Showing Strength
Hansen residence, Athens - December 25, 2016, 5:00 PM
Alex, Diana, and Anders walked up to the door.
“Why don’t you ring the bell, Alex?” Anders said.
Alex rang the bell. Magda answered the door, as she always did.
“Hello!” she said, cheerfully hugging everyone. “You made it!”
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world, Auntie,” Anders said.
“Come on in,” Magda said, “Angie’s already here.”
They went inside. Erich and Bill were in the kitchen preparing roast beef and sharing war stories with each other. Other relatives lounged in the living room while waiting for dinner. Alex’s aunt Angela was in the corner, talking with a young woman who resembled her. That was his older cousin, Alexandra, the one his parents always talked so fondly about. He hadn’t seen her much since she rejoined the family a few months ago.
“Angie!” Anders said, approaching them first.
Angela looked up and smiled.
“Anders,” she said, “Di!”
She got up and hugged them.
“So good to see you again,” Angela said, “How’s the new job treating you?”
“It’s great,” Anders said, “I love it.”
“Might be getting a new one soon,” Diana said, “Looks like Brad’s going to win. You?”
“Things are great at the hospital,” Angela said, “Got promoted again, same as you. And I have plenty of time to write that book with Amina.”
“If only Olga were here to join us,” Diana said, “Then we’d have a full reunion.”
“Unfortunately, she’s busy with her new job,” Angela said, “Though she sends her regards. Got me a Kolyada card, as she usually does.”
"Yeah, same here with us," Diana said.
While his parents talked, Alex walked over to Alexandra.
“Hey, Alexandra,” he said.
“Nice to see you, Alex,” Alexandra said. “How are you doing?”
“Not as well as I hoped,” Alex said, “But you know, it’s middle school. Bullies, grades, sports, the full experience. No awkward dates though.”
“I remember those days,” Alexandra said, "Magnus, you..."
“How's physics going?” Alex said.
“This major is grueling,” Alexandra said, “I really wish I could do something cool, like discover a new element or something, but that’s far in the future.”
“I wish I was like you,” Alex said, “You seem to have everything under control. Meanwhile I barely have time to work on what I like.”
“Alex, you don’t have the full picture,” Alexandra said, “When you’re in the same place as I am, you’ll understand.”
“But I am,” Alex said, “I think I’m doing something wrong. I’m always bullied, my friends abandoned me, and my grades are slipping. You’re successful. You made it.”
“I hardly made it,” Alexandra said, “I’m still in grad school. I’m not as successful as you think. But you want advice? To put it bluntly, if your friends abandoned you, they were never your friends to begin with. Make new friends. And you have to stand up to the bullies. Don't be passive. The only thing they will recognize is strength.”
"I see," Alex said, "Maybe I'll try that."
"I promise you, things will get better eventually," Alexandra said, "They always will."
"You think?" Alex said.
"Of course," Alexandra said, "All this will pass eventually. Someday, you'll look back on these days as a memory and nothing more."
Alex laughed. "What a nice thought. A memory, and nothing more..."
“Dinner’s ready!” Erich said.
“Steak’s perfectly cooked!” Bill added.
“Look, let’s talk more after dinner,” Alexandra said, "Maybe you could show me what you've been working on."
“Sure,” Alex said, "I'd love to share that."
Brandenburg Palace - December 9, 2016
Heinrich walked into the situation room in a hurry, his hat in his hands. The other generals and admirals were already at the table, watching a computer map and several live news feeds with Chinese script. Conference calls represented other commanders.
“I came here as fast as I could,” he said, “What’s happening?”
“Tawantinsuyu,” General Ermolli said, “Everything’s on fire.”
“When is it not?” Megas Droungarios Halderman said.
“I need more details,” Heinrich said.
“The country has split into at least four factions, possibly more,” General Steuben said, “Some neo-equalist, some Paulluist, and quite a few MSC cells. We’re still receiving information, but it’s slow. Internet’s down. Our consulates were evacuated after Cusco descended into chaos. The government is...basically gone. Nobody knows where the Sapa Inca is or if he’s still alive. We think he’s holed up in Vilcabamba but we’re not sure.”
“How badly did they frak up?” Heinrich said.
“Quite a lot, I gather,” Ermolli said.
“What’s our response?” Heinrich said.
“Neurhomania is already reporting an increase in border crossings,” General Haner said, “MSC is ramping up operations in the Caribbean and South Eimerica. We’re going to ramp up counterterrorism efforts and border security.”
“Why are we Kaiserliche Marine people even here?” Halderman said. “This sounds like a Heer problem if it is a military one.”
“Megas Droungarious, you’re on the General Staff,” Heinrich said, “This is a meeting of the General Staff. Unless you’d like to relinquish your post. Haner, further recommendations?”
“Tawantinsuyu has to be stabilized,” Haner said, “Look at what happened to Mayapan. And besides that, its collapse means every nation in the Eimericas, us included, is at risk of suffering further instability. Even Neurhomania can’t handle a refugee influx that large. They’re shutting the border and increasing surveillance of Nahua majority communities. An overreaction from the KRA, I know, but still. The Eimerican Community remains our best chance at stabilizing the two continents, and if it is to survive, we need immediate intervention. Also, we have to expand counterterrorism efforts in Fusang and the UPM. Especially the UPM. Panama City’s being evacuated as we speak. We've got to show strength.”
“Well, moving on to better news,” Steuben said, “Our negotiation with the moderate militias was successful and is holding. They’ve agreed to help the government against MSC in exchange for more political representation. The loss of Prince Horst was a tragedy, but it hasn’t stopped the peacekeeping effort. And it seems to have strengthened the movements for further integration in both the Eimericas and Southeast Asia.”
“And not a moment too soon,” Heinrich said, “By the way, where is His Majesty?”
“He couldn’t make it,” Ermolli said, “Another medical checkup.”
“Then who are we waiting for?” Heinrich said.
The door slammed open, and Wilhelm Karl walked in.
“I’m sorry, but he insisted,” Halderman said.
“I apologize for being late,” Wilhelm Karl said, his voice calm but disappointed, “I see you started the briefing without me.”
“Yes, Your Highness, I was just updating my fellow commanders on—” Heinrich said.
Wilhelm Karl sighed with frustration and glared at Heinrich, who gulped and immediately shut up. He had heard rumors of the prince's intimidating glare, but to be on the receiving end of it was something else. He could feel his resolve crumbling. The other commanders around him looked like they felt the same. These were men he had served with for decades. They'd seen battle in places like Siam, Fusang, Russia, and Mexico, but nothing could prepare them for the tense quietness of the man who would be their next commander-in-chief.
“I apologize for not making myself clear,” Wilhelm Karl said, “It is customary to not start the briefing until the Kaiser or his representative has arrived, yes? Because it is the Kaiser who will ultimately be making the final decision as a result of this briefing?”
“Yes, yes, Your...Your Highness,” Heinrich stammered.
“Then why did you start the briefing before I arrived?” Wilhelm Karl said.
“Because I—” Heinrich said.
“Was hasty and undisciplined,” Wilhelm Karl said, “Are you aware of something called the chain of command?”
“Yes, but—” Heinrich said.
“Then you know it is important that we have discipline and deference in our armed forces,” Wilhelm Karl said, “Or else we do not have a country. To have discipline is to have strength, and should we deviate from that, we will fall apart, and these terrorists will destroy us. They only listen to strength, and we must show them we are strong not only in firepower, but also in will.”
“I understand, Your Highness,” Heinrich said.
“I do not want to see such behavior again,” Wilhelm Karl said, “I will interpret a future offense as dereliction of duty…or worse.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Heinrich said, “My deepest apologies.”
“Good,” Wilhelm Karl said, “Now that we’re all on the same page, please, begin the briefing.”
Heinrich cursed silently. He had a lot of work ahead of him...
Outside Tenochtitlan - February 10, 2017, 0800 hours
The convoy raced as fast as it could down the desert road. Boris looked out the window of his car and followed the lines of tanks and armored transports back to the horizon. He didn’t expect the retreat to happen so suddenly. After Pima and Gull Rock, it looked like the MSC was on its last legs, and they would soon have Zolin in custody. But he miscalculated the strength of the group’s Fusang branch. They’d descended from the mountains and their hideouts in the Great Basin and pushed into the coastal heartland. Zhumasi was only the beginning of the terror. Now they were drawing even closer to Jinshan and had reinforced the Mexican branch.
“This is a frakking disaster,” Boris muttered, “Goddamnit.”
“Hey, look on the bright side, we’re close to liberating Aztlan,” Gebhard said, “We still hold Pima.”
“What good are Pima and Aztlan going to do when we’re about to lose the core?” Boris said.
“We’re not going to lose the core,” Ollin said, “I’ve got my best troops there.”
“Remember what happened the last time you had your best troops somewhere?” Boris said.
“We don’t talk about that,” Ollin said, “Why don’t we talk about the Nuer insurgency? The one you ignored until now?”
“I’m not in charge into goddamn African military affairs!” Boris said.
“Enough!” Gebhard said. “Stop arguing!”
The two men shut up.
“Now, when we get back to Tenochtitlan, we’re going to analyze these two continents of complete clusterfrak, and afterward we’re going to work out a plan to kill these motherfrakking terrorists and restore…” Gebhard said.
His phone rang. He picked it up.
“I’m in the middle of something here, make it quick,” he said.
He listened for a few seconds.
“I see,” he said, “Good to know. Keep me posted.”
He hung up and pounded his armrest.
“Somebody turn this convoy around and get us to safety!” he shouted. "Tenochtitlan is in danger!"
Outside Parral - February 16, 2017, 1000 hours
A dart thudded into the side of the target board.
“7,” a soldier read.
Another man pumped his fists. “Woo!”
Kurt patted him on the back. “Great job.”
He picked up a dart. He took a deep breath and threw the dart as precisely as he could.
“4,” the soldier said.
The crowd groaned in disappointment.
“Next time, Moreau.”
“So close…”
“Almost had it there, man.”
Kurt smiled and walked away, letting another guy try his luck. As he picked up a light beer, he noticed Gustav sitting nearby. He was the only person in the room not wearing fatigues. Gustav noticed him and waved. Kurt sat next to him.
“Hey, Gustav,” he said, “What are you doing here?”
“Argus business,” Gustav said.
“So you took the offer,” Kurt said.
“I mean, after I sold Swords to Ploughshares to the Shepherds’ Brotherhood, they hooked me up with this gig,” Gustav said, “Pays a lot more. Great benefits too.”
“What’s Argus doing here?” Kurt said.
“Well, you know, the new push into western Mexico and the divide and conquer scheme needs more manpower than we have,” Gustav said, “Since Merkel vetoed the troop surge, the Diet instead contracted us.”
“Must be exciting to get back in the field, after all these years,” Kurt said.
“I was about to say the same to you,” Gustav said.
“I’m still military,” Kurt said, “You went private. After our stint on the campaign trail.”
“Well, I can send in a referral in case you want a change in career,” Gustav said.
“I’ll think about it,” Kurt said, “How long are you with us?”
“As long as it takes to take this city,” Gustav said, “Then we move up to Fusang.”
“Great,” Kurt said, shaking his hand, “I’ll see you around.”
Gull Rock - February 27, 2017
Thordarsson's people sent a Shawnee, Cutsagabe Sun Fish. Everyone called him Sun Fish because nobody knew how to pronounce Cutsagabe properly. Gebhard didn’t know why Thordarsson chose Sun Fish. That guy didn’t have a particularly good record of fighting insurgents in his home. There were rumors he had led a particularly brutal militia during the Eimerican Wars of the 90s, and even Atoc Sopa Atoc feared him.
“Progress is slow,” Sun Fish said, “We’ve retaken about 40% of the city. But they’ve rigged most of the streets and houses with IEDs. We’ve taken heavy casualties. It’ll take us a while.”
“Keep at it, General,” Gebhard said, “Though I'd advise you try to...take a different approach. We're receiving some...complaints from the locals.”
"Calm down, Remmele," Sun Fish said, "I have the situation under control. Meanwhile, I hear your Fusang campaign’s bogged down.”
“Actually, Hongzhou finally passed the amnesty plan,” Gebhard said, “Lay down their arms, come out of the mountains and deserts, and surrender, and minor offenders will be rehabilitated. Took a page out of Prince Horst's plan. Really popular.”
“Not among the Fusangren, I imagine,” Sun Fish said.
“Oh, there are riots in Hongzhou,” Gebhard said, “But at least I don’t have to send several divisions up to the mountains where they’ll most definitely die. My troops will reinforce yours here soon.”
“What about those who didn’t take the deal?” Sun Fish said.
“We’ll give them another one,” Gebhard said, “But Ollin won’t be as lenient. He's been on a vengeful streak lately. Kind of reminds me of you.”
"Of course he is," Sun Fish said, "The man got humiliated by one of his old officers. He wants revenge against Zolin. I sympathize with that. Got to show strength and stay in control."
Gebhard didn't want to know what Sun Fish's definition of showing strength or staying in control was.
Parral - March 18, 2017
Kurt crept through the Mexica temple, his gun at the ready. His squad fanned out behind him, taking up positions behind pillars, fences, and furniture. He heard Nahuatl liturgical chants coming from the doorway at the end of the hallway. Some of them sounded heavily accented, as if Nahuatl wasn’t their native language. He didn’t care about it. They were all terrorists. They all would die equally at his hand.
He primed a flashbang and tossed it through the doorway. It detonated, its flash blinding everyone in the room, who collapsed and screamed. Kurt looked at his men, who emerged from their hiding places and charged with him inside the room.
“Hoch!” Kurt shouted, opening fire.
The terrorists fell, their blood splattering against the far wall even as the glare from the flashbang continued hanging in the air, still not fading as the first bodies thudded to the floor. Kurt tuned out the gunfire, both from his own gun and those of his squad, because it wasn’t important. He didn’t notice the shell casings piling up around his feet until he was done shooting and the terrorists were all on the floor. One was still alive, a Roman. Gemischt, from the skin tone. He was desperately crawling away, leaving behind a trail of blood. Kurt walked over and firmly put his boot down on the terrorist’s panicked head before pressing the barrel of his gun to his back.
“Don’t move, terrorist,” he said, “You’re now a prisoner of the Reich.”
“Your prisons don’t scare me,” the terrorist said.
“Where have I heard your voice before?” Kurt said.
“Hey, that guy looks familiar,” one of his soldiers said.
“Isn’t that…Werner Hainisch?” another soldier said. “The executioner?”
Kurt looked closely at the terrorist’s face.
“You’re right,” he said, “It’s Werner Hainisch. Even better.”
Gull Rock - May 5, 2017
“So,” Gebhard said, “Status report?”
“We’re not doing too hot here,” Sun Fish said, “Casualties have reached almost sixty thousand. Reinforcements aren’t doing any better. But we should have the city within a week.”
“Sixty thousand?!” Gebhard said. “What the frak did you do?!”
“I have Werner Hainisch in captivity,” Sun Fish said.
“THE Werner Hainisch?” Gebhard said.
“Yeah,” Sun Fish said, “Certainly better than what you’ve done, General.”
“Excuse me?!” Gebhard said. “I cut MSC in half, Bradziunas and I! Ollin just liberated Aztlan! We've saved Fusang! Meanwhile, you exchanged almost sixty thousand casualties for a single high profile terrorist! Do you have any idea how this is going to play with the civilian media?”
“Well, that’s your problem, because it’s your troops,” Sun Fish said, “I’m just going to retire to the Shawnee mountains.”
“Well, consider your retirement starting now, because you’re fired,” Gebhard said, "Thordarsson himself regrets appointing you."
So much for a feared militia leader.
---
I think this is where the "glitch" with the improperly written MSC event happened. The event to spawn MSC provinces accidentally fired again for Fusang. I'm not sure since I think I skipped over those screenshots in the chapter.
