and I deserve the respect and expect my orders to be followed!”

With his attention diverted from me, I began to pull out my own weapon. I had not intended to deal with Klemens in his manner. I simply thought by arriving in Norddeich I could somehow diplomatically resolve the situation by removing Josef from Norddeich to become the new commanding officer of the Reserve Army. However, the death of Klemens Schultheiss would impromptu, rather similar to that of Heinrich Himmler. A quick ironic thought passed my head before I began putting the required amount of pressure on the trigger – Rhiley.


 
Last edited:
:eek: Oh noes. Tell me the love he feels for Alessandra outweighs the love for Klemens
 
I see a wall painted in a new shade of red...
 
:eek: Oh noes. Tell me the love he feels for Alessandra outweighs the love for Klemens

That shall be revealed soon.

I see a wall painted in a new shade of red...

I think we all do, it is quite beyond a point of peaceful resolution.

The next installment "A Question of Honor" is prepared and you will not believe what happens! Let the temptation and urges continue to build.
 
I prefer bit by bit releases, easier for me to keep up with my schedule.

Looks like someone's going to die, or at least be gravely wounded. I guess it depends on how good Tristan's aim is. I don't know which one is preferable given the situation.
 
1 by 1 for me as well.
My guess: Tristan is going to injure Rhiley, making it look like he agrees with the mayor, thereby saving Alessandra's fiancé. after that, well, let's face it, he IS the head of both the Gestapo AND the SS. need I say more?
 
I prefer bit by bit releases, easier for me to keep up with my schedule.

Looks like someone's going to die, or at least be gravely wounded. I guess it depends on how good Tristan's aim is. I don't know which one is preferable given the situation.

Somebody dies. There is no doubt - in fact I know who it is (we all would hope the author knows who it is, hehe). I don't want to give too much of a hint, but focus on the last word of "The Final Meal". It simply mentions says: "Rhiley". Think of all the things Rhiley has endured - in both previously written and newer chapters.

1 by 1 for me as well.
My guess: Tristan is going to injure Rhiley, making it look like he agrees with the mayor, thereby saving Alessandra's fiancé. after that, well, let's face it, he IS the head of both the Gestapo AND the SS. need I say more?

We do know it mentions Rhiley and that he is somehow deeply involved in the situation. I doubt Tristan would shoot anybody but Klemens - Klemens clearly has another source besides the newspapers. Who, we don't know. When will we know? That's being developed. We shall see.
 
I hadnt read the Final Meal. Embarrassing

Edit: Cause you hadnt finished it when I read it :D
 
I hadnt read the Final Meal. Embarrassing

Edit: Cause you hadnt finished it when I read it :D

Technicality, I had finished it I just didn't copy paste it into the post! I almost went to bed and it was bugging me. Glad I checked when I did.
 
All good, it turned out as I hoped anyway. Depending on Rhiley...
 
Alptraum
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR


A Question of Honor


A loud cracking sound rang out from the barrel of a pistol. A second sound followed within mere blinks of an eye before a third shot followed quickly on the heels of its predecessor. Then a fourth and fifth shot. Klemens began to stumble forward towards his shooter before the weight of a sixth and seventh shot slammed into his chest pushing him further back. The shooter remained still, knowing his target was certainly beyond the chance to take another breath of air, but yet another shot in anger occurred. A notoriously vengeful ninth and final shot was fired in pure revenge. The mayor fell down against the hardwood floor of room and blood began to pool together quickly afterwards.

I had not fired the shots, though my finger rested on the trigger ready in case the unthinkable happened. I turned my eyes towards the direction of Heinrich and gave him an expression of gratitude; yet there were no indications that he had fired off nine devastating shots from his Luger. I had ruled out Adolf and Erick, as they remained seated and clearly did not have their weapons at the side or in hand. Philip and Sebastian began to give away the shooters identity as they were staring to their sides. Alessandra was the opposite; staring to make sure her fiancé Heinrich was in good condition. I know Christopher had not fired those shots, as Klemens was a man that had done him no personal wrong – Klemens was just a mere nuisance in the 1934 travesty. I could instantly rule out the women of the house, both had never learned to fire a gun; though I had tried to teach them an infinite amount of times.

My mind continued to calculate the situation wondering who else may have fired the fatal shots. I next heard the gun harmlessly smash into the wooden table. My brain took a second to register the sound before my eyes began to turn to the source of the disturbance. I saw the gun now resting on the table. I forced my eyes to move in a vertical direction, and saw that an arm was extended out, his right hand wide open; which had allowed the gun to fall out. His palm displayed the light marks on the skin that he had been holding onto the grip of the fallen weapon.

His hair was lighter than my dark blonde hair, his hair being shorter but flowing toward the crown of the skull. His eyes were more of his mothers, and at this moment I knew she would be proud. His father looked at him, looking proudly horrified at the action his offspring had taken. He had endured much before I had rescued him. He had witnessed death with me. He had been present when the movement began. He was there when I had put the plan into action. He had taken his own steps during that magnificent timeframe. He had now become an equal in the objectives I sought to accomplish.

“Rhiley, I am…are you alright?” I said changing the original thoughts of words into a more appropriate question.

His attention remained focused on Klemens, who did not show signs of movement. Everybody still remained in their relative positions; the only change being the weapons that had been drawn were now holstered. I waited patiently for Rhiley to response; which did not seem like it would happen. Seconds passed, with a total of at least fifteen seconds passing before Christina reached out with her hands placing them on Rhiley’s shoulders.

“Rhiley, we are here for you. You are okay,” she softly spoke as I strained to hear her words.

Still there was no response from Rhiley, and he continued to stare at the fallen mayor. “Son, please, please, speak to us,” said Josef as he grabbed Rhiley’s right forearm; which did not trigger an acknowledgement. I watched as Philip tried to get his cousin to speak, with his attempt followed by Sebastian who also failed in the endeavor.

I watched as Heinrich began to walk towards where his father had stood. He halted after placing himself directly in Rhiley’s vision and stared back at the unresponsive nephew. “Thank you. Thank you for what you have done. I cannot express the gratitude I have for the actions you carried out. You have redeemed yourself; I am still looking for mine. Thank you, Rhiley.”

Rhiley did not speak but he looked at the fallen mayor’s son and slightly nodded. His demons had been slain. He had found a way to overcome the torment of a countless days and nights. He had come to an accord with what it meant to be a man. Nobody else can quite tell another what it is to be a man, for everybody is different. Every person has their own unique journey to complete no matter the trials and errors that must be overcome. He had completed the journey on his own; sought advice when necessary and acted upon his own conscious.




 
Now is the time for explanations. And I don't think "I saw a fly and tried to kill him. Pity that the Mayor put himself in the way" is going to work :p
 
Now is the time for explanations. And I don't think "I saw a fly and tried to kill him. Pity that the Mayor put himself in the way" is going to work :p

That will be happening, probably after I get back from training. A new slew of characters will be introduced.
 
Alptraum
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR


Treason in the Family


Rhiley slowly pulled his right arm to his side and looked down at his feet before beginning to make the motions of sitting down. All of our eyes continued to watch Rhiley’s every movement; none of us spoke but rather waited for the inevitable words that would come from his mouth. He sat down and looked around the table, giving each of us that breathed a matter of seconds of a stare. He looked at me the longest; and I continued my stare at him. He next looked at his father, before returning to look at me. The shift of his eyes lasted for several rounds, before he ended up keeping his glare at me.

“The mob has over taken Germany. The mob means nothing to the Führer; who requests the obedience of a God; but I am a non-believer, I am the nightmare of his existence,” Rhiley spoke in a rapid but eloquent pace allowing the meaning of the words to be absorbed by the brain. “The tears of mothers and fathers must end; no more blood can be stained in the name of blasphemy; the lips of Bock von Babelsberg lie with gleeful joy; this must all be stopped.”

We sat speechless. I had never seen Rhiley express an equal or exceeding dislike for the state Germany found itself in. I cleared my throat and looked at Christina. “I have not been completely honest in my activities, I have formed a group of like-minded people of all backgrounds and the cause is worthy; it is in the best interest of the people and country. I am looking to slay the person we once lovingly called the Führer, the Savior and Lord of Germany.”

She looked back at me; there was no disgust, only a wide grin emitting happiness. “Tristan, I have always been able to see through your disguise and have had my suspicions long before tonight. Together we share the pain of the regime; together we shall succeed in bringing down the mansion of death.”

My eyes widened and my lips formed a smile. I had felt there was a necessity to keep my true objectives secret as long as possible. I was wrong to not make these objectives clear to those that I have loved and cared about. If I was discovered, my families name would be forever tarnished; and their lives destroyed with no chance to know the truth about my actions. “I love your support,” I said after seconds of silence.

“Brother, I may have not always supported your decisions and offered critique on what would best suit you. I do not know how far you have dug Rhiley and yourself, but I am here to lend my support without question.”

I looked over at Josef; which was not enough. I got up from the table and walked towards him and hugged him for ten seconds. “Your support means a lot to the both of us,” I began whispering into his ear, “Herr General.”

His eye brows perked up. “Herr General?”

I nodded in affirming way. “Yes brother, Germany finds itself in need of a new commander of the Reserve Army. I have been personally assigned by the Führer; who is unaware of my activities; to select the new commander. I believe you have the experience to fulfill this position. I need somebody who understands the political intricacies of the Reich; and that person brother is none other than you.”

His face said yes, there was no doubt he would accompany Rhiley and I back to Berlin. “I will,” he affirmed his decision three seconds after I spoke. The hug ended shortly afterwards and I returned to my chair, and stood behind it.

With my brother secure as an accomplice I turned to sons. “Philipp, Sebastian, are you with me?” I did not wait for their response. “Do not feel pressured to support me. I understand if you do not.”

“Father, I support you,” they both said in unison. Their mother and I both displayed a beaming smile at them. Now came the more difficult part, recruiting both Adolf and Erick; their father Christopher was of no concern as he was already aware of one of the reasons behind some of the actions I had taken.

“Adolf, Erick, there is something that your father and I have been meaning to tell you something about your mother.” I did not mean to put pressure on Christopher, but this was the only appropriate time to advise them.

Christopher turned his attention to his twin sons, who had their mothers hair, their mothers eyes, nose, lips, pretty much everything from their mother except the Y chromosome from their father. “Your mother did not die peacefully when you were ten years old,” he already began to tear up near the end of the sentence. “She was murdered by a thug within the SA, because she had protested in defense of one of her friends who was being taken away. She was a beautiful woman, and you both were only ten years old at her passing.”

They sat there, their faces showing signs of sadness at the heartbreaking news about the truth of their mother. “Your father and I were unsure of the exact person who carried out the murder of your mother until a month ago. We were meaning to bring this information to light sooner; however we could never find the right timing,” I said as Christopher was too choked up with emotion.

Erick and Adolf sat there, close to emotionless, but that was also a trait common within their mother. She would often display a lack or disinterest, but deep down the engine was always calculating and truly cared. “Who was it?” said Erick in a normal toned voice.

“None other than the Gauleiter Paul Wegener,” I responded in a tone close to that of Erick’s.

“We are in Uncle,” expressed Adolf in his mothers’ matter of fact way of showing her support.





 
Wow....more intrigue and plot twists galore. Just when I think I know what will happen (I have guessed a few things correctly) I am completely stunned by another surprise. Great job TekcoR...You should really think about writing this as a full blown alternative history book...It would be a great read!!

PS-I also vote for one installment at a time.....
 
That update gives a new meaning to "We're a family" :p
 
I just wanted to thank everybody for their support. Please click this link for more information about the hiatus for myself.