The Sosaldtian mercenaries, thugs under the command of one Kommissar Vanberg, had been terrorizing a small rural village called Ottiskarb, a large portion of their intimidation coming from their possession of a flame spewing assault tank- a tank that, now that the battle was over, was discovered to be a remote-controlled piece of strange equipment you’d never seen the likes of before, though from how the commander of the infantry platoon you’d set out with described it, it would have been uncommon but still decently known in Ellowie. You had succeeded in guessing its nature somehow, and shot up its controllers. The tank was unharmed even at the end of the battle, when the rest of the mercenaries were defeated.

That hardly mattered, though. The risk of capturing the vehicle was too great to risk doing so, but it also couldn’t be allowed to return to service. Thusly, the connectors of the flammable substance it normally would have shot out of its throwers were unlinked, letting the tank fill with sticky liquid incendiary, before being set alight. The thick black smoke of the tank burning would be visible for far around; it was good that Captain Kelwin, nominal commander of the formation you were more in charge of when it came down to it, had found some dazed survivors of the ambush and injected them with the fiction you had drafted for this ambush. That the Kommissar Captain Zohl had decided to take the village under his own “protection” and that Kommissar Vanberg’s thugs were no longer welcome here with their brand of banditry. Would that you have been able to say such yourself, but your accent was inappropriate for the role to be played- being of the capital region of the Archduchy rather than of Netilland.

The brigands turned mercenaries were sent shambling back, leaving their dead and their weapons in the dirt as their tank burned like a volcano, bright and tall. The heat from it was such that it burned the face even from the woods. Captain Kelwin and Lieutenant Wielzci both urged you to leave at least because of such, and you agreed- this operation was as good as complete.
Though…you didn’t know if you should return to Ottiskarb or not to share that you destroyed your enemy. Perhaps it was better for those villagers to simply think that they had fallen into another Kommissar’s lap, hopefully a gentler one. Though then, you would find it hard to capitalize on doing them a favor…it would depend on whether their appreciation would prove a risk or not in the long run.

>You’d done quite enough to ease tensions in the rural countryside; you could exploit what you’d done more locally rather than spread rumors rather far from your zone of control.
>Go back to the village and share news your victory, and the liberation of them from the mercenaries- even if you hadn’t taken any casualties, this effort surely demanded direct reward of SOME sort…
>Go back to the village- but send the rest of your men home. Any talk of this should be among as few people as possible, even if it meant any appreciation would likely be in the form of hints or information…if the villagers were so inclined to share it, which they might not be….
>Other?

Past Threads are collected here: https://pastebin.com/UagT0hnh
Twitter for announcements and various horseshit is @scheissfunker

>>3485121
>You’d done quite enough to ease tensions in the rural countryside; you could exploit what you’d done more locally rather than spread rumors rather far from your zone of control.
First for ravaging Maddalyn's mouth-cunny!

>>3485121
>>Go back to the village and share news your victory, and the liberation of them from the mercenaries- even if you hadn’t taken any casualties, this effort surely demanded direct reward of SOME sort…

>>3485121
>>You’d done quite enough to ease tensions in the rural countryside; you could exploit what you’d done more locally rather than spread rumors rather far from your zone of control.
Loot all the guns before we leave though, new stuff is appreciated thank you very much.

>>3485121
>>You’d done quite enough to ease tensions in the rural countryside; you could exploit what you’d done more locally rather than spread rumors rather far from your zone of control.
Depending on how aggressive the follow up investigation might be maybe these guys not really knowing much is for the best. Also looting their stuff like >>3485363 said.

>>3485121
>>You’d done quite enough to ease tensions in the rural countryside; you could exploit what you’d done more locally rather than spread rumors rather far from your zone of control.
Hopefully the villagers wont talk about us dropping by beforehand.

>>3485121
>>You’d done quite enough to ease tensions in the rural countryside; you could exploit what you’d done more locally rather than spread rumors rather far from your zone of control.

Just a start, up the tension in Netilland, give the Ellowians more room to work with and weaken "enemy" support.

We could use this later for Ellowian insurgents even if it would be hard to prove.

>Other?
Chew the fat with the Captain, how's he feeling about his first taste of combat with us? How...loyal is he feeling right now?

>>3485121

>You’d done quite enough to ease tensions in the rural countryside; you could exploit what you’d done more locally rather than spread rumors rather far from your zone of control.

>>3485121
>>You’d done quite enough to ease tensions in the rural countryside; you could exploit what you’d done more locally rather than spread rumors rather far from your zone of control.
Any villages in our sector where we can exploit this piece of good news?

Morning.

>>3485302
Go back and share the good news.

>>3485167
>>3485421
>>3485708
Get back to base and
>>3485363
>>3485375
Steal some equipment, because why not? And
>>3485452
Talk with Kelwin.

>>3485712
>Any villages in our sector where we can exploit this piece of good news?

There's villages all over the place- those in your specific area of influence certainly don't get pillaged by anybody, though you do have ways of leaking rumors, yes, if you want to be more subtle about it.

Writing.

Your mischief had been quite enough to ease tensions in the rural countryside for now, you figured- scuffling between Kommissars would like not involve the civilian populace as much as claiming to be insurgents would have. It wouldn’t do you any good to parade your victory about here though, you concluded, if an aggressive investigation were to be made soon. Best to keep your accolades close to home, where you would best reap the benefits anyways.

As the tower of flame over the dispatched enemy tank began to reduce to a smolder, the steel so hot that rivets creaked and popped, you elected to have Lieutenant Wielzci gather up what arms he could from the enemy. They were a decent enough catch to take advantage of- all new weapons, all rather decent quality. Hardly anything to complain about other than that they weren’t quite enough to properly outfit a platoon.

>New Weapons x1 loot procured. Can be used to half the RP cost of New Model Machine Guns and Stormtrooper Spec squad platoon upgrade.

There was little else to be gained from lingering, so you had the platoon start marching back, along with utilizing the last of the company group’s fuel to have the tank driven back to base. With combat being an unlikely prospect for such a large group moving around, you felt safe walking with Captain Kelwin while your crew handled the X-51 on the way back. You still shivered from the cold- you’d been without a shirt or jacket the whole day since setting out, for the supposed benefit of Emma, the spritely will-o-wisp that had finally pushed you to carry out her demands, but she had selected a favorite half-nude man, and your torso clothing had been mysteriously “lost.” A fair prank from your crew, you supposed, but damn was it cold out to be in a state of dress as this…

What a sight you would have looked to any passersby, a Strossvald-colors painted tank from Valsten with a platoon of Ellowians (the disguised group had shed their borrowed uniforms), a Netillian officer, and you, some bare chested nutcase in a scarf and cap and goggles.

Captain Raley Kelwin himself was about your age, perhaps younger, and seemed somewhat meek- a bit shorter than you, slimmer, generally unintimidating in build with a soft, boyish face and eyes that ever seemed a bit much wide open. His lacking confidence and mild manners were not particularly suited for the combination of his youth and his rank, as he probably knew, and more likely still took no pleasure in reflecting upon. Anya had described him as a “puppy;” when you asked what breed she said she didn’t know a damn thing about that. He had a habit of asking questions he already knew the answer to- thinking not to presume. You were about to ask him a few odd questions, yourself, that you hoped you both already knew.

“So,” you asked, “How was your first taste of combat?”

“I’m glad I didn’t get shot, I guess.” Kelwin shrugged, “I guess I dunno if that was a fair look at it. It didn’t last long enough to be scared of; I barely had time to adjust to that guns were firing before it was all over. I s’pose you’d think people dying’d be a new thing, but,” Kelwin grunted in a discomforted hum, “Berkesseburg’s had plenty of rough spots I grew up around.” He looked back at you as you walked along, the X-51’s remarkably quiet engine scratching and winding like a colossal phonograph behind and to the flank as tread slowly disheveled the dirt road. “How about you? How was your first battle?”

“Had a bad stop on a train right out of the academy,” you told Kelwin, “Had to take my tank off the train and roll out with but my crew and a couple train constables. I met my fiancée right after.”

“Oh.” Kelwin furrowed his brow, like your story was fanciful, but he didn’t accuse such. “Is your fiancée Sergeant Nowicki?”

It was your turn to knit your brow with a funny look to give Kelwin. “No. She is my retinue.” Anything between you beyond that was unnecessary for Captain Kelwin to know at this juncture.

“Is that like a bodyguard mixed with a servant, or a maid?”

The thought of Anya dressed as a maid made you smirk. “Close enough. Except with a machine pistol.”

To call a Retinue a mere maid without jesting would be to besmirch the women of your esteemed family, though, as well as their brave deaths on the battlefield. Many of them had been Retinue, and thus personal retainers rather than properly in any army, thus sidestepping military laws about females serving in the line. Much as you would have liked to go into detail, it would probably just confuse Kelwin without proper context, and establishing that would leave no time for what you truly wanted to ask of him.

“It would have been nice to meet my future fiancée here,” Kelwin lamented, “I guess that would have been pretty wild, but it would be a nice story. What are the odds of that, meeting the woman you’ll marry in your first battle?”

“Well, we were engaged already. Our marriage is arranged.”

“Oh.” Kelwin’s fantastical interpretation of events became more grounded. “Guess that changes it up, huh.”

“Indeed.” You changed the subject. “So, this mission. Who we fought, why we fought them, what I had you tell them. How does it make you feel?”

“…What do you mean?” Captain Kelwin asked uncertainly, “They were breaking occupation law. The Ellowians are subjects of the High Protector Wladysaw XI, and none have authority to collect from them save for his officials under the Military Council. To collect tribute and pillage is a breach of conduct, and as mercenaries, we couldn’t just file an official objection, could we?”

You smiled at him. “Come now. You and I both know that isn’t what I’m asking about.”

Kelwin’s discomfort led him to look blankly ahead. “I am a member of the Defense Party. I know something of politics, and how it can distort motives, how enough clout can let a person with enough of it shrug off law and tradition like a wet jacket. This sort of thing is hardly unusual, I know. There’s not much we can do about it. You stay in your lane, and try not to mess with people with power. So I suppose,” he frowned and sighed sadly, “I dunno if you’re doing something that’ll be too smart of a decision. You seem like you know what you’re doing better than I would, though. I’ll admit that, I’ve had a pretty nice situation land in my lap. Captain at twenty one. That’s real good, considering what I’ve come from. I don’t want to lose that, you know? I don’t want anything to happen to my family either. I’m a member of the ruling Party…well, the only party allowed to rule. I know what’s risked if I do something that makes the wrong people mad.”

“Would you say that’s the same all around?” you asked, “So that this occupation law continues to be flaunted?”

“…You have to understand, Coordinator,” Captain Kelwin said defensively, “These are Ellowians. I know us and Strossvald have had bad blood in the past, but it doesn’t run as deep as this. If you meet a family in Netilland, there’s a son or brother or father who was killed fighting Ellowie. My grandfather and uncle both died in wars against Ellowie. They were our worst enemy, and finally, we won. I don’t really hate people…but I can understand why other people would. I can understand how, after all this time and death, people are more willing to look the other way. I don’t think it’s right, but…I don’t know. I feel like you can’t just tell people to not do it either. I think the Military Council’s led Netilland in a brighter new direction than the old government. We’ve finally won against Ellowie. We’re getting land in Sosaldt, we got land back from Rourmark. I’m proud of what I am, and that the sacrifices of my family and others are paying off. Of course I think it’s a good thing we’re winning, you know?”

>Is it really winning if your people become savages under a merciless tyranny in the process? I know people who would say that in your victory, your country and people have lost more than they gained.
>I suppose that is fair. I have never questioned a victory by my own people, either.
>But you’re not winning. Twaryi had to fight the Ellowians too, and soon enough, I’ll bet they’ll fight you. So if all this is due to winning, what happens when the illusion of victory falls and all you’re left with is a legacy of brutal occupation and exploitation? Doesn’t that make you feel ashamed?
>I’ll take your word for it that everything’s better. I certainly hope it’ll turn out better for the Ellowians in time, don’t you, if you don’t hate them?
>Other?
Also,
>Ask/Speak with Kelwin about anything else on your way back?

>>3486023

>But your victory isn’t total, and it never will be. Twaryi had to fight the Ellowians too, and soon enough, I’ll bet they’ll fight you. If you win there, so will come the next war after that, and the next after that.... Netilland will eventually lose, and what then? All you’re left with is a legacy of brutal occupation and exploitation? Doesn’t that make you feel ashamed?

>>3486023
>Other
"You may be winning now, but you'd better hope that Netilland never lose then Captain. As they say, do unto others what you wish to be done to you."

>>3486023
>>3486040
>>3486087
I'd say a mix of both; basically not only will it look morally bad in hindsight, also if they ever lose they should expect their neighbours to show the same amount of mercy and treatment as they did.

>>3486102
Supporting

>>3486102
+1

>>3486102
Works for me
>Ask/Speak with Kelwin about anything else on your way back?
Maybe just mention that while we're trying to help the civilians as much as we can, ultimately we are here to protect and train Netilland. wink

>>3486040
muh honor
>>3486087
Just desserts are approaching

>>3486102
>>3486220
>>3486229
Both! One supports the other.

>>3486251
And mention to the young Captain that you're just juggling your good intentions. Right?

Right.

Writing.

“You might be winning now,” you observed lightly, “but Twaryi helped on this win, did they not? What happens when you stop winning, and you have to look back on what’s happening now? What happens when the Netillians are unable to resist the will of an enemy, and the new lord atop the pile looks back in time and sees what manner of gracious victors your people were? I’d only expect tragedy ahead, unless Netilland’s triumphs never cease…and one day they will. When that day comes, everybody’ll remember, as is said, do unto others what you wish to be done to you.”

Kelwin straightened his cap furtively; as a captain, his was a different design than that of the lower officers an NCOs, who bore field caps that were rather plain and lacking in a bill. “Well, sure, but…I mean, nobody thinks we’ll lose. We’re stronger than ever. Ellowie was the most difficult enemy, and they’ve been overcome. If you asked anybody in the company…well, save for the Ellowians I mean, but…anyways, if you asked anybody in the company, let alone the army, how they felt? They would say they could take on Alexander, I bet. Especially with that raid you led out where you beat a bunch of Twaryians. They’d say let the Twaryians come, so we can beat them too, along with anybody else, even the Archduchy!...Sorry. I mean, it’s still pretty recent that we’re…whatever we are.”

“No offense is taken.” Though by your opinion, Strossvald could kick Netilland’s arse still. “After all, Strossvald’s mission is to aid in Netilland’s defense by helping train their armies. Even if one could say this new friendship is solely to stop the eastern menace, we certainly only benefit from one another’s growth.” How true that was remained to be seen; particularly your personal effect on such. After all, it wasn’t long ago that the eastern menace was Netilland, not Twaryi and Caelus. The current teetering balance was potentially a disaster for the Archduchy, as the powerful barrier of Ellowie had both drawn away Netilland’s focus and halted Caelussian influence into the continent.

“I want to say that there’s enough people doing their best, besides the bad actors, though…” Kelwin stuck on the previous subject, “I mean, the Military Council isn’t just grinding the Ellowians into the dirt. They set up their King, Wladysaw XI, who-“

A nearby Ellowian trooper spat on the ground loudly upon hearing that name and King together. “King o’ Shitweasels!” he proclaimed.

“King of the Shitweasels!” a few others spoke up in echo.

Kelwin frowned sadly and looked down. “…Well, I know we’re trying. Us, at least. Well, you. I haven’t really done much.” He looked thoughtful, then snapped his fingers, “Ah. Speaking of the King. High Protector, whatever you prefer. I’d think Strossvald would prefer the noble title, but…anyways. I was intending to tell you when we got back, but since we’re talking now, I got really interesting news. You know the Social at Kamienisty? The Railhead? You’re invited to it, yes?”

“Yes.” You nodded to him, “I am. Are you? I suppose you’ve shown up too soon to be on any lists to send to, I’ve heard captains and upwards were generally invited. If you request an invitation you should get one.”

“Oh, no, no,” Kelwin laughed nervously and waved his hands in front of him, “I don’t have anybody to escort me anyways.”

“That hardly matters. I’ve heard that appearing unescorted attracts attention from interested parties.”

Kelwin chuckled nervously again. “No, I mean, that’s not…I’d rather not have that. I’m high ranking and signaling that I’m single, I know what the sorts who search for mates at such gatherings are looking for. Call me a dreamer, but I’d rather not try and draw in gold diggers.”

You didn’t know if it was necessarily true that every single lady who would appear at an event was solely interested in latching on to people with money and status, but you really couldn’t deny such either…you merely shrugged.

“Anyways,” Kelwin caught his feet again, “King Wladysaw’s going to be at that party. It was just announced…waited until a few days before it would happen to spark some excitement, I guess.”

>What an event that’ll be. Are you sure you don’t want to come? Just to experience the storm of eligible young women, if not the wine and hors d’oeuvres?
>Sounds like an opportunity. You can bet I’ll be speaking with him, even if maybe he’s more High Protector than any king…
>Oh, God Damnit.
>Other?

Broke up update due to distractions and delays; didn't want to delay much longer, seemed appropriate here.

>>3486657
>>What an event that’ll be. Are you sure you don’t want to come? Just to experience the storm of eligible young women, if not the wine and hors d’oeuvres?
>>Sounds like an opportunity. You can bet I’ll be speaking with him, even if maybe he’s more High Protector than any king…
And inside:
>Oh, God Damnit.
Time to go talk with our other officers when we return to HQ

>>3486672
Supporting this.

>>3486672
supporting

>>3486672
This is good

Game is over. Update time now.

>>3486672
>>3486701
>>3486839
>>3486918
There'll be girls and good, and social connections!
...also the King, who has instantly skyrocketed the threat to your event. Fantastic.

Writing.

Sorry it's taking a while, I'll have this out soon.
I debated with myself if anybody cares enough about this nerd for him to have a picture.

>>3487762
It's okay, your pace has been really good today!

File: tcqscene144.png (250 KB, 597x800)

250 KB PNG

Your mouth twitched, and you had to force it into perhaps too wide a smile to keep it from tightening into a deep frown. “What an event that’ll be. The King, imagine. Are you sure you don’t want to come? For the prestige, the opportunity, the storm of eligible young women, and if for nothing else, the wine and hors d’oeuvres?” God damnit. Judge above cast me down to the darkness but not before Wladysaw XI. Damn it all to hell. You’d definitely have to talk this over with your other officers.

Captain Kelwin still seemed apprehensive, his eyes shadowed under his shako. “Are you sure it’ll be all that? I’d rather enjoy myself at a party, after all, and I still hardly know anybody from around here. Maybe if I could hang around with you? I’ve gotten to know Abetz and Kristoph, but lower ranking officers won’t be allowed in, I’m sure, so…you know, no reason we can’t be friends as well as comrades, right?”

“Friends? Huh?” that prompted a frown, and you peered sideways at him. “Sure, why not.” To be honest, you were still distracted with considering this new, awful development. Hopefully he didn’t think you were too coarse.

Thankfully, Kelwin seemed relieved. “Oh, good. I was concerned that our loyalties to nations might form a point of rivalry, but I’m glad that that’s not the case. It’s better this way, after all. For people to work together, and in a friendly manner. Were it that Wielzci could reconcile such, but, I guess the wounds are still too fresh on his mind, even after a month.”

Of all the people that could show up to this gathering. The High Protector, who by all means, was one of the highest people on the shit list for insurgents, from what you’d heard and could conclude from history. A crony of the Netillians, a relic of a dead and gladly discarded age, a pompous fool who thought the world of himself…there was absolutely no doubt that insurgents would be spurred to act by this news. That they would even come from other sectors to meddle and prepare in this one. Judge above, what if they stayed after, regardless of what mess would or wouldn’t happen? In spite of being topless on a winter day, you felt sweat on your brow from the possibilities…you would have to at least check with Maenesko to see that your efforts weren’t going to waste.

“I haven’t been to a party like this,” Kelwin continued on, “If I’m not cast out into the water without a plank to cling to, it’s frightening, but if I have a refuge and a place to step from to learn, all of a sudden, it is rather exciting. Wine and…what did you say? Or Derves? I suppose that’s food, but with an Emrean name, I can only imagine that it’s refined. I’ve hardly had wine, even. I wonder…”

Worse still, Anya would be at this social, as would you. Also Kelwin. What self-respecting insurgent could pass it up? If the Twaryians wanted to cause mischief, they certainly would be able to dump support into some group of crazies or prisoners, wouldn’t they? The bunch you had apprehended had had a crate of explosives; enough to cause a crazy amount of damage if deployed right. If security was too light, if the insurgents were too clever, even just a bunch of hooligans with guns could cause untold damage, to say nothing of the repercussion. Of the retaliation demanded. Perhaps you thought of sowing discord, but…what would you do? Would exploiting this be too quick, or would it be just right? It was awful to think of, but nothing would mess things up like this, and your directives had been to watch and wait for opportunity…then, the Major had also said to decide along your own priorities, to make your own decisions, so…yet, the danger to those close to you…

“I’m pretty uncomfortable with the concept of being swarmed, though. I don’t have much experience with women, I hate to say, unless you count my mother and sister. I wonder if I could find an escort just to keep people off my back. Maybe just get a villager to pretend, but, do they have to be of some import? Von Tracht, you are going with an escort, right?” Kelwin noticed you were lost in thought, and coughed. “Coordinator.”

“What?” you blinked, “Yes? Yes.”

“You are being escorted by your fiancée, I presume. To the social.”

“No. This region is dangerous and she is of significant import to Strossvald. I am being escorted by Anya…Sergeant Nowicki.” When Kelwin furrowed his brow at you, you made an identical expression back at him. “It is purely platonic, I assure you.”

“Uh huh.” Kelwin still squinted at you. “Oh well, I was thinking I could borrow her, but that’s fine.”

“Heh.” You snorted, your cheeks crooked, and you had to keep yourself from chortling. “No, you probably wouldn’t want that.”

“Oh.” the captain must have read plenty from your expressions.

“You’ll be fine.” you reassured Kelwin, “Just…think of it like a tactical situation.”

“That sounds abnormal, pardon if I offend.”

…Maybe it was abnormal. “It works for me, though. Make the ballroom a battlefield. Conversation a conflict. Flirting a trade of artillery fire, predicting where it will land and what effect it shall have.”

“I’ll think of something else.” Kelwin said flatly, “Anyways, on the subject of these gatherings, clearly you have some experience with them. Your family is noble, yes? Tell me about them.”

You smiled again.

-----
Kelwin actually had some interest in the histories of nobility, and you were surprised that he had heard of a few members of your family. Gaps in his knowledge concerning the first who would be ennobled as Von Tracht and his campaigning alongside the first Archduke, along with the adventuring of the roguish Heller Von Tracht, were filled to the best of your ability, and it was only necessity that kept you from stuffing him further with knowledge. A relief as it was to speak on subjects you liked…there was still the new matter at hand.

The absolute worst surprise guest possible at this particular social. You would have preferred an ambush from a reanimated and spiteful Luca the Cutter. Of all the people, of all the places; solely for the shock and cheek of it, you bet.

So you gathered the parties who needed to be involved. Krause, Von Metzeler, Anya because this directly involved her. The tomboy was the first to be retrieved.

“Where’s your shirt, skinny?” Anya sneered when you approached. “You decide it was hot all of a sudden?”

“It’s for your benefit,” you joked, “Only a fair trade to you. Look all you want.”

Anya made a humored expression. “Nah, you know you need to eat more red meat and lift more. You probably had it stolen like a dummy.”

“You shouldn’t be so critical of your handiwork,” you retorted.

That gave Anya pause for thought, and she stepped forward, squinted at your chest, and then wound up and gave your left pectoral a stinging slap.

“Agh!” you recoiled, “What was that for?”

“You’re right,” Anya observed, “You’re definitely harder’n before. Not half bad, really. Good job, me.”

“You'd best thank yourself for the kind compliment,” you grumbled sardonically, “Do I get to slap your stomach now?”

“You can try.” Anya reached up and poked your nose. “Really though, where’s your jacket. Choirboy’ll get all bent out of shape, he still bitches at me like an old woman for how I wear things. Did you actually get it stolen or what?”

“It’s complicated. My crew must still think this is funny.”

“It is pretty funny.” Anya looked at your arms, and she reached out and wrapped her hand around a bicep. “Hey, flex for me for a moment.” You obeyed without hesitation. “Hmm. We’ll need to get you weights or something, I think we’ve hit the end of what we can do without gear. I need some myself.”

“I’ll put it on your Langenachtfest list, so that the Krampus can know to give you more coal.”

“Krampus’ll have to speed read at this point. When is the solstice now?”

“It’ll be on the night of the social. A few days.”

“I figured it was earlier for some reason,” Anya commented. It was a fair misjudgement; Langenachtfest celebration was a contentious topic and different places had different days to celebrate regardless of whether it actually fell on the longest night and thus the beginning of the end of winter. “…Okay, I know you didn’t come here to ask what I wanted for the holidays. It was actually serious.”

“It is.”

“How serious?”

“We specifically might end up in a lot of trouble on Langenachtfest.” You summarized, “More than I thought before. The great and benevolent High Protector Wladysaw XI’s decided to RSVP to the social. I want to get Von Metzeler and Krause over to talk about it.”

“King Leech is coming to town?...I’d rather it be the Krampus. Choirboy went to the UGZ.” Anya told you, “Mustache is still around. Whined that he’s always stuck back, even though that’s totally untrue.”

Why would Von Metzeler go to the UGZ? “Krause will have to do. Let’s go get him.”

-----

“If you’ve got that look on your face you can’t have good news,” Krause said lazily, leaning back in a chair in the office tent, “Cute how you’ve decided to start dressing to match. Or are we going swimming? Anything besides whatever awful thing you’re about to reveal.”

“King Wladysaw XI is coming to the social on the solstice.” You said flatly.

Krause fell backwards in his chair and clattered to the ground, swearing. He swore some more as he stood up. “Damn it all, why? Can’t he host a thousand parties at his house instead of crashing all the ones elsewhere? And in the Border Zone of all places!?”

“They call ‘im King Leech for a few reasons,” Anya said, “One reason I bet is his brain. I dunno how big a leech brain is, but it can’t be that big.”

“They don’t have brains,” you said. “They’re worms.”

Anya shrugged. “Even more accurate then.”

>What do you want to discuss concerning this new development? Plans, opportunities, course of action, the like.
>Any other actions or things you want to do are applicable for now or later in camp or in the area, naturally.

>>3487921
>Go take a mean dump.

>>3487921
Well the way I see it we have four options: we can set up our own forces as a QRF for when shit hits the fan at the party, we can arrange some sort of way for us to escape to safety when SHTF at the party, we can just ignore the threat and enjoy the party and hope we don't die horribly, or we can not go to the party. There's also the chance the insurgents will be smart and use the party as a distraction to hit some other lightly-guarded target while everyone's attention is at the party but I don't know what that would be or what we would do about it. Maybe the UGZ?

Maybe we could get some more information on what the security situation at the party is supposed to look like and what Anya's and Krause's opinions are on us risking our lives for wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Of course, if we *really* wanted to stir up shit we could always use our insider access to fill the party location with our seized explosives and assassinate the king ourselves and blame it on insurgents, but I think that might be a bit overzealous even by the intelligence office's expectations.

>>3487921
Kelwin is fucking adorable and now we have to keep him alive.
Also this very troubling with Von Metzeler and we're gonna have to suss out whether there is anything more mystical than hormones happening there.

>What do you want to discuss concerning this new development? Plans, opportunities, course of action, the like.
Let Anya and Krause know how well the ambush went.
Are the awful rumors about him really true?

>>3488069
I agree that straight up killing the King is probably too far. I vote we either let this one slide and anticipate an insurgent attack, or use their inevitable crashing of the party to somehow implicate the Twaryians, true or not.

If there would be anything that we can accomplish while here in Netilland, it would be to ensure that neither Netilland or Twaryi ally against Strossvald. Implicating their hand in attempting the assassination would go a long way towards that.

Even just finding the explosives stashed nearby with fake Twaryian evidence.

>Any other actions or things you want to do are applicable for now or later in camp or in the area, naturally.
See if anyone knows about the party more, where it is, how big it might be, do we know of anyone else going friendly or not.

Get our jacket back and see how amenable the parasite ghost is to some undercover snooping. Inform her with the knowledge that it's a fancy dinner party. Maybe we can recon it with her to figure out some advantage here.

>>3487921
>>What do you want to discuss concerning this new development? Plans, opportunities, course of action, the like.
Check who and which units are going to be part of organizing security for this one; see if their arrangements are adequate.

Personally I think we should bring most of our forces there; if the insurgents see that security's been stepped up significantly that may force them to go find a softer target. If we do get into a firefight, well I'd imagine saving this all these important people would give us a lot of favours.

Also as >>3488103 said bring Emma; it's a party, I'm sure there'll be plenty of situations for her to sate her hormones.

>>3488334
Also maybe ask Krause on any idea why Metzeler went back to the UGZ; they've been friends for so long anyways.

>>3488069
We should be everyone but the elowians to up the security detail. Before we go though we need to head down to the UGZ and fetch our subordinate from soulbinder mind control clutches.

>>3488460
Bring everyone*

>>3487921
All the above sound good; just to check how far away is the social in quest time?

>>3488027
Visit the privy. Thankfully, narrative convenience means that you don't really have to use the bathroom, or else you'd have been holding this in for a while.
Yeah I know this was an abnormally open ended vote, sorry, there were too many factors to list in a capacity I liked.
>>3488069
Discuss options; try to dig for security information, analyze risk.
>>3488103
Share news on ambush, talk about rumors. Presumably those concerning the King? I think? Try to implicate the funny talking easterners, though keeping the King alive through any assassination attempt is priority. Find out more about the event, get jacket, make Emma snoop more.
>>3488334
In addition to investigating security, see what you can do to provide your own security.

Though, you do have to leave people (one platoon at least) behind to occupy your base. It'd be dangerous to leave your tanks and ammunition undefended after all! Even if your fuel is now all gone.
>>3488388
And ask Krause where the Metz has gone.
>>3488460
Everybody but the Ellowians is doable.
Also go get your second in command.
>>3489351
> just to check how far away is the social in quest time?
Three days. It'll be just before the end of week 1; when you get your fuel, RP income, and you'll get to check out stuff to potentially buy, replenish, the like.
There probably won't be much more in the realm of missions for the week; you're only supposed to do a few every week anyways, exempting...special cases. So the next MAJOR thing should be the social, and prep for it.

I'll start writing, but with the amount of stuff to cover along with there being a game today...it'll probably take some time. In case that turns out to be the case, if anybody has any other ideas of what to do, or specifying of current actions, the like, go ahead and shoot them in the in between. I'll post again when the update's about ready anyways.

>>3489647
No problem. You do your best thinking on the wc. I do actually want a tidbit about visiting the loo, even if it's to accidentally eavesdrop on some mundane conversation.

>>3489647
It turns out my game was not today but tomorrow.
So that was me bumping the clock up by one unconsciously. There should be no distractions to update production, besides imagined leaps in time.

Guys. We should break the conditionning before a full blown war happen.
We're doing low intensity counter insurgency. It's the perfect place to learn about how to deal with our newly acquired fear. Metzeler can take the lead if we snap too hard. Better now than when caelussian/reichs troop will wreck havok in the countryside with there "thunder war".
We just need to check our eyes in a mirror.
Guys. Trust me guys.

>>3490065
Nice try, (((Anon))) How much has the Reich been paying you?

“Why isn’t the Lieutenant here, anyways?” you asked Junior Lieutenant Krause, “Anya said he went to the UGZ. Did he tell you why?” You had a concern it was something to do with Yva…though you hoped you were wrong.

Krause gave an innocent shrug. “Not specifically. He did tell me he was going there. He goes there every so often, to satisfy his sense of curiosity. That murder mystery he was on dried right up, so he’d probably gone to go on looking for new projects. It’s how he entertains himself. He’ll probably tell you about it if you ask him.”

“We’ll have to go get him and have him explain, then,” you sighed, “Before that though. The mission today was a hearty success; we’ve effectively rendered a band of mercenaries carrying out pillaging and potential kidnapping under the protection of a political officer impotent. The village of Ottiskarb, at least for some time, may rest easy without fear of molestation. Hopefully, this will earn us some points among the populace?” You peered at Anya, but she already knew what you were thinking.

“The Ashes’ll like hearing that,” she said, “…Guessing you did use your brain and make it so you weren’t responsible for it, ‘least to any clever dicks with an ear to the ground.”
“We did so.” You answered in the affirmative, “Though I’d like a little secret among potential friends, if you know what I mean.”

“Who did you mask yourself as?” Krause asked sternly, “Disguising yourself as the wrong thing might lead to reprisals…”

“No worry of that,” you said quickly, defensively. “I passed us off as henchmen of a rival Kommissar. I took the Ellowians out; I had the ones who delivered our intimidating post-ambush warning dressed as Netillians, and had the captain do the talking. For all anybody investigating knows, we couldn’t have been involved. Kelwin’s too new to his rank and the area to be recognizable by anybody.”

“He looks like he’s barely old enough to be in this army,” Anya snickered, “Friggin’ baby face. Looks like he should be drinking out of a tit rather than a canteen.”

You had to get back to the subject at hand rather than mockery of your pseudo-student. “Anyways. Our situation. Since Anya and I are going to this Langenachtfest Social where the King of Ellowie is making a surprise attendance, we’re suddenly in need of considerations of what to do about this.”

“Heard it while you were out, actually.” Anya said, “The Ashes were real excited.” You and Krause both looked at her. “What? Was gonna bring it up. I already told them to cool their heels. That killing the King’d only bring down the hammer on the people here.”

“Yes, that would be a bittersweet victory for the locals, no matter how they despise his majesty.” Krause agreed.

“Though if he were to have an accident…and explosive one…” you scratched your cheek, “No, I agree, the High Protector’s survival is a necessity, but in regards to us making mischief, there’d be no greater mischief to be made than blowing up Wladysaw XI and somehow claiming the Twaryians did it.”

“What if we did that, but didn’t blow it up,” Anya said immediately, “If somebody found it just in time, or if it wasn’t rigged right. That’d get everybody throwing a fit and King Leech gets to live another day.”

“It would be good,” Krause said thoughtfully, “Except we probably won’t be the only people planning party favors. A box of false explosives would be merely a prank, and real explosives could be discovered and exploited by those who would set them off, to say nothing of how we would even plan to plant them…”

“There’s ways to plant them just fine. It’s plastic explosive, easy enough to smuggle.” Anya said, as though it would be child’s play.

Krause cocked his head. “How so?”

“Uhh,” Anya looked about the “office,” and saw a handkerchief that probably belonged to Krause. “Here.” She scooped it up and turned around. “Look away for a moment.” When she finished, she turned around again. “So, magic trick. Where’d that go?”

“You could have just said you could hide things in your underwear.” Krause grumbled.

“This says it better.” Anya reached under her top and, with a bit of shifting around, pulled Krause’s handkerchief out. “Here.” She tossed it at Krause, who picked it up with a grimace.

“Ugh, it’s all sweaty.” Krause tossed it to you.

You put the slightly damp handkerchief in your pocket, before actually thinking about why. Why did you do that? Well, no matter, it was yours now.

“So there is the option of getting explosives in, if we wanted to.” You noted. “Hopefully no other ladies are smuggling such…by the way, weapons are not allowed at the party.”

Anya rolled her eyes. “Oh, how awful, I’ll have to just leave anything I’ve got on me at home.” You could spread her sarcasm on toast like jam.

“I’m sure it will stop you.” You frankly agreed, “But, our options besides causing an awful panic, and putting us at risk to being blown up.”

“We can be shot by whoever decides to crash the party.” Anya said bluntly.

“You say that like it’s a sure thing,” though Krause sounded like he had the same opinion.

“They’ll figure out a way.” Anya insisted hotly, “I had the Ashes do a bit more digging. They’re so eager to make big sister happy, as it turns out.”

“Big sister? Not mommy?” Krause smirked.

“Any of the little farts calls me mommy I’ll give them a whupping.” Anya snarled, “The people providing security’ll be the King’s Gendarmes. He won’t accept it any other way. His parade people that he’ll insist on showing off. The people coming to crash the party’ll be the NLF- National Liberation Front. Pros from somewhere else entirely. Maybe you’re already asking, how do you know it’ll be them? I don’t see how it could be anybody else; ‘course, they haven’t announced they’re doing anything, and the Ashes didn’t hear no different, but they’ve had longer to prepare than we figured considering they only recently moved into the area.”

“What do you mean by that?” you asked.

“They knew that King Leech was comin’ before any of us did.” Anya said, “The Ashes found out that much. So why the hell else would they be here? Unless it was to do something else completely unrelated, maybe use some other group’s party crashing as a distraction to do another thing. Or maybe they’re gonna cause a real good distraction themselves for said other group. Their op-sec’s been pretty tight lipped about that- I don’t think we’ll find out anything more from hearsay to children.”

“If we wanted to prevent any sort of attack entirely, though,” you offered next, “Say if we brought three of our platoons to provide some additional security, whether the King liked it or not. Would they still go after such a hard target? Have you heard if they’re dedicated enough to make this a suicide attack?”

“A suicide attack wouldn’t care how much security there was,” agreed Krause.

“The NLF? Nah.” Anya closed her eyes and shook her head, “If they sent their good people they won’t be the ones that want to go out in a blaze of glory. That’s reserved for people with more spirit than sense. If you make the party too closed up, they’ll probably pick someplace else. That’s if they’re the ones planning to go for it.”

“Hrrrmmmrrrmm,” Krause leaned forward and put his chin on the back of a hand, “What I’m seeing you say here is that no matter what we do something bad’s gonna happen. I guess one of our best bets then is trying to control where this happens, then?”

“Yeah. Make it like a trap or something.” Anya said.

“You don’t have faith in the Gendarme?” you asked.

“Nah. The Ashes don’t think much of them, and neither does anybody I’ve talked with.” Anya jerked her thumb over her shoulder, “I asked Ponytail about it, and he told me that they would lose fights to eels, whatever the hell an eel is.”

“They’re like snakes and fish crossed together. They’re also delicious.” Krause told her.

“Really?” Anya looked at you hopefully, “Next time we go somewhere to eat I want to get eel meat. If there’s an animal in the world I haven’t eaten and I can change that, I wanna do it.”

You didn’t see why you had to help her with that. “So the Gendarme can’t outfight eels, and this is a popular opinion. I suppose that cements whether or not anybody’d be daring enough to try and break through them for a shot at the King.”

“That’s ‘bout right.” Anya sniffed. “So unless we put a big wall down, we can count on something going on.”

“I suppose that’ll depend on whether we want to go there and avoid being shot at, then,” you said thoughtfully, “They’ll probably have eel with the food. I’ve heard it’s popular for fancy eating in Netilland.” You’d heard such by osmosis from fishermen- you did a fair bit of it in addition to hunting, often as a diversion on hikes and wanderings. Not enough to make you an expert, but you knew a decent bit. “So the question is if we want to either let this happen, skip out on it, or dodge a few bullets for eels.”

Anya blinked at you. “I’ll be fine. D’you really need me to tell you that? You can handle yourself in a gunfight, I hear. What’s there to worry about?” Anya’s clothes made no secret of that she’d been shot multiple times, round scars in her arms; one of which you’d seen when it was a fresh wound. You had honestly been more worried for her than for yourself.

“You almost sound like you’d rather have the party turn into a gunfight,” Krause slanted an eyebrow.

“I would.” Anya said, as though that were completely normal.

“You don’t want to socialize? Appreciate the fashion? Dance with your partner?”

“Dance??” Anya coughed, “I don’t dance. I don’t think this boob does, either.” She pointed at you, in case it somehow wasn't clear who she referred to.

“Dancing is fun.” Krause insisted, “You should at least try it. You might find it more fun than a gunfight…no promises. I know I’d certainly rather dance with a pretty girl than be shot at.”

“The parties I went to had a fight ring. Will there be a fight ring?” Anya asked, perhaps more hopefully than expected, because Krause had to stifle a laugh.

“Only if you were to start one yourself." The precise nature of what a fight ring was could be easily guessed at. "The people they’re trying to emulate prefer higher culture than brawls.” You said, from your limited experience; all experiences which you didn’t find enjoyable at all. “Why are we talking about this? Can we get back to the subject?”

“The party is the subject, Richter,” Krause said lazily, “Loosen up a bit. You’ll have a good time either way.”

“Even if we get shot at?”

“Your mistress- I mean, your steadfast retinue will enjoy it in that case, and that’s what matters, isn’t it?” When both you and Anya made ugly faces at him for that first implication, Krause smiled evilly. “Fine, fine. Business, then. Though I don’t think we have much more to cover without investigating on what we don’t know. Those things being;” Krause listed off on his fingers, “Casing the place, finding out what we can about the security and its weaknesses besides their vulnerability to eels, seeing if we can find out more about the people making this attack, and their potential targets, and distractions. And that’s if we don’t want anybody making a mess of the party. So we decide that first, and then, we can go grab Rondo, after you get something on your chest besides the winter air. Alright?”

>I prefer my parties without gunfire. Let’s move to block off any disruptions; we’ll see how we can deal with strikes against other targets.
>We want this to happen. Not only for the excitement, either. I’m quite confident in Anya and I’d ability to succeed where the Gendarmes fail, in any case.
>The benefits of allowing the raid to occur are clear, but I’d rather not risk Anya or I’s health. We’ll be declining our invitation, sadly. Though Miss Nowicki will still be required to don her socialite uniform for a period of time, rather than her current one.
>Other?
Also, if I forgot to bring up anything that’s not set for later, feel free to mention. Privy is later.

>>3490323
>>I prefer my parties without gunfire. Let’s move to block off any disruptions; we’ll see how we can deal with strikes against other targets.
>We'll allow one to live for interrogation purposes should the need arrive.

>>3490355
>>3490323
I like the combo, support

>>3490355
support

>>3490355
Supporting

>>3490355
+1

>>3490323
Also try to figure out what kind of alternative targets these NLF guys may be aiming for; for all we know they might strike multiple places while everyone's attention is on whatever goes down at the party.

>>3490355
>>3490412
>>3490452
>>3490481
>>3490492
Nice calm party going. Anya will hate it. Also a presumptive capturing of possible captives.

>>3490514
Priority on compiling a list of good targets.

Writing then.

>>3490662
Could we at least start the preliminaries of framing the Twaryians before/after we stop the festivities? This is too good an opportunity to raise the tensions on the border even if we are going to be goody two shoes.

>>3490685
>Could we at least start the preliminaries of framing the Twaryians before/after we stop the festivities? This is too good an opportunity to raise the tensions on the border even if we are going to be goody two shoes.

That depends on the nature of what you are framing them for and where. Things won't be zooming straight to the party; even if you plan to do your best to lock it down this plan of action does involve scoping out where other targets of opportunity are. You'll have plenty of time to brainstorm.

>>3490697
Any idea if the NLF is recovering any Twaryian aid like that bunch we chased off a few days ago? Probably won't even need to go to all that trouble then.

>>3490701
There is a detail about the NLF that should be mentioned here. I'll bring it up proper in the next update, but as a bit of a preview...

The National Liberation Front doesn't like Netilland or Twaryi. The chances of them receiving aid from people they attack just as openly as the Netillians, therefore, are rather remote.

“I prefer my parties to be without gunfire,” you decided, “Let’s move to block off any disruptions; we’ll see how we can deal with strikes against other targets of opportunity, as we discover the most likely of those to be attacked. By all means, the most ideal situation will be to intercept any who try to breach our nets.”

Anya’s eyes half closed and she frowned deeply. “’Swear, I’ll not hear a bullet’s crack my whole time here.”

“Perhaps you’ll discover some small taste for more domestic means of entertainment when there are no wars for you to fight,” you pointed out.

“Right back at you.” Anya muttered.

“I for one am pleased you won’t be potentially going off and getting shot at a Langenachtfest party of all things.” Krause clapped his hands and rubbed them together, “So. I’ll get a smoke, then we can go to the UGZ and pick up Rondo, wherever he’s gone.”

“That’ll probably take the rest of the damn day,” Anya grumbled, “The whole afternoon in a place crawling with Broken Souls goons.” Anya referred to the men of the 22nd Penal Battalion; who had a constant garrison presence in UGZ-09.

“They’ll think twice about bothering us now, surely.” You said.

“Yeah. Though you’d better be ready for them to disagree.” Anya looked to Krause. “Choirboy’s pretty handy in a fight. What about you? You do much fighting with your hands? A stick? A broken bottle?”

Krause smirked, and made a few whipping movements of his hands. “I grew up in a rough place. I know a few things with a knife.”

Anya didn’t seem very impressed with Krause’s approximation of a “rough place,” but she made a grunt of acquiescence. “Good enough. At least as good as skinny. I guess we’ll be fine.”

Krause’s smile did not go away, though he leaned back, clearly not expecting that manner of backhanded compliment. “Fair enough. Shall we go? After you get your clothing back.”

“A moment before that,” you said quickly, “I need to go to the bathroom.”

-----

The “bathroom” was but a wooden shed with a pit and a roll of shoddy toilet tissue, oftentimes terribly close to exhaustion, though your recent favor with New Jorgenstohn had provided a few extra of such luxuries, thankfully. As you settled down in the dim light, mostly sheltered from the outdoors save for hand-width gaps near the ceiling to admit enough light to work with, you plugged your nose and did some thinking and recollection; as one could find themselves doing when lacking a newspaper or reading material in such confines.

The National Liberation Front- you’d heard of them, of course. They were one of the major insurgent alliances cropping up, you’d heard. Diehard Ellowian freedom fighters, they resisted both Netillian and Twaryian occupation. There had been a few times, you’d heard, where both eastern empire hopefuls had collaborated to root out their strongholds- but more times of one side or the other trying to sway the NLF to their side to weaken their foe. Such attempts had never worked out. One could find no ally in the NLF, you had been heard, unless your cause was to free Ellowie, and certainly not under a long dead monarchy whose throne sat a toady of the Netillians.

Much like many insurgent alliances, such as the one you’d recently learned more about, the Revolutionary League, had relatively little information on them about their strength and organization. Such was apparently because they had only been recently formed, for the most part, but the NLF was thought to be the first to have organized itself into a major “power,” as much as it could be called one. That made gauging their ability to strike however many targets difficult; that you had a tentative, unwitting ally in the Ashes was some help, but they could only see so much without being an official part of any larger movement.

That left you to think of particularly vulnerable targets; besides yourself, with your trousers around your ankles and the winter air nipping at your legs. Targets of value. You were rather valuable, yes, but…anyways.

The general area of Kamienisty, the railhead, had plenty of juicy targets. The depots, the train station, the rails themselves- but such was relatively well guarded all the time, let alone with this gathering. That the social was particularly vulnerable was because it was on the outskirts of the town, at a recently constructed officer’s club and manor for one of the King’s relatives, a refurbishment of what had been a business magnate’s vacation home. You wondered if it was somebody Lord Wossehn would have known- you’d seen it, and while hardly a match for the Sosaldtian investor’s palace, it was a fancy enough manor with a rather nicely decorated courtyard full of all manner of foreign hedges and trees and gardens. Notably lacking in Kalamarz firs, which would be a boon if you brought Emma along to this for any potential eavesdropping.

An attack on a company or battalion’s base would be impressive; but you doubted such a target would be priority. Especially upon your own unit’s bases. Perhaps they could cause chaos in the UGZs? A matter to meet with Maenesko about, to check on the fruits of your efforts. That said, UGZ-09 wasn’t the only Ubergangszentrum in the region, though it was the sector’s designated one. UGZ-07, whose more civilized name escaped you, was also near…and it was potentially as restless as Ackersdoll, without somebody as mindful as Maenesko in charge of it. It was a place where your unit had been called in a couple times before, to help suppress riots in progress; you wouldn’t be surprised if your sector’s insurgency problems were partially caused by leakage from the adjacent one where UGZ-07 was. It would be an awkward situation for your plans, too, if a distraction there pulled away the platoons you intended to have indirectly secure the Party. If an order from Battalion Command came down, after all, it wasn’t a simple manner to brush off their requests for reinforcements…or their assignments that came down without warning, at times, but were still expected to be promptly responded to- usually because Battalion Command was being forced to or doing a favor to somebody above them.

The colonial settlements were a prime target, now that you thought about it. New Jorgenstohn, the one you had the most stake in, and two other nearby settlements that weren’t part of your jurisdiction, but brushed up on your area of influence anyways- Reismuhle, New Houdeberg, both were colonial settlements much like one another, with relatively sparse militia and constabularies for but keeping peace, with any military aid limited to miniscule garrisons that were told to signal for help if anything they couldn’t handle came up- most likely, procedure dictated, to be a Twaryian band venturing over the border. Thus far, insurgents hadn’t been so bold as to try and assault and raze the colonial towns, but that could certainly change in the future if the insurgent groups grew in strength, and certainly if they thought they had an opportunity to do so and sow fear in Netillian migrants, who were oft seen by the natives as stealing their lands as they sent their countrymen who had lived on the lands for centuries to rot in the UGZs.

So. The depots could be sabotaged, if the insurgents were daring enough, though that would be difficult. There were the UGZs, which you’d heard had been already infiltrated as is; and come to think of it, there was nothing saying that there couldn’t be an Uprising in Ackersdol even with your attempts to ease tensions- it just might not be as big as it could have been otherwise. There were vulnerable bases, but such seemed an unlikely thing to plan for. That left the colonial settlements…which were just as much politically divisive as the King himself was.

Yet. You couldn’t defend all the ones in your area- even if you set a platoon in each, that would leave tha party itself vulnerable, dashing your plans for a safe evening celebration. However, was the strength of the insurgents gathering here enough to attack all three colonial towns anyways? Then, it was you who had to spread out to guard against them; they could strike wherever they wished, where they saw a weak point. What point then was there in doing anything but waiting for the awful mess to begin and to react to it? But what if that was a distraction-

“Hey!” Anya shouted from outside, “Would you hurry the hell up? We’re gonna run outta daylight at this rate!”

“I’ll be right out, damn it!” you shouted back. Well, that was a good amount of thought anyways, as you made yourself hygienic and then made yourself decent, stepping out of the privy after such. One could spread your theories so that you didn’t have to potentially do everything, of course, but then, the question of how you came across such information would come up, and with no afterglow of successful parrying of insurgent attack to dissuade too rigorous of questioning. You had time to think on it more.

When you went to get your clothing, it was finally relinquished…to a degree. Your shirt was fine, but the uniform jacket…in addition to the tear in its sleeve that had been hastily, messily repaired, it had been crumped up and stuffed in a greasy, oily hiding spot that made it ten times as filthy as it normally would have been. Hans meekly held it out for you, leaving you to stare at it, unblinking.

“Sorry boss,” Hans laughed nervously, looking to the other crew members for support, “It, uh, was time for a new look anyways. Take up a new fashion, yeah? Look distinctive.”

“Serves you right for blowing me off!” Emma chirped from within Malachi’s jacket, poking out of his collar. At least she’d selected a favorite, you thought gruffly. Though that did mean you did have to find a new jacket…for comfort as well as to wear to the social without looking a barbarian, even if the tastes there would surely not be as discerning as Strossvald courts.

That reminded you, you had to admit, you were looking forward to seeing what Anya would be shoved into. She had gone along with it, to your surprise- but that made you even more curious. Would it be racey? Would it be conservative and cute? Perhaps a transformation into a princess that had been hiding beneath the harsh veneer all along? The mystery was tantalizing. Though…perhaps it shouldn’t have been. No, the appeal was one of good natured fun; platonic. Though it was hard not to be distracted by her form, at least.

Though you wondered, if you were going to make everything secure, why you were bringing Anya instead of Maddalyn at all…

-----

The staff car came, laden with guards for your small party, and deposited you at the UGZ. Already, you could see smoke rising in a few places; the healthy sort from fireplaces. Perhaps, in some small way, already, you had done something for the better. It felt unusually pleasant to know such. You’d have to speak with Maenesko to know the current extent, but there was a somewhat lessening of the tensions you could feel just in the air- even if that still meant things were quite tense indeed. A slightly relaxed angry glare was still an evil eye, after all.

“Rondo hasn’t mentioned if he’s focused on anywhere in particular, lately,” Krause confessed, “I dunno exactly where you’ll find him, but as far as he’s shared, he sort of wanders around looking for trouble. Not as in causing it, but just scouting things out.”

>Then if we cause some trouble, we can count on him coming. (How do you want to cause trouble?)
>Let’s split up and search. How hard can it be to find him with how he carries that sword everywhere?
>I have an idea of where he’ll be, because of who I think he’d be looking for… (What sort of place?)
>We can handle finding him later. We’ll go meet Maenesko first; maybe get help from him in the process of finding out how our operation’s panned out to help the UGZ.
>Other?

>>3490879
>>We can handle finding him later. We’ll go meet Maenesko first; maybe get help from him in the process of finding out how our operation’s panned out to help the UGZ.

>>3490879
>>We can handle finding him later. We’ll go meet Maenesko first; maybe get help from him in the process of finding out how our operation’s panned out to help the UGZ.
Business first.

Also speaking of the NLF, are any of the resistance groups in contact with those who managed to flee over the border? Also is there even any Ellowian government-in-exile?

>>3490890
>Also speaking of the NLF, are any of the resistance groups in contact with those who managed to flee over the border?
You don't know!

>Also is there even any Ellowian government-in-exile?
See above! The Netillian Government would rather insist to all that this enemy has been soundly defeated, after all, naught to rise again. Though rumor would have it, that much of the heads of government did evade capture, so it's a strong possibility.

>>3490901
So basically what info we know is limited to whatever censored stuff the Netillian government gives us? I expect our IO masters will know the actual state of things; maybe something to bring up when we head into town again.

>>3490905
>I expect our IO masters will know the actual state of things; maybe something to bring up when we head into town again.

This is a reliable assumption, though they may be fickle and only leak what you "need to know."

>>3490911
Oh yeah just remembered Signy is visiting the area soon. Will she be around for the social or is that visit afterwards? Should probably see her just to get a clearer picture on what the heck is going on in Sosaldt.

File: laughing.gif (2.9 MB, 290x189)

2.9 MB GIF

>>3490869
>>3490870
>>3490871
>>3490876
>a roll of shoddy toilet tissue, oftentimes terribly close to exhaustion
>besides yourself, with your trousers around your ankles and the winter air nipping at your legs.
>Anya disrupting the quiet hour
Thank you. This was better than I expected.

>Let’s split up and search. How hard can it be to find him with how he carries that sword everywhere?

>>3490917
She's visiting after; the middle of the next week.
...Well, visiting near. She probably won't come close to you on her own volition, due to, most likely, having no clue you're even here.

>>3490879
>>We can handle finding him later. We’ll go meet Maenesko first; maybe get help from him in the process of finding out how our operation’s panned out to help the UGZ.

Worse comes to worse we meet him back at the camp.
Although afterwards:
>I have an idea of where he’ll be, because of who I think he’d be looking for… (What sort of place?)
Makeshift hospital or the poorer sections of town where witch lady is.

>>3490951
Supporting

>>3490951
supporting

I am up and about now.

>>3490881
>>3490885
Talk with the penguin
>>3490951
>>3490961
>>3491264
And then look in the clinics and flophouses.

>>3490919
Scooby this.

No scooby it seems. Writing.

“We’ll look for Von Metzeler later,” you said, “While we’re here, we may as well prioritize going to somebody we do know the location of. I want to visit Sub-Lieutenant Maenesko and see how our attempt to help the UGZ’s panned out. Though after that, I have an idea of where he might be, because I’m thinking of who he might be looking for…”

“Who?” Krause asked.

“Yeah, who?” Anya agreed, “Do we have to wait around for you to finish talking to Maenesko anyways? We can just go where you think he is.”

“That wouldn’t be very safe in a place we’ve made more than a few enemies,” you laid out your concern.

Anya didn’t seem to agree with your level of caution. “Fine then. I’ll go, you can take ‘stache. I’ll be fine.”

Rather than insisting that she wouldn’t be, you said instead, “Can you go by yourself and avoid shooting anybody?” Anya paused, and in her hesitation, you struck. “I thought not.”

“I wouldn’t have to shoot anybody,” Anya grumbled as you started walking along, “but fine. Whatever. So long as you don’t decide to take him out for dinner while you leave me hanging with Mustache.”

“What’s wrong with hanging out with me?” Krause feigned hurt, “I’m not that boring, am I?”

“You smoke some rancid-ass cigs,” Anya complained, “If you’re gonna stink up the air then at least do it with something besides rolled up rat shit.”

“Hey, Netillian army issue is this rolled up rat shit,” Krause retorted, “Not my fault it’s awful. I’m not so well to do I can get good smokes and good booze, not that anything east of Altoss has brands worth a damn.”

At the very least, from a bit of experience with what Krause managed to procure sometimes, the same couldn’t be said of the liquor.

-----

Captain Maenesko’s office hadn’t cleared up one bit since you last saw him a couple of days ago, and his face was no less a mix of sternness and weariness, but his demeanor was certainly lighter. “Coordinator Von Tracht. You must be here to check on how things have changed.” You nodded, and Maenesko went on. “The community leaders were informed of your part in the new matters, of course. You have some popularity among them now, to put it simply. Crime and unemployment are still unacceptably high, but the trend is already beginning to reverse. Good news, really, considering the brief amount of time that has passed.”

>Influence with the UGZ has risen; its leaders know of you and appreciate your efforts to aid them. They now see you as a potential friend.
“That’s good to hear,” you settled into the other chair in Maenesko’s office, the only surface kept clear of junk and papers, though there were still stacks of what you could only see as garbage beneath the chair itself.

“They are quite eager for allies, of course, outside of my comparatively lacking ability to aid them.” Maenesko started to lose the touch of cheer, “If you heard the proposals they snuck to me, maybe the news would seem less good. They have plans- and they may be too ambitious for what they can reasonably expect. I told them to try and approach you through me- so that you will not be bothered, and so I can filter out some of the more rash proposals.”

“Rash proposals? Like what?”

“Such as that they raise a militia to police their peoples instead of having occupying troops do such.” Maenesko said, “Of course, any armed Ellowian paramilitary groups that are not the Royal Gendarmes or units that are part of the Assimilation Program are explicitly barred. They would attempt something that would make local authorities see the matter more pragmatically, though. I need not say more than that, but I’m sure you get the idea.”

That turned a slight smile of satisfaction on your part into a frown. “Oh. I was rather hoping that doing this would have…the opposite effect of that.”

“Indeed.” Maenesko said flatly, “I have advised them myself to tread far, far more carefully, and invest their gain into the stability of their fellows and the potential to turn Ackersdol into a place of prospering rather than a pit. It’s understandable that they’d see such as advice to bend down like good little subjects; and take it about as well, but I have little interest in giving the Broken Souls an excuse to practice brutal repression that can be justified by an uprising. Were it that they saw it as making the best of the times, but for many, the war is still not over, and changing people’s minds on such a thing takes a long time.”

“So the possibility of an uprising taking place soon is still on the table.” You muttered grumpily.

“Make no mistake, the upper echelon of the UGZ are pleased with your help.” Maenesko’s tone wasn’t such to try and brighten your mood, still. “Though a single favor does not an ally make. The people of the UGZ likely place favor still in the insurgency, though, if you made it a matter of a personal appeal, perhaps you could dissuade them from supporting any action here, at least.”

>Could you convey my desire for peace here, then? At least on the night of the social. I’m anticipating a mess, and I’d rather not have to watch here.
>If they think an uprising’s the correct path, the only way to dissuade them from such is to show what happens when that occurs. I’ll wash my hands of this, and keep uninvolved until after any potential violence.
>I can see that they have misread my intentions. So be it, I can take steps to help keep things locked down in the meantime. I’d hate to see my efforts go to waste, but I will not be used. [Deploy a platoon in the UGZ]
>Other?

>>3492369
>>Could you convey my desire for peace here, then? At least on the night of the social. I’m anticipating a mess, and I’d rather not have to watch here.
But if diplomacy fails:
>If they think an uprising’s the correct path, the only way to dissuade them from such is to show what happens when that occurs. I’ll wash my hands of this, and keep uninvolved until after any potential violence.

If they want to police themselves is it possible to raise some constabulary force without giving them firearms? Maybe batons or something along those lines? Or just incorporate them on paper under the Assimilation Program and just issue them handguns or something; no need to arm them like 4th Platoon.

Also ask Maenesko if he's heard the news (and opinion) about Wladysaw crashing our little social.

>>3492369
>>Could you convey my desire for peace here, then? At least on the night of the social. I’m anticipating a mess, and I’d rather not have to watch here.
Why don't they raise an unarmed police force instead? Like just with batons and funny caps and the authority to bring people to jail. If it worked then maybe Maenesko could use them as an excuse to keep the penal troops in charge of just protecting the border of the UGZ rather than having a unit of literal criminals in charge of policing civilians...whose fucking bright idea was that anyway?

>>3492411
Supporting
>>3492420
Not exactly like the Netillans really give a crap on what happens in the UGZ; I mean it's basically a concentration camp so who cares if the guards are a bunch of criminals?

>>3492369
>>I can see that they have misread my intentions. So be it, I can take steps to help keep things locked down in the meantime. I’d hate to see my efforts go to waste, but I will not be used. [Deploy a platoon in the UGZ]

>>3492411
>>3492420
The particulars of the restriction involve there being an organized force at all, regardless of whether they are armed or not. One could say that gangs are already around and care not for the law anyways, but they want the elbow room official recognition gives, it seems.

Also, not that the Military Council differentiates, but many in the Penal Battalions are guilty of political crimes against the government (a common one being "subversive activity" or "disturbing order") rather than what most would think of as felonies in uniform. Not that the government cares about what thought-criminals think, but they would object to being called criminals.

>>3492466
Of course, I know Maenesko literally said
> any armed Ellowian paramilitary groups
But sticks and knives still count as being "armed," and the "paramilitary" and "group" factors are also important.

>>3492473
Does Maenesko have the authority to form an Ellowian Platoon to on paper be incorporated into whatever detachment of the 22nd he has here? Or could we just form a so-called '5th Platoon' and just permanently dump them in this place?

>>3492485
He does have the authority to "conscript" manpower for the Assimilation Program- but not to procure weapons, ammunition, uniforms, and the like for a proper platoon. Those things are the usual obstacles to simply drafting the chaff- if one were to not care about little things like making a formation combat capable, then it would certainly be simpler to push through putting it together.

It would, however, also need to be commanded by an existing company, that is also part of the Assimilation Program- which are what the Combined battalions are part of, not the Penal Battalions.

>>3492501
Sounds like a plan then. He can go gather the volunteers and we can handle the paperwork and logistics.As above no need to make them combat capable; just get them armbands (like those RAGV militia in Halmeggia), batons and handcuffs and see how it goes from there. Put them formally under us but just loan them out to Maenesko permanently.

I have a few questions tanqqq.
> how well is Maenesko HQ defended ?
> how close it is from the place where the high protector will come ?
> how far is the closest garnison ?

From what I remember, this place is lightly defended, a full of weapon and supply and right in the UGZ. If an Insurrection happen, it's the perfect place to strike first. It can be overwhelmed fast, help supply and mob with weapon, on make a huge distraction that will leave the hard-liner insurgent to act (more) freely against the high protector for example.
I've been convinced of that since we arrived in the UGZ.

>>3492547
Fugg, I tried to use speech recognition. Didn't worked at all. Hope it's still understandable.

>>3492547
>how well is the UGZ HQ defended?
It's not exactly fortified, but it is fenced off with razor wire and has guards. The gates can be closed; there's usually a couple of squads stationed there at least, usually, actually, from another company of your own 5th Combined Infantry Battalion. You and the 22nd sort of share duties in the UGZ.

If things theoretically get really bad in a hurry then the 13th Mechanized and the 12th Armored Cavalry are supposed to roll in with their armored personnel carriers, armored cars and tanks real quick, but that means Maenesko would be calling in the worst sort of emergency and everybody's getting called in to contain a theoretical complete breakdown.

Why yes all the units from the starting selection are your neighbors.

>how close it is from the place where the high protector will come?
The UGZ's distance from the Railhead? It's not really close at all. Maybe six to eight kilometers.

>how far is the closest garrison?
The UGZ itself is garrisoned. If you mean directly adjacent camps, and not ones within reasonable marching distance like yours, there's a degree of separation between the UGZ and any camps. The usual garrison and patrolling troops are more meant to dissuade revolt, though; in the event of an actual riot or uprising, standard procedure is to pull back to the HQ compound and the entrances and wait for reinforcements. Priority on containing the gates, of course.

>>3492547
I'll support this as well; must as well find out what plans he has if things go south and they do strike here.

>>3492601
For the railhead itself, who's in charge of providing security and garrisoning the town normally other than for this party? Would they be able to order us about when we bring our guys into town?

>>3492654
>For the railhead itself, who's in charge of providing security and garrisoning the town normally other than for this party?
A company from the 13th Guards Infantry. Guarding the railhead is an important task, after all, and entrusted to an elite unit.

>Would they be able to order us about when we bring our guys into town?
Nobody can order you about besides the 5th Combined Infantry's battalion commander who has yet gone unnamed, and people higher on the chain of command than him. However, a Kommissar could try to be a pain in the ass if they so chose, with their political clout.

Of course, as an officer of the Archduchy and not of Netilland, you can (temporarily) make things a pain in the ass yourself if you're a confusing smartass about who has authority over you.

Alright, game day end. Time for an update...a thousand years later.

>>3492411
>>3492420
>>3492429
Request that these people calm their tits-and if they refuse, you will make sure your attitude towards a potential uprising is clear.

Writing soon then.

By the way, what is our long term strategy?
Support Ellowians? Support Netilland (Netillanese?)? Support nobody and let them kill each other as long as it please them?

>>3493661
I think last thread or two we voted to be supporting Netilland for a powerful ally against to Reich or something? I could be wrong.

>>3493661
>>3493830
Basically let both of these nations that we don't really like beat the crap out of each other and let Strossvald benefit from the resulting situation.

>>3493661
Netillians.

>>3493904
Mostly this, see if we can help the Ellowians but ultimately keep Netilland and Twaryians from allying and keep Strossvald from fighting a multi-front war.

Well. I guess that's why we are here. Long live the Archduke.

“Could you make my desire for peace known in my stead, then, if they care about what I think?” you asked Maenesko, “On the night of the social, at the very least. I’m anticipating a mess that night and would rather not watch for one here. If they disagree, then I’ll be forced to assign an extra platoon to the UGZ to make certain that I have a slightly more restful evening.”
“That would likely be the threat you would have to make,” Maenesko said dully, “They are…passionate about managing themselves. Ever upwards, ever outwards. I suppose that their spirits were not crushed by this place is a sign of their inextinguishable inner fire.”

“…If they want their own police, and the Military Council will not allow them one that they possess,” you thought on that, “I think I can offer a compromise. I can request permission to raise another platoon of Ellowians in my unit; but make the caveat that I will equip them myself. Mayhaps that should receive quick approval, without a demand to arm them, clothe them, or the like…the Kommissars certainly have no trouble paying for mercenaries out of pocket, so I will have this group under my own command, even though their duties will be restricted to the UGZ most of the time. Perhaps this will satisfy your senior citizenry more than telling them the truth of the law?”

Maenesko looked intrigued. “…Hm. I’m only frustrated that I didn’t think of that myself. That’s a good idea…though presumably, you’ll do your part to show any who look too closely that they are your men, I would hope. I doubt the Kommissariat would be very amused if they found you were merely providing a shallow cover for such an operation.”

“Oh, of course,” you insisted, “I’ll try a bit harder than that at least. But you will be able to get this through, with my help?”

Maenesko picked up a pen on his desk, and tapped it against a paper with its non-writing end. “Hm. Yes, I can have some volunteers rounded up…well filtered against…outside influence. It wouldn’t do if your unit was infiltrated by insurgent spies, after all. As you said, without significant cost to the higher-ups, your request to use more manpower will only be obstructed by force limitations…though you are going to that Langenachtfest Social. If you came away from that with less political clout than before, I will have mistaken you for somebody of better senses. Though, if I tell the community leaders such, they will expect swift action. Do me a favor and don’t blow them off, will you? In return, I’ll do my utmost to ensure things stay nice and quiet here.”

You smiled at the Sub-Lieutenant. “I’ll gladly agree to that. Now, if I could know a few things about where I might be able to find somebody I’m looking for…”

-----

“So what’s the news?” Krause asked as you came back, a smoky (and apparently awful brand) cigarette burning in his hand. Anya had separated herself by a good five meters and was idly hacking away at a block of wood with one of her smaller knives, utterly focused, and perhaps a bit frustrated from the curve of her lip- you’d never seen her actually complete a whittling project, but over time you’d found that she did it often enough that there was at least- “Hey. Richter.” Krause waved.

“Sorry. Yes.” You refocused your attention. “The UGZ’s head citizenry apparently sees this recent interest in their welfare as a stepping stone to greater things. I’ve had to request Maenesko to do their best to cool their heads. A result of that may be the addition of another platoon to our company.”

“Great, more paperwork.” Anya grumbled. You hadn’t thought she was listening.

“What about Rondo? You asked about where you could fine him, yeah?” Krause asked.

“Well, where I might find somebody he’s looking for.” You corrected. Even then, that depended on whether the soulbinder (that you guessed he could have come to the UGZ for) had a consistent philosophy. “I had the Sub-Lieutenant tell me the locations of the clinics and flophouses; the ones that are the most crowded, at least. The ones which would be the first gone to if asked about. I’m guessing we might find the person there.”

It would have been easier if you could simply spout your theory without being so vague, but Anya knew nothing of sorcery, soulbinders, the lot, and you weren’t sure if it was safer to keep her ignorant or have her in on the whole matter- if she even believed what you said in the first place, being spiritually blind and deaf to the various phenomena that revealed themselves to you and others with but a glance in the right place at the right time.

“What sort of person is this?” Anya asked.

“Somebody who considers themselves a philanthropist.” You said, “A woman.”

Anya raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly. “A woman? Well, Choirboy probably didn’t come to see them, then. He acts like he has the libido of a brick.”

“We know him differently, then.” You contended. “Would you agree, Krause?”

Krause shrugged. “I would. But he is awfully particular. Unlike you.”

You felt you might have to take offense to that. Later. “Come on, then. Hopefully he’s either here or he’s gone back to camp ahead of us.”

-----

The worst parts of Ackersdol were dim, cold, and full of the ragged and worn. Yet all sorts squatted in the dust and the dank, as you saw both the dull glances from those who had given up and lived because they knew naught else to do, and the fiery glares of those who were fueled by spite, and the desire to climb out of these depths they had been cast into. Upon entering the first, you were nearly beaned in the head by a stone thrown by a child who had fled into the alleys after their attack, vanishing near instantly. Later on, your party avoided a few Penal soldiers; they themselves were distracted by a young pickpocket, who was too slow in their escape and was beaten into the ground before being left in the dirt, groaning.

The flophouses were dens of depression, but were better than the makeshift clinics, which were full to bursting with the sick; mostly children, who coughed loudly into bloody rags. You’d seen wretched poverty; but not plague, not of this multitude. It turned your stomach, and the twisting was made worse by your inability to do anything about it. Your intrusions were unopposed, considering your martial wear, but they were certainly thoroughly questioned.

You gave descriptions of Yva’s appearance, but the people clammed up about her; they must have presumed she was in trouble for something. You asked about Von Metzeler as well; that they were more eager to speak of, though when you described him, or rather, his usual accessories, they presumed somebody else.

“The Swordsman sticks his nose where it doesn’t belong, and makes it worse for everybody,” said one person.

“The Swordsman beats up the gangsters and the drug pushers, he’s something good so no wonder you’re trying to grab him away!” said another.

None could actually say where he was or what he looked like, but apparently “The Swordsman” dressed in a heavy cloak and masked themselves, shading their eyes under a large, wide brimmed floppy hat. It at least gave you the clue that you ought to be looking for the Swordsman, not Rondo Von Metzeler. Something gave you the strong idea that they were the same person, after all, what with the Lieutenant’s insistence on carrying his saber around like a knight of old or a wandering warrior from the far west.

In between investigating locations, you, suddenly, found yourself alone. Anya and Krause had been behind you one moment, and then the next, they seemed to be nowhere in sight. You had the mind to call for them, but then, standing on the side of the street, you saw Yva looking at you. Practically beckoning with how she stood there, as though it was by accident, enclosed in her cream coat, her long boots well dusted. You approached her; you both ended up relatively isolated from the others, easily able to have a conversation with no listeners, at least, unheard by any passersby who would be interested in your chatter.

“I heard you were looking for me, though I know not why you would be.” she said as you came close, perfectly calm in voice; she looked no different than you had left her earlier in the day. “You have left me in a dangerous, callous place. I cannot say that I appreciate that, though the needy are indeed great in number. So great that my means to help them are lacking. Restricted from leaving, I have exhausted the means to aid anybody at all. I should hope that your decision to have me made a prisoner of this place was made with good intent, as I have done what little I can do now. Knowledge can only go so far without medicine of any sort.”

>Tell her to knock it off with those lies; you know what she is, she needs nothing at all to help anybody; she won’t be guilt tripping you with any of that guff. Demand that she cease messing with your officer; even if you’re not sure she’s doing it.
>State that it’s none of your business to provide anything to somebody who could be shut in a prisoner of war camp or locked in a Kommissariat cell rather than roaming relatively free here. Ask where Von Metzeler is, for she surely knows- though stop short of naming her a sorceress.
>Insist that this was the safest outcome for her- continue to maintain the illusion that you don’t know what she is. If she needs things, you can try to have them provided- but ask if she knows where your officer is, since you’re looking for him.
>Other?

>>3494425
>>Tell her to knock it off with those lies; you know what she is, she needs nothing at all to help anybody; she won’t be guilt tripping you with any of that guff. Demand that she cease messing with your officer; even if you’re not sure she’s doing it.

>>3494425
>>Tell her to knock it off with those lies; you know what she is, she needs nothing at all to help anybody; she won’t be guilt tripping you with any of that guff. Demand that she cease messing with your officer; even if you’re not sure she’s doing it.

>>3494425
>Other
Explain that we thought she would be most useful here but if she really can't help anybody anymore we'll bring her out of the UGZ if she helps us find von LARPer

>>3494663
This

>>3494425
>Insist that this was the safest outcome for her- continue to maintain the illusion that you don’t know what she is. If she needs things, you can try to have them provided- but ask if she knows where your officer is, since you’re looking for him.

KEEP UP THE LIE
The moment she finds out we know what she is we become a target.
Not for her, but for all other magical bullshitters. Our best defense is obscurity.

We just got OUT of this shit, if we stick our gormless face back into this mess we won't be able to get back out and we have no Maddy to guide us. For the love of the Judge do not blow this.

Also if she is stuck here then we know where to go if there is some kind of magic trouble. Better a Queen in the pocket then back in the deck to get shuffled and used against us.

>>3494425
>>State that it’s none of your business to provide anything to somebody who could be shut in a prisoner of war camp or locked in a Kommissariat cell rather than roaming relatively free here. Ask where Von Metzeler is, for she surely knows- though stop short of naming her a sorceress.

>>3494425
>Tell her to knock it off with those lies; you know what she is, she needs nothing at all to help anybody; she won’t be guilt tripping you with any of that guff. Demand that she cease messing with your officer; even if you’re not sure she’s doing it.

>>3494551
>>3494556
>>3495040
You're a wizard Harry.

>>3494663
>>3494810
Innocent pointing out of your intent and an officer to extricate.

>>3494870
We're a good boy. You're totally not a wizard.

You guys know absolutely nothing is actually keeping her from leaving if she is a soulbinder.I'm sorry you are alone in your vote.

>>3494930
Who cares what you want or need you're lucky you're not in jail.

...this is a bit thorny, because I think while the intent of the one with the most is clearly the winner, I'm unsure if the decision to not tell by the others outweighs that?
I'll just go with
>>Tell her to knock it off with those lies; you know what she is, she needs nothing at all to help anybody; she won’t be guilt tripping you with any of that guff. Demand that she cease messing with your officer; even if you’re not sure she’s doing it.
Unless there is particular issue taken with how this is decided. I'm intending to draw something anyways so there'll be some time.

File: tcqscene145.png (359 KB, 592x800)

359 KB PNG

You had already had your fill of this soulbinder, and you decided that you would not be preached at by this sorceress. “Knock it off with that lying you snapped at her, pointing an accusatory finger, “I know what you are. You don’t need anything to help anybody, and I won’t be guilt tripped with your guff. I don’t know how you’re messing with my officer, but I demand that you stop.”

Yva looked up at you blankly. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“The hell you don’t, soulbi-duhpp.” Yva flicked a finger and your mouth shut upwards before you could complete your accusation.

“There is no need,” she said with a tired sigh, “to raise your voice. You were about to be extremely reckless- to say something that could get you into a terrible amount of trouble were the wrong sorts to hear it.” Yva let her hand loose and you felt the force pulling your jaw up dissipate. “Come around here.” The sorceress beckoned you around the building- you expected to be physically pulled there, but you were not; you followed of your own volition.

She gave you another weary look as you both stopped. “I apologize for my use of presence upon you. However, that you so thoughtlessly blurt such in my face shows you have no regards for the dangers of being so flippant with that knowledge you have. Which itself is evidence you know rather little, in spite of the powerful demon whom has touched you. I will insist that you be much, much more careful in the future. You are correct, in that I need nothing to cure injury…but I cannot act as a miracle worker. Surely you know our efforts to keep hidden, and such is even more important when trying to conceal our activities from others like I.”

“That’s very nice,” you said lowly, “But I will still demand that you cease whatever you are doing to my officer Von Metzeler. I know not why you do it, but I know you’re up to something, otherwise you wouldn’t be here.”

“I am doing nothing to you nor your friends.” Yva said simply.

“I don’t believe you.”

“Is my word not good enough?” Yva cocked her head and frowned, “I have no reason to lie to you. The difference between our might is enough that, were I to try and aggrieve you through insisting deception, it would be more effective to taunt you with your inability to do anything about my actions.”
Your lips were set. There was no reason to trust this woman whatsoever, harmless as she seemed.

“No, then?” Yva asked, “Very well.” You felt the air around you grow slightly less off, in a way you hadn’t perceived at first. “If I must earn the trust most would afford a stranger, so be it. If you believe I am interfering with your activities, then you will try to do more reckless things. So I make a bargain with you. To prove that I may be trusted when I say I do not use any of my arts upon you nor your people, that my mission is one of protection and of providing succor.” Yva let her hands fall to her sides. “Do anything you wish to me. There will be no repercussion nor vengeance. None will question your deeds, as you are of martial bearing and I a poor prisoner in this town, as far as any know. If I were to defend against your action, I could do so extremely easy.”

>Do anything to Yva to test her? (What?)
>Do nothing. Fine; you believe her.
>Other?

>>3495496
>>Other
Instead of harming her maybe ask her some questions instead if she's willing to answer:
- Does she belong to a faction or is she on her own like the Riverman was?
-So *have* you seen my officer in the vicinity recently?

>>3495507
Supporting

>>3495496
>>3495507
This is good enough.

>>3495507
Supporting this, also maybe ask why this country is absolutely saturated with presence all over the place.

>>3495496
Strip her naked. Check for tattos, brands, or marks. :^)

>>3495496
>Other?
Shoot her!

But in the likely event this will not pass:
tanq, does Blackflower do more magical disruption besides the connection between us and the Demiphantom? If it does then waft some towards her to see if she has any magical protections in place.

>>3495569
Oh and ask her what her Totem is or whatever the name is for the place where they store their Presence.
We really shouldn't tell her how we know any of this, although it seems she already knows about our Poltergeist Presence fuckery.

>>3495569
Blackflower, as far as you know, is a general disruptor or blocker of presence; its exact nature eludes you.

That Yva is a woman may preclude blackflower sharing from being seen as something polite to do.

Morning cometh.
>>3495507
>>3495534
>>3495544
Innocent questions

>>3495566
This could not possibly reflect poorly

>>3495569
Blast her.
But other things too.

Surely a few questions aren't too much to ask for. Writing.

Do anything you wish? What a bizarre proposal. What did she expect, you wondered. A few passing ideas of whether she might react to the worst things that could happen from such a proposal flashed in your head. Surely she would not accept being ordered to strip nude, even for a flimsy justification of searching for marks…like the one that had been on Fie’s face. Or if you shot her, even though you suspected that would do nothing- Maddalyn had said herself that Soulbinders were very difficult to destroy. Ultimately, you decided…to use words only.

“No.” You said flatly, “I don’t want to do anything to you. It would be brutish, and pointless. Instead, I want you to answer my questions. Is that acceptable?”

“It is.”

“Alright then. Who are you with? I know you…people, have factions, sides, alliances…”

“You ask a question too dangerous for you to know more of.” Yva said gravely, “To wander into that world purposefully is to invite death from many.” You glared at her, as if to imply she had failed her own test by not answering, but Yva did not relent. “My responsibility is to the world and its people, and to destroy what plagues blight it. Anything more is needless for you to know. You already know too much for most to accept without demanding you take their side.”

“Fine. Another question, then.” You sated curiosity on this one. “This land is absolutely saturated in presence. It’s everywhere. Why?”

“Another question whose answer would have little value for you.”

“Indulge me.”

Yva cocked her head the other way. “To put it simply, Ellowie is cradled by mountains, where Presence is most powerful, where it erupts forth from the depths and flows out, and as it is drawn towards like forces, and also along the path of least resistance, it whorls about in Ellowie in particular. Geography is not the sole reason for its current strength, however. Were Presence so simple. Even more, it has been a locus of war, death, and bloodshed for much of recent history. The energies of strife agitate spirits, draw Presence- resulting in the current tempest. So much more is easier to explain when you know and feel, and dream. To try and classify Presence through mere observation and sense is a futile task. Though perhaps, this overlong attempt at explanation will satisfy your curiosity.”

“It has.” She was far more willing to speak on that subject, it seemed. Maybe she saw no risk in merely informing how she thought the world worked. “Have you seen my officer in the vicinity recently? You remember what he looks like, yes?”

“I do.” Yva said to one part of your query, “I have not seem him. As I have said, I have done nothing to him. I have no reason to.”

Disappointing. Though perhaps you could milk more from her, since she hadn’t demanded an end to the questioning. “I know your lot have things called golems. What is your golem? I do not think I have seen one.”

Yva stiffened, then her brow sank with what seemed to be annoyance, a break in her immutable calm. “Of course you have not seen one. Such things are hardly presented unless they can be efficiently disguised. I cannot tell you about my golem, it would be likely that the information would disseminate to mine enemies. Especially those whom I would most keep it secret from, such as whomever is so mighty and has touched you.”

One last experiment came to mind. From your pocket, you drew out a twist of blackflower hashish- you kept it on you in case the Demiphantom far away tried to compel you to sleep again, but as soon as you withdrew it, Yva’s eyes narrowed. “You know what this is?” you asked.

“I will not question why you have it. If you were a beastly enough person to consider using it upon me, then you would not have merely asked questions instead of giving in to other temptations first.”

You twirled the blackflower twist in your fingers. “Does this sort of thing even work on you?”

Yva frowned sadly at you. Her appearance lacked the capacity to be intimidating, by your measure, anyways. “I am a woman, not some manner of monster. Surely it is not unreasonable to ask that you can reasonably assume its effects, as you have that for means besides poisoning the minds of the vulnerable.”

So it could work on her. Though you questioned if that would be any sort of defense at all- you hadn’t attracted her ire, anyways. Somehow.
“You seem to have run out of questions.” Yva observed, “I hope that I have earned some level of trust, then. Perhaps I may request that you leave me be, then, and let matters you should not be involved in lie.”

“Perhaps.” You didn’t want to agree for certain. “Bye, then.” You couldn’t find any reason to keep her longer, though it did feel like you were being hurried along by some subtle force as you left her.

You were no closer to finding Von Metzeler, unfortunately. It was getting late, now- once you found Anya and Krause again (shockingly easily; you supposed that Yva’s isolation of the two of you had been somehow enforced by her power), you had little choice but to return to camp.

-----

Rondo Von Metzeler prowled the streets of UGZ-09 as the sun set that day. Some might have said it was an unusual hobby, or that he picked a hell of a place for an evening walk, but the night was when his quarry were out and about. This was a hobby he had picked up, of sorts, which was to look for trouble and investigate it. He had a target in mind; the drug dealers that spread all manner of corruption through the unfortunate poor, who grew fat upon the suffering of others who could in little time ill resist the allure of a small helping of a high. Von Metzeler knew well the trade; many a vial of sweet relief in the run down urban sprawl of Strosstadt’s most wretched crannies could be tracked back his family’s underground empire. They were a family of rats, who gorged upon corpses and unearned larders- someday, they would sup upon poison, Rondo Von Metzeler had sworn to himself.

Until then, however, he entertained himself with the dispatching of pettier evils. For all his implicit knowledge of crime, he cut too recognizable a figure to properly assimilate into the black markets of the UGZ; though he donned a cloak to disguise his status as an officer, he refused to sacrifice his sword to the needs to craft an identity that truly melded with the shadows. His investigations had thus far been fruitless- much as he could threaten, he refused to torture, or to slay those whom had surrendered- and that had made all sources of information from beating upon assailants and assaulters dry up like a desert, and his new persona had taken no time to be analyzed and figured out. The searches turned into ones of attempting to observe by chance where the sources of the corruption lay, and then who was above that, in attempts to unmask the whole chain before closing in for the kill.

That evening, though, Von Metzeler had spied in the shadows between shanty stacks, a scene of injustice. A woman in a coat being threatened by a thug with a knife. All too familiar, Von Metzeler thought as he stepped into the alley, a hand upon the simple stamped steel of his sword’s sheathe. It was of simple, standard construction, not special from other swords other than that he held it; how he thought a sword held by a Von Metzeler should be, not the gaudy wall decoration that he had been forced to take along as well.

“Look, missy,” the thug was dressed in raggedy, patched clothing; likely the same wear he entered the UGZ with. He seemed a bit nervous; by contrast, his victim appeared near eerily calm, considering their circumstances. “There’s rules around here. Nobody cares if yer new, you gotta give things up if you wanna place to sleep, if you don’t want your food to go ta the needier. Unless you can make a few friends with…yer charm.” He jabbed the point of his knife slowly into one of the woman’s breasts, “Gotta do somebody a favor. Know what I mean?”

Von Metzeler drew his blade and rested his saber against the mugger’s neck, letting the edge bite ever so slightly into skin. “Do yourself a favor. Flee at once, or have your head separated from your shoulders.”

The mugger froze, only moving his eyes to look at Von Metzeler. “Y-yer the swordsman..!”

“The next action you take will be to run away,” Von Metzeler warned through the cloth mask on his face, his cowl blowing in the slight breeze, “Or else the next and last unfortunate event of your life will be to be run through with my blade.”

This mugger was a smart one- he immediately turned tail and scrambled away. Von Metzeler put his sword away and looked at the woman who was being accosted; and was surprised to see that she was familiar. A passably fair lady with long brown hair, and a pair of small glasses that rested upon a narrow and regal nose. Her eyes followed her assailant as he fled- Rondo got her attention back. “Are you hurt, m’am?”

The woman’s eyes flicked back to him. “I am all right. I have you to thank for that,” she curtsied slightly, “I would introduce myself, though…we have already met, though I know not your name. Do you recall mine?”

“You recognize me?” Von Metzeler asked, too curious to answer the question. His face was, after all, well masked, he thought.

“…Yes, your…your sword.” The woman pointed to Von Metzeler’s side, “I recognize it from earlier, in the forest.”

Von Metzeler’s eyes flicked to his blade, then back to her. “You’re quite a clever woman. Yes, I remember you. Your name is Yva, is it not?”

Yva nodded. “It is. May I know the name of my rescuer?”

“Lieutenant Von Metzeler. Tell nobody of such, though.”

“That is a rank, a title, and a surname,” Yva observed, “I told you my name. May I know your first name?”

“…Rondo.”

Yva smiled slightly. “That is a funny name.”

Von Metzeler sighed. “My family are odd people. What are you doing here? I was informed you were not taken prisoner, but I did not expect to find you in this place. Do you have a place to stay?”

Yva shook her head. “I do not. This place is entirely alien to me, and the places I have been are full. Sleeping upon the streets appears hardly abnormal. Your commander had me delivered here, as he claimed that there were many here in need of my skills; I was not given particular aid. He appeared to be under the impression that I could take care of myself well enough with no help.”

“…That was rather callous of him, then.” Von Metzeler had a suspicion of why Von Tracht would do such a thing, but that seemed an overreaction. Neither of them knew near enough about this woman to treat her unjustly; and she had helped them. Was anything but sympathy to her plight just? “I know a place where you may stay, it is lacking in privacy or comfort, but it is a place to lay your head, at least. A bunk with a sheet to block light, but I can guarantee your safety. It will do, hopefully, until tomorrow, ere we can secure more suitable lodgings.”

“That is most kind of you.” Yva bowed slightly, “You will be escorting me there?”

“…In a fashion. My current state has a fair amount of infamy; it would be unhealthy for you to be seen close to me. I will give you directions to reach the place, and follow behind you. Will that be alright? If you cannot make your way, you may follow behind me instead, though it will be more difficult for me to defend you should you be ambushed.”

“If I must stay separate from you,” Yva walked around behind Von Metzeler, “I shall follow. I doubt I could find my way even with directions, as I am now. Do not be worried, I was caught off guard this time, but I will be all right.”

Von Metzeler frowned under his face mask. “I do not think I can accept that level of risk.”

“You have earned my faith that you will defend me,” Yva offered softly, “May I ask the same from you, that I will not stumble into a situation you cannot protect me from?”

“I am afraid you cannot.”

Yva’s head tilted, and her eyebrows sank, tilting up. “We are at an impasse, then.” Her eyes went up and down Von Metzeler’s garb. “I have an idea. May I borrow your cloak? I may disguise myself with such, and you disguise yourself with your true appearance.”

Von Metzeler thought about this. “My sword, however…”

“I shall hold onto it, if you will allow me.”

“…Very well.” Yva was newly sheltered under Von Metzeler’s heavy cloak with her long hair tucked under it, her head covered by the kerchief. “I suppose this will do.” He handed the woman his sword, who looked at it curiously before hiding it under the cloak and her arm.

They made some small talk as they walked. Von Metzeler’s uniform made many give him a wide berth- as he preferred.

“How long have you had that blade?” Yva asked, “It seems well used.”

“Only a couple of years.” Von Metzeler told freely. “My family would have me use the blade of their station. A gaudy, fancy thing. Presumptuous. I would prefer to use a sword whose accolades were not bought.”

“You do not like your family?” Yva asked.

“I do not.”

“Why is that?”

“They corrupt, exploit, and destroy for their own gain.” Von Metzeler growled, “That I share my blood is naught but a source of shame.”

“That is quite sad. They are still your family, after all. For all of your anger towards them, they have not abandoned you.”

“If only they would.”

Yva’s tone had grown more morose over time. “Do not say such things. Surely you would rather they be redeemed than for them to fall.”

“They may find redemption in having proper justice delivered unto them.” Von Metzeler said firmly. “…Pray forgive me. I have spoke much of myself, and it seems to be a topic that you mislike the more I speak on it. Tell me about your family.”

“I wish that I could see them.” Yva said with melancholy, “But I have been forced to abandon them. A greater cause called…and I had no choice but to answer. It was not a choice I would have liked to make, but the alternative would have been to allow tragedy upon those close to me.” Yva sighed, “I once thought as you did. My family was not one that would normally be recalled fondly, but they did raise me, support me, for all of their flaws. It is sad that I did not realize my love for them until later,” she looked to Von Metzeler, “Were it that you should realize that for your own before it is too late.”

“My mind need not be clouded by sentiments that would obstruct justice.” Von Metzeler recited.

“…You are quite hard headed.” Yva’s tone changed critically. “Though I doubt such can be changed with one conversation, can it.”

“You seek to change my mind?”

“I seek to help those who would help me, in spite of being a stranger.” Yva answered.

It wasn’t too long before they reached the place Von Metzeler had in mind for her. They were hardly comfortable lodgings, but for a fee, a person could sleep in a small space with some minute amount of privacy; they were layered bunks more akin to lockers than anything, with a bedroll, a curtain, and a small box at the foot of it all to keep some possessions. However, the price barrier kept out the most degenerate, unlike the flophouses. Von Metzeler paid the keeper relatively handsomely.

Von Metzeler explain the situation to Yva, and she nodded.

“These are hardly suitable quarters for a lady, but,” Von Metzeler apologized, “There is little else that I can procure on such short notice.”

“Ah. Your officer approached me earlier today. He sought me out in search of you. Perhaps you should meet him.”

“Von Tracht is not my mother. I am allowed my share of independence from him.” Von Metzeler said curtly.

“He seemed concerned that I was manipulating you. Such concern shows caring.” Yva said. Von Metzeler had nothing to say to that. His mind though, thought about similar matters...in ever so different a light. An unfamiliar light. “…Thank you for your kindness. You have naught but done me favors tonight. Would you ask any of me?”

“Favors?” Von Metzeler repeated, “…You have intriguing beliefs, even if I disagree with them on points. If we would perhaps speak more, that would be enough.”

Yva smiled at the officer. “Very well, then. Where and when would you wish to find me?”

“…” Von Metzeler thought about that. “I will find you without requiring you to loiter anywhere. Remain in a place of safety.”

Afterwards, when Yva crawled into her bunk, she wished Von Metzeler farewell, returning his blade in the bundle of clothes that was his disguise, shed of the woman. Yet the tall swordsman did not leave. He lingered, uncertain himself as to the safety of this retreat- and thus unable to responsibly depart.
-----

When night fell, you went to sleep confident Von Metzeler would return, but he did not do so until the next morning. He appeared bedraggled, very tired, and said nothing as he appeared before you in the office tent.

“Good morning, Von Tracht.” He said drowsily. He seemed like he hadn’t gotten any sleep at all.

>Good Morning. Seems you had a long night. Get some rest, today should be slow.
>Just where in the hell have you been? This is so unlike you. I want a full explanation.
>I’m not going to ask where you’ve been. But you’d best not repeat this.
>Other?

>>3496476
>>Other
>"I would ask you where the hell you've been, but it's probably useless. Next time at least tell someone if you're going to be gone for a while. Anyway get some rest and I'll brief you on our latest situation about that damn social."

>>3496490
+1

>>3496476
>>Just where in the hell have you been? This is so unlike you. I want a full explanation.

>>3496490
supporting

Present and accounted for.

>>3496490
>>3496511
>>3496651
Accept this turn of events; you're both of the same rank, are you going to order him around in good faith?

>>3496533
Demand that Von Metzeler fess up.

Writin'

“I would ask you where the hell you’ve been,” you grumbled, “but it’s probably useless. Next time at least tell someone if you’re going to be gone for a while.”

Von Metzeler frowned, but saluted. “Of course. I did not predict to be absent for this long, but there were…complications. I apologize.”

At best you were annoyed- mostly, you had been relieved to know that a soulbinder hadn’t been messing with you. The bubbling cauldron that was the Border Zone, with the politics, the fighting, the tension, and that you were expected to do more than survive…was quite enough. “Get some rest,” you told Von Metzeler, “I’ll brief you on our latest situation, concerning the damn social.”

-----

So your morning was plain and dull as one could hope for. Porridge and head cheese, which in spite of its unappetizing name, was nutrition nevertheless. You’d eaten stranger things out of curiosity, though a few of the crewmen from more urban places turned their nose up at it. To say nothing at all happened would be untrue, as the Netillian Army was much a believer in the theory that idle hands got up to mischief, but nothing required your particular attention, nor that of your officers- physical training and such manner of basic maintenance of the fighting fitness of the troops could be easily managed by Kelwin. With your most recent operation having been unofficial and lacking in any casualties on your part, you could write it off in paperwork as an uneventful patrol, save for limited enemy contact.

Later you went and helped your men clean off the tanks. You swept off the accumulated dust and dirt with a stiff broom from atop the X-51, which had been well used, while Hans, Jorgen and Malachi went to haul over a water cart. You chattered idly with Stein in the meantime as you knocked off stiff clumps of grass and compacted, chalky soil.

“I don’t think you’ve been in the UGZ besides that riot a couple weeks ago, have you?” you asked Stein, “Not that we were walking around much.”

“I kept inside the tank, didn’t look around much,” Stein answered as he scraped detritus from the sides, “Didn’t want to be hit by any flying rocks after all. They certainly had enough to pelt the paint with. Good thing it didn’t get bad enough for me to pull the trigger on anything.”

“Mm. We don’t exactly have a water cannon hooked on that, do we.” You mused. “Trade off of being tankers used for police work.”

“I mean, I don’t mind it,” Stein said, grunting as he pried a stubborn piece of crud off the tank, “I’d rather stand around doing nothing and get paid for it than die and get a medal. Gaah!”

“What is it?” you looked over at what had startled your gunner.

“Another one of those freakin’ eye blobs,” Stein poked under the tank with his tool, “Git! Get outta here!”

“They’re harmless,” you pointed out, “It’s Choco but free range.” Choco was the name given to the Hungry Darkness you had stored in a chocolate tin. It had been around long enough that Jorgen started referring to it by a name. Nobody had anything better to call it, even though everybody else thought the name was stupid. Most of the other names that were actually descriptive were unflattering, after all.

“Well, I wouldn’t let a free range rat hitchhike either,” Stein said up at you, “…What did you say drove these things off? Salt? Light?”

“Either or.”

“We’ll need a mirror or something…”

“Oh, cool it,” you shook your head and went back to the part of the tank you had been cleaning before. “There’s worse things.”

“I don’t wanna know about them. Judge Above deliver me from knowing anything worse than being shot at. If it’s not that here then it’s being tormented by spirits.”

You didn’t mind either of them, really; but last time you’d mentioned how battle was, in its way, calming and simple, you’d gotten a lot of weird looks, so you kept it to yourself. The spirits, in their basic and relatively harmless forms, had gone from disturbing apparitions to a new sort of wildlife, no more unusual here than a robin or a deer. Or a living stone- a normal living stone. You figured that such was the same for many newly introduced into the world of the unseen, but Stein evidently was still ill used to it.

Soon enough your crew had returned with a water carrier, and the tank was being scrubbed with water and hand brushes.

“Get your tomboy over here,” Hans suggested, “Make her wear white for once, huh?”

“Heh heh. Get sahmodda gerl, tho.” Jogren added.

Anya had departed to see the Ashes; she never shied away from dirty work, and much preferred it to paperwork, but with the party coming up and efforts being made to find out information on potential diversionary targets or soft spots, intelligence was ever more important. You’d have gone to try and gather some more information yourself, but with your second in command sleeping in, you saw no reason to take care of the more mundane tasks for the moment.

Anya returned when you were near through cleaning the X-51.

“Man, that thing needs a paint job,” Anya muttered. “Oi. Fairy boy. I’ve got news.”

“You do?” you asked.

“Hah!” Jorgen chortled, “Bossmannehs he’s fehrybohy.”

“A huh huh huh.” Malachi chuckled too.

“…The news,” you requested of Anya.

“I told the Ashes to try and find out more about the NLF guys that came around. They want to find out more about them already because…well, they wanna work with ‘em, but I keep telling them to be careful. There’s definitely something planned for that Langenachtfest Party, at least, for the day of it. The kids wanted in on it, but thankfully, they’re still taking my line about not being ready yet. I tell them if they can beat me two on one, then they’re good to actually fight.”

“They’ll never be ready, then.” you said with a glance to the sky.

“Perfect, right? So here’s the deal, so much as they’ve heard.” Anya picked up cleaning equipment and arranged it on the ground. “So we’ve got here- New Jorgenstohn, Reismuhle, and New Houdeberg. Colonial Netillian settlements. They’re all on the list. There’s a good…I wanna say four freedom fighter groups that’ll be sneaking here just for this day. Makes you feel real important, huh? I dunno the numbers, but I’m going to guess we can look at about fifty to eighty dudes with guns falling on a place, definitely to try and burn it to the ground. That’s considering our current plan to just stack guys around the party place and make that a complete no-go.”
“Fifty to eighty, that’s a ton,” you noted, “A massive assault. Could we make a preemptive strike?”

“Nuh uh. For one, remember, if we just hit anybody the Ashes find out about right away, everybody’s gonna get sus’. Other thing is that they’re not even here yet. Anybody here right now’s a scout. Somebody just checking out the place. Good luck getting evidence that they’re here for any reason. Again, if all their guys get snatched up; you can bet the Ashes’re gonna get isolated, if not wiped.”

“They’d do that to children?” you asked.

“A lot of ‘em are kids, young adults,” Anya said, “Didn’t you know? There’s a lot of ‘em in these freedom fighter things, ‘specially in the NLF. The Ashes aren’t the only orphans, the only homeless. A lot of men are either dead or exiled, too. Not a big base to draw from. So yeah, kids’ll definitely kill other kids, or beat ‘em up and make them join their people.”

“Hrm. So unless we want to throw ourselves into a fire, there’s little we can do about this.”

“That’s about the way it is.” Anya said, “So there’s these three towns. Bad enough. But also, and this is a certain thing- UGZ-07 is going to blow the fuck up. I know you said UGZ-09’s doing fine, and that’s all well and good, but no matter what we do, our neighbors are gonna have a huge shit show; and we might be called into that.”

You leaned back on the X-51 and sighed a long, heavy, croaking sigh. “Well then. Well. Then. So no matter what we do, there’s a mess?”

“There’s at least not a mess here,” Anya shrugged, “Technically, we don’t really have to do much to get our house in order. Keep some guys in New Jorgenstohn. Keep some around the party. We’re all good then. We’ve got three platoons to play around with and I bet one per’s enough to keep places we want off any hit lists locked down.”

>You supposed Anya was right. Best to keep everything in order close to you. Protect New Jorgenstohn and the party; no need to split your forces more.
>Maybe you could think of something clever. If you have two spare platoons to use, you can guard two of the towns- and force an attack on the third. Knowing exactly where an attack might take place could be useful information to the ambitious…
>It’s a hard decision, but you can’t leave colonial towns to be razed in good consciousness. You’ll have to split your forces several ways (In what ratios, between the party and the three towns?)
>Other?
New platoon comes at the end of the week, and it was decided that the Ellowian Platoon is on camp guard duty.

>>3497009
>You supposed Anya was right. Best to keep everything in order close to you. Protect New Jorgenstohn and the party; no need to split your forces more.
Colonial towns getting raided is a good thing for us.

>>3497009
Might be asking a bit, but is there a rough map of the area? Just want to know where everything is relative to each other distance wise.

>>3497019
Eh, yeah, I can't really give that quite yet. It would need a lot of stuff on it That I don't necessarily have planned yet. I'll have it at some point, but probably not for this vote, sorry.

If you want general distances and that sort of thing I can give such.

>>3497009
Anyways for now:
>You supposed Anya was right. Best to keep everything in order close to you. Protect New Jorgenstohn and the party; no need to split your forces more.
The other two towns are in the 22nd's sector right? So we've locked down our formal area of responsibility pretty well. Maybe send a message to Manaeseko that he'd better be prepared to call in everybody on the night of the social though leave out the details.
>>3497024
Yeah don't really need a map honestly; literal dots and names on on a blank background with distances would be enough just to visualize.

>>3497009
>>You supposed Anya was right. Best to keep everything in order close to you. Protect New Jorgenstohn and the party; no need to split your forces more
DESU it's going to be pretty bad but we can't save everyone.

>>3497032
>The other two towns are in the 22nd's sector right? So we've locked down our formal area of responsibility pretty well.

Indeed, the other two towns aren't your particular responsibility, but as for who actually watches over them...is a good thing to go over.

See, the Penal Battalion occupies the sector to your west. Reismuhle and New Houdeberg are on the edges of your sector...but to the northeast and east. Translated, this means that the two towns are in territory mostly looked over by other parts of the 5th Combined Infantry battalion- your formation's sister units, as you are the 1st company.

This'll make a lot more sense with a map, I know. Which is why one's in the works, but not really in a state to use.

>>3497078
But on paper they're both the responsibility of the other companies in the battalion right? Sucks for our battalion CO but at least Kelwin and us can say we protected our part when things go down.

>>3485115

>>3497009
>>You supposed Anya was right. Best to keep everything in order close to you. Protect New Jorgenstohn and the party; no need to split your forces more.

>>3497089
Yep. It's not your jurisdiction unless ordered otherwise.

>>3497189
Alright then. Sucks for the colonists but I guess an attack of this magnitude will probably lead to more resources going to us and the UGZ.

Alright then.

>>3497017
>>3497032
>>3497065
>>3497174
As said astutely, sucks to be them!

Writing after eating.

“…Come with me.” You started to walk towards Anya, “You guys finish up,” to your crew. Once you were out of their direct earshot, you admitted in a low voice, “I can’t think of a way around it. Better to ensure everything close is protected than to spread ourselves thin. It won’t be pleasant, but it’s our best choice.” You touched the bottoms of your pockets, “It’s true that we’re only responsible for protecting this area. It won’t be a good day for the battalion commander, but this is the way it has to be. It’s the nature of toeing the line, but even from a tactical point of view, spreading our forces too thin will only add our own to the body count. I hope the NLF militia will at least conduct whatever they’ll do with honor.”

“Company doesn’t inspire confidence, huh?” Anya asked.

“Yes. All the Netillian platoons are still quite new to war, and I don’t think they can fend off a numerically superior enemy with their strength split up. It’d be different maybe if we could support them with our tanks, but we’re out of fuel for operations, and we won’t be getting more until after all this.”
“Can’t help that.” Anya agreed, “At least this should mean more’ll flow in. Nothing to freak out command like a big ol’ attack on one of their precious colonies, not that we don’t get more an’ more colonists flowing in by the week.”

“…I can’t say I’ll be in much a festive mood for the party, with all this happening the same night.”

“There’s always somebody starvin’ to death somewhere.” Anya gave an insensitive but true remark to your lament, “There’s always somebody getting beaten, somebody freezing, you can’t do anything about it.”

“I suppose,” you confided in Anya, “I don’t feel very heroic choosing who to sacrifice. It isn’t my duty to protect Netilland, but…I suppose it feels like, say, my uncle, would have chosen this way.”

“Nope. He wouldn’t have.” Anya said.

“Then what would he have done?”

Anya opened her mouth to say something, but held on her statement for a moment. “…He wouldn’t have cared about who would have gotten pissed off or what would have happened to him. I’m not going to say it always worked. But he’d also not be in this situation. He was a mercenary because that’s what you have to be your own master.”

“Your own master, huh.” You looked lazily to the west. Helman Von Tracht, whose middle name you took as your first, had been a mercenary before he was the first of your family ennobled by the Archduchy, just under a century past. Ever since him…he was your great-great grandfather, and it only took until his son for your family name to be disgraced the first time. When Helman died, his son Rickhart had taken the reigns of the new family, and spent extravagantly upon luxuries and mistresses, using the favor his father had with the archduke and the wealth derived from such to act far above his station. Such was his degeneracy that he not only was disowned by the courts, but left debts upon the family, which were only expanded by your grandfather Helmuth, who had been an inglorious as a soldier and was terrible at thrift, was only woken from similar degeneracy later in life by the ever compounding debt, and had to sell off most of the family’s belongings to avoid being imprisoned; such was why your own father had pursued law, you’d heard. The various branches of your once great house steadily withered as their sons and daughters were slain in Strossvald’s wars trying to recapture the position of the past, until finally, only yours was left.

And so will your end come as well. Tragic.

“Feh. All of a sudden I’ve got a damn headache.”

“Today’s not a spar day, what could your head be whining about? Beat it against a tree ‘til it stops.”

“…It must be the situation catching up with me.” You muttered, “Von Metzeler should be up soon. We’ll gather everybody and tell them what’s going on.” A separate thought struck you. “…When is your dress going to be ready?”

Anya shrugged. “I have to go for one last thing tomorrow. When are you going to have something besides a dirty jacket and your shirt?”

“…I’m not sure,” you said, “I won’t be getting a replacement uniform in time, and my dress uniform didn’t make the trip. Can’t have it requested from home either, not in time, at least. I’ll figure something out.”

“As long as it’s not something goddamn embarrassing,” Anya shot at you, “This might not be that sorta thing but I’m not gonna show up to this with somebody who looks like shit.”

Hmph. Well now it was a challenge. But then, wasn’t that how you preferred it..?

-----

“…So that’s how it is,” you finished briefing Krause and a freshly woken Von Metzeler, all of you, including Anya, seated in a ring of folding chairs in the office tent. “We’ll split up first through third platoons between the Manor where the social is, and protecting New Jorgenstohn. Otherwise, we’re spread too thin protecting territory that isn’t ours.”

“Surely we could drop an indirect warning to the other towns?” Krause tried to look for an opening, “So that they may flee?”

“I dislike this as well,” Von Metzeler said with his arms crossed, eyes closed, “But we have little choice. We must remember our mission from the Archduke- and performing that requires that we not consider the welfare of a longtime enemy into the preservation of Strossvald’s pursuits. We are allies of convenience, not servants of Netilland’s Military Council. Ultimately, all of this is to blame upon them. Moral objectivity is impossible when the Netillians force the Ellowians out of their lands and place their own in their place, to say nothing of their government’s own evils against its citizenry.”

“I suppose, but…” Krause scowled, “The sins of the people…I don’t know. They do profit from this…”

“Who cares?” Anya asked sharply, leaning back lazily in her chair and picking between her teeth with a toothpick, “We only have to do what we’re told to do. To do that and anything more, our asses have to be kept free of burns. We can’t hang it out over every fire, it’ll get too hot.”

“…Bizarre metaphors aside.” Von Metzeler said, “Our course of action is clear. Any more preventative action will have to reveal itself as we go along.”
Such was the state of affairs; there was little else to discuss beyond that, and you broke soon after.

-----

Von Metzeler told you that he was departing in the afternoon- and you saw no reason to keep him. Battalion headquarters had not sent any messages the whole day, and it seemed the whole of it would pass as a restful one. Which was fair enough; you’d spent the past days with a good amount of action going on. At least, as much as one could expect from your situation. If the situation changed and the Twaryians came surging over the border, as more than a few suspected would happen sometime in the future…that would be a new and fresh experience that would make any battles you fought in the past look like a cakewalk.

…You wondered how far along your letter to Maddalyn was. Would she like it? Would she hate it? You didn’t know why you were nervous about it. It was honest, you figured, and there was little reason to be a prude when it was only for your fiancée’s eyes.

You had to distract yourself with something else. What could you do, though? Your plan was already clear. Perhaps today being clear would let you wander a bit…

>Arrange a meeting with the Major. There were things you wanted to know...if she would tell you.
>Go to UGZ-07. It might be worth it to know just how it’s going to “blow up.”
>Take some people out to Kamienisty for a time out. It would be good to take a half-day out without worrying about anything. (Who, and what sort of venue to go to? Kamienisty probably has one, though perhaps not the best of it…)
>Other?

>>3497483
>>Arrange a meeting with the Major. There were things you wanted to know...if she would tell you.
Actually we should see if the IO gives a crap about what happens to our dear High Protector, or anything they'd like to be done specifically.

>>3497483
>>Take some people out to Kamienisty for a time out. It would be good to take a half-day out without worrying about anything. (Who, and what sort of venue to go to? Kamienisty probably has one, though perhaps not the best of it…)
We do need clothes which means the town seems like the best option. Maybe bring the crew as a reward? Have a meal, drinks, whatever entertainment etc.

>>3497483
>>Take some people out to Kamienisty for a time out. It would be good to take a half-day out without worrying about anything. (Who, and what sort of venue to go to? Kamienisty probably has one, though perhaps not the best of it…)
Let's get some sort of outfit for the social, I guess we could bring our crew, or krause, if they want to go.
>>Other?
make the soldiers train while we're out.

>>3497490
Eh. The Major told us to stop asking about every little thing and show some initiative didn't she?

>>3497504
True I'll switch then to
>Take some people out to Kamienisty for a time out. It would be good to take a half-day out without worrying about anything.
Crew and Krause sounds good, maybe we can recce the surrounding area as well when we're there.
Kelwin can supervise the training while we're there.

>>3497504
>make the soldiers train while we're out.

They're already on that. Albeit it's physical training and review and not combat drill.

>>3497483
>Von Metzeler told you that he was departing in the afternoon- and you saw no reason to keep him.
Goddammit. Should've shot her.

>Arrange a meeting with the Major. There were things you wanted to know...if she would tell you.
Gotta see how patriotic bae is drink wise.
What news from the Archduchy?
Any new information about the Ellowian Army that escaped?
What would be more valuable to Strossvald, a resurgence of Ellowie fighting thus hampering both Twaryi and Netilland or getting the two countries into a shooting war?

Although it would be good to scout out UGZ-07 since we're likely to be called in to 'pacify' it at some point. Mostly just checking out likely defensive positions and centers of rebellion.

>>3497483
>Take some people out to Kamienisty for a time out. It would be good to take a half-day out without worrying about anything.
Hopefully a night cracking open cold ones with the bois will take my mind off of how much I miss my wife.
Maybe we should just keep writing letters? Keep her updated about or lives and times, ask how she's doing?
Small stuff.

>>3497483
>>Take some people out to Kamienisty for a time out. It would be good to take a half-day out without worrying about anything.
Some blend of >>3497504 and >>3497531 Have the crew help pick out an outfit suitable for fairyboy and perhaps treat them to a drink afterwards, doing our best to avoid any flophouse milk-bars or drunken piano numbers. If our senses are intact by the time we get back then write up another more casual letter to Maddy before turning in.

Update soon; I thought I wouldn't have it til after lunch, but I guess I'm not quite that slow.
Going based off getting the jacket first- then establishment to patronize.

There were a few reasons why it would be a good idea to go to Kamienisty. It was probably the ritziest place you had easy access to, even if that wasn’t saying much- by nature of all the traffic going into and out of it, the place was ever growing, and was the place to go for many officers looking for something to do.
Since Von Metzeler had already excused himself, you decided to take along Krause- who requested he bring his crew, and Von Metzeler’s as well. You accepted this, though he asked who would be in charge of matters back at camp while you were all gone.

“Kelwin’s not a child, no matter what he looks like,” you said, “He’ll be fine without anybody watching his back for the rest of the day. Anya can look after everything else.”

“Tempting fate, then?” Krause asked.

“I don’t think so. We practically have a guarantee that nothing’ll happen until two days, on the 25th.”

“…Man, it’ll be 1933 soon,” Krause whistled, “Far as anybody who hears is concerned, we’ve done a year, even if we got shoved out at the bottom of this year. Time flies, huh?”

Time certainly hadn’t felt like it had flown; recently it had, certainly, but before that felt like it had been an eternity. Would you have preferred a nice, calm first months, though? Probably not. It just wasn’t in your blood to want to idle about and soak up benefits.

With the amount of people, you couldn’t get an easy staff car ride to Kaministy. The lot of you had to walk there. Few had a problem with it, though it did mean you had to crack into the armory to make sure you could travel safely. The road you took was one well patrolled, so it was hardly unnervingly unsafe- while you were walking along, an armored car from the Blue Knights Armored Cavalry passed by on a usual patrol, an Ellowian-captured reconnaissance vehicle, repainted but still ridden with dents and dings from a storied past. It hummed past, looking and sounding much like a plain four wheeled truck save for the small turret above it.

“Yekneu,” Jorgen said, “Thenk fletenhillfahlk’d puttus wittem, ey?”

“Flat and hill folk?” you asked, “Netillians?” Jorgen nodded. “I suppose I don’t know.” You’d been slotted with a Combined Infantry Battalion instead of the Armored Cavalry, which by your consideration would have been your best match. “The mission here wanted to spread us over more people, I suppose. An Armored Cavalry company doesn’t have near as many people as this one does, after all.”

“I’ve heard,” Stein offered, “That the Spare Parts battalions already have to scrape the bottom of the barrel for what they have as is. I don’t think they’d get special consideration.”

When Ellowie fell, much in the way of equipment was captured, but so were the factories that made them- you’d heard more than a few places hadn’t stopped manufacturing Ellowian equipment, especially the tank plants. Even so, Ellowian equipment was still derogatorily referred to as “Spare Parts.”

“Gottspaahhrrightne.”

“You’re right, Mal, we’re working with spare parts right now too, aren’t we?” Stein acknowledged the little masked man.
“How in the world do they understand that guy…” you heard Krause say to his crew from behind.

“Nothing wrong with spare parts, right, mechanic turned shooter?” Hans said, a cocky grin on his face. “Your sister always said that everything’s a bunch of spare parts in the end.” Stein’s face stiffened at the mention of his sister, so Hans hurriedly changed things up a bit. “We’re a bunch of spare parts, aren’t we? Best not to shame too much. What’re we, a couple of schlubs from smoggy ol’ Strosstadt, a Yaegir, a mountain goblin-person, and some no-name noble who I’ve heard most people think don’t even exists.” He shoved you slightly, “Well, ‘least til you went gallivanting off into Sosaldt for a vacation, right? And that’s only counting the misfits in our tank.”

“I had better exist after going through all that, and considering the trial afterwards…” you grumbled discontentedly.

“Oh, you sure as hell exist, alright,” Hans reassured you, “Did you know? You have a bit of infamy here, even from before you arrived. I was talking with a few of the staff people back at camp once, shooting the shit, and a couple said they knew a Kommandant of the Republic of Mittelsosalia, and they heard you and that guy had the same name. Threw ‘em for a loop when I said you shared the same body too.”

That warmed your ego somewhat.

“They asked me if you plowed Cyclops.”

You rubbed your face and sighed, not even deigning to comment.

“Don’t worry about it, boss, every guy who gets big gets dirt thrown on ‘em.” Hans put a hand on your shoulder, “There’s worse rumors that could be going around.
Probably are. Would you rather people give you the evil eye ‘cause your real beau looks so runty?”

“I’d rather any gossip be about my martial prowess.”

“Well, too bad.”

“Whet’summa thegossep?” Jorgen asked slyly.

”Well…” Hans rubbed his hands together evilly, “I’ll share a few I’ve heard, in confidence, of course…”

The rest of the walk to Kamienisty was occupied with you hearing rumors of all sorts and, in spite of your crew knowing full well the veracity of most of them, most of them being utterly salacious. At least they were having fun with it…

-----

Krause’s and your group had separated upon entering the Railhead town, because your first order of business was replacing your jacket. You were almost getting used to the chill, but you wouldn’t miss it long, either.

The options weren’t exactly high fashion; more along the lines of military surplus and replacement, naturally, though more luxurious tailoring was an option. Such was fine; you were looking for something practical anyways, that wouldn’t seem out of place at a social. A uniform, even one that wasn’t particularly dressy, had always been acceptable in Strossvald courts, even if female fashion was an ever shifting and evolving battleground. You and your crew popped into a few places and got a good idea of what was available- and what caught your eye.

One was a captured Ellowian tanker jacket; a dull grey-bleached leather piece with a thin lining of dark green faux-fur. A pair of thin black stripes ran down its sleeves, which were shortened to about forearm length, as it was meant to be worn with leather gauntlet-gloves, which were also available in the stashes of appropriated loot. The particular one that caught your attention was a beaten up one that seemed like it had a history to it, even if it wasn’t your own. It made it interesting by nature.

Another was a dark leather, fleece lined jacket that appeared to be some manner of pilot’s jacket, but the shopkeep insisted that it was a “Reich tanker’s coat.” It didn’t look like any Reich tanker uniform piece you’d ever seen or heard of; you guessed that this was a Grossreich Luftwaffe piece that had somehow wandered over here. The name-label on the inside of its collar was blank; as its exterior reflected, as it seemed near brand new.

A familiar tunic drew your attention elsewhere- one you’d seen before in quantity. It was a black tunic with white piping- the Netillian Party police’s uniform, apparently being phased out as the Party Police was integrated into the military Kommissariat. Petty politicking of some manner. Though where you recognized it from was from Sosaldt, as the clothing of choice for the now-defunct Death Heads, no longer an entity, thanks in part to your intervention. It was fashionable enough, you supposed.

It was impossible not to be drawn to the final one, which was among plain Netillian tunics of all sorts.

“What in the world is that?” you asked the clerk. You pointed to a gaudy dark green tunic lined with silver piping, with braiding of the same shiny thread on its black collar. Epaulettes dangled off the shoulders, and on the arms of the mannequin wearing it were black leather gloves, cuffed with silver braiding like the collar. It was incredibly gaudy.

“That, is a Netillian curassier’s parade uniform,” you were informed of by the clerk. “Or at least, a recreation of one. Officers, tank officers, like to have them. Cavalry and armor and all. There’s a push by the armor corps to have them be reinstated. Do you like it?”

“I’ll have to think about it,” you brushed the clerk off.

“That looks way too flamboyant.” Stein offered his criticism. “I thought Anya was the one being decorated like a tree, not you.”

In Strossvald, you’d heard that glamour was exactly the point. However, fashion was something you’d never paid attention to at home, let alone in Netilland. Ultimately, this would be a question of what you preferred.

>The Ellowian Tanker Jacket
>The Reich Pilot’s jacket
>The Party Police tunic
>A plain tanker’s tunic; no need to stand out.
>The Currassier’s Parade uniform
>Look for something else in particular?

Nothing’s restricting you from getting two things- though the parade uniform is expensive; you’ll likely only be able to get that.
There's also no shortage of "normal" things- but that wouldn't have caught Richter's particular attention, now would it have?

>>3498324
>>The Reich Pilot’s jacket
Don't want to get mistaken for some Netillian at the party so going with the most foreign one.
Also hey, Luftpanzer's legacy lives on even when we're back to our side of the continent.

>>3498324
>>The Ellowian Tanker Jacket
>>The Reich Pilot’s jacket

>>3498324
>The Reich Pilot’s jacket

>>3498324
>>The Reich Pilot’s jacket

>>3498324
>>The Reich Pilot’s jacket

Back from lunch.
>>3498333
>>3498343
>>3498361
>>3498474
Owl catcher cosplay.
>>3498339
Consideration for going native.

Not what I expected, but interesting!
Writing soon.

>>3498577
What did you think would win out of curiosity?

>>3498587
Fancy wear.
Not a good guess as it turned out, but there's no "right" decisions anyways.

In the end, you selected the Reich pilot’s jacket. It was warm looking, had decent appearance, and as an important factor, didn’t look Netillian or Ellowian. There’d be no mistake of you being foreign at least. The jacket fit pretty well, thankfully, and it wasn’t too expensive for a leather flight jacket.

“How do I look?” you asked the Malachi and Stein, who were present while the other two members of the crew were crawling about the town looking for places to have supper at; perhaps a few drinks.

“Emperuhl.”

“Yes. That is where the jacket is from.” You said, “But, like, good? Bad?”

“Alloferdeplass.”

“You look fine, commander,” Stein hurried along, “Maybe if you lost the hat and goggles you’d seem less roughneck looking.”

“Roughneck’s not too bad.”

Hans suddenly burst in. “Hey,” he demanded, “You girls done shopping yet? I’m starvin’ and thirsty. Though I’m not picky. The theater’s opening up early, if you want to head there. See a few things, waste the day? Don’t have to be sober if the movie sucks either.”

>The Muddy Boot: a rather rough bar and sausage grill, with more than a few vagrants, drunks, and enlisted. Apparently popular with penal soldiers, under escort. Cheap, ratty, cozy. High proof.
>The Clear Crystal: this was the place you usually met the Major at. It was upscale, visited by very few, and not Netillians, particularly. Of course, the Major only ever met you when you were either with Von Metzeler or alone, so you could count on her not appearing…
>Kamienisty Cinema: a new construction, quite popular among the soldiers. Maybe if you were lucky they’d have a decent picture to go with the overpriced food that tasted like feet.
>Look for some other specific sort of place?

Short update, I know. Sorry for the wait for the length here.

>>3498687
>>Kamienisty Cinema: a new construction, quite popular among the soldiers. Maybe if you were lucky they’d have a decent picture to go with the overpriced food that tasted like feet.
Can always eat/drink after

>>3498701
Supporting

>>3498687
>>Kamienisty Cinema: a new construction, quite popular among the soldiers. Maybe if you were lucky they’d have a decent picture to go with the overpriced food that tasted like feet.

>>3498687
>>Kamienisty Cinema: a new construction, quite popular among the soldiers. Maybe if you were lucky they’d have a decent picture to go with the overpriced food that tasted like feet.

Rolled 1, 4 = 5 (2d4)

>>3498701
>>3498709
>>3498710
>>3498722
The movies, then. Well, what passes for one.

Gonna roll for what two flicks are showing on that real quick, then I'll get writing.

1-Propaganda
2-Romance
3-Outlaw
4-Adventure

>>3498750
>Propaganda
Richter's favorite

“The movies sound good. I haven’t seen one in a while,” you said, “What do they usually show?”

“It’s a toss-up,” Stein said, “Last time I went with Mal and Jorgen there was a sappy love story that they hated.”

“Don’t like romantic comedies, Mal?” Hans asked. Malachi made a growling mutter, and he edged off. “I mean, a moving picture’s a moving picture. If you’re not interested close your eyes and go to sleep. If you’re in the armed forces it’s free after all. Even though the food’s not. The food’s garbage, though.”

You sadly knew the latter. One time, Anya had gone to the films, and came back with a meat pastry. When you asked how it was, she described it as “about as good as this thing.” The pastry turned out to be stuffed with head cheese, and it tasted like how the inside of a sweat boot smelled.

“We don’t have to eat or drink anything there.” You said hurriedly. “What time is it...” you checked your pocket watch. “Almost three. We should catch the next thing if we go right away.”

-----

The movie theater was a singular cool, dark indoor room; a projector from the rear, over the heads of the audience, played black and white films from reels on a silver screen about big enough to cover your platoon of tanks; It wasn’t the biggest you’d seen, naturally, but Kamienisty wasn’t exactly a bustling city. It was something for it to have had a movie theater at all.

“Hurry up,” Hans pushed you along, “Northman had to slow us up getting a cola, we’ll miss whatever the hell this is.”

“You don’t know?” Stein asked, “It’s-“

“Shaddup back there!” a voice in front called.

The light of the projector flickered, and the reels began to run as you all sat down. Patriotic sounding trumpets began to play after a few moments, supported by thunderous drums and a rising brass section.

“Oh, God damn it,” Hans sighed, “Guess it’s time for a nap. I’ve seen this one three times.”

Well, you hadn’t seen it, so you were interested. Military propaganda was a good source of information on a nation’s capabilities, after all, as they bragged to the world and to their citizenry of their mightiest aspects. In a time such as this, with Netilland’s rapid military expansion causing a wealth of problems, you were curious what they were propping up.

The opening was a narration of the opening of the latest war- the reasons why it had to happen, the knowledge that victory was assured, the brilliant planning- with no mention of the Twaryian involvement. That would have lessened the effect, now wouldn’t it. Much focus was put onto the development and testing of new weaponry, not the least the armored personnel carriers the mechanized troops used, which the film showed the manufacture of, as well as them being put through their paces over obstacles and poor terrain.

The air force and navy received screen time as well, though you already knew that Netilland’s navy was not particularly relevant, and because of Twaryi’s far greater presence on the seas, boats practically vanished from the movie once the war itself started, as did fighter planes besides basic flyovers, though dive bombers were among the introductory shots to the war’s beginning. You knew why this was immediately; Ellowie, before the war, had one of the most renowned air forces in the world, and their aircraft designs were equally well known to be advanced, as not to surrender their greatest advantage. Any film of a furball would not have portrayed an easy victory, if it showed a win at all.

The land forces had a more impressive showing, and were the focus of the film. You couldn’t help but be interested as a storm of tracer machine gun fire shattered on top of an armored personnel carrier as it was heading an assault on a bunker, before the Ellowian machine gun was silenced by a shot from the stumpy cannon on the armored bus. The same was the case with a team of Munitions Caster operators, who laid down accurate grenade fire in rippling waves upon a position one hundred meters distant. The war only lasted about twenty minutes of the hour and a forty five of the film, though. Much more time was spent on parades, panning shots of prisoners, loot, wreckage of Ellowian materiel, the results of the barely seen conflict.

The conclusion compared Netilland’s equipment to its rivals, the size of its ever ballooning army and air force (without mention of how green much of it was); with special emphasis on how it had long eclipsed estimates of Twaryian capabilities. The factories were shown again, the good, efficient workers, and the vast quantities of equipment being loaded into crates all belying the fact known from any position of authority that equipment was sparse enough that Ellowian gear was being used, and large purchases being made of other countries.

In the end, it hadn’t turned out very educational, though perhaps the typical Netillian conscript would be impressed.

Hans had woken up right before the ending section, and when it was all over, he asked you and the others of the crew, “You know, how long does the Military Council expect people to watch them jerking themselves off?”

“Empresseffenderrance.” Jorgen said, “Nahdlehkershdeky’s nobetter abehdit.”

“I don’t see the point of going to a talkie to sleep,” Stein said to Hans, “Can’t you do that at camp?”

“You get to sleep indoors here. Look, see that?” He pointed ahead, to Netillian soldiery rising and stretching, some having slumped the whole time. “They get bored of this too. Can’t blame ‘em either. What else are you supposed to do when you can’t make out with a girl in the dark?”

“When does the next show start?” you asked as the lights came on. “Fifteen minutes?”

“Ayup. Oh yeah, speaking of doing things to girls in the dark, you send your letter to shorty yet?”

“I have.” You told Hans, “I thought about sending another. Since I have a way to send them, now.”

“Having second thoughts about the last one you sent?” Stein asked.

“Ahrrforkketsomming.” Malachi added.

“May as well think about what to put in it now.” Stein said, “…Maybe not discuss it in public if it’s like what I hear the last one was.”

…There was a sudden flash of memory in your head. You were forgetting something…something about Maddalyn, but what was it? It was an important date, but you couldn’t put your finger on when or what it was…

>Malachi’s right. I forgot to put in a few lurid details. The poor thing’s probably not having much fun, surely a train of dirty correspondences would keep her amused?
>Maybe I overdid it with the last one. This can be something normal. What’s happened and all. No need for every letter to be dramatic.
>Other details/directions?

>>3498910
>>Maybe I overdid it with the last one. This can be something normal. What’s happened and all. No need for every letter to be dramatic.
Maddy's Birthday?

>>3498915
>Maddy's Birthday?
Yep! Turns out, her birthday's in a week.
Maybe you should get her something.

>>3498922
Lol that was a totally random guess but alright. So she's born on the new year?
Maybe go shopping after the movie and meal then.

>>3498910
>>Maybe I overdid it with the last one. This can be something normal. What’s happened and all. No need for every letter to be dramatic.

>>3498910
>Maybe I overdid it with the last one. This can be something normal. What’s happened and all. No need for every letter to be dramatic.

Good guess on the birthday.
Maybe clothing/jewelry? She liked desserts but there's no way to send those.

>>3498910
>Maybe I overdid it with the last one. This can be something normal. What’s happened and all. No need for every letter to be dramatic.
>Go find the wife a gift while you have time.

Back.

>>3498927
>>3498930
>>3499007
>>3499019
Tone things down a bit. Also find your spouse a birthday present, just because it's close to Langenachtfest doesn't mean you can combine the gifts. Or can you?

I mean, I've never heard of a declaration of intent to fuck somebody given as a christmas gift but to each their own.

>>3499019
Supporting

“I might have overdone it with the last one,” you confessed awkwardly, “It felt good to get out there, but it might not have been…ah shit.”

“What?” Stein asked.

“I remembered something, something that fell out of my head for…God knows what reason.” That had happened at random, yes, but not for something like this. “It’s Maddalyn’s birthday in a week. On the 30th. I need to get her something…I’m not really sure what she’d like.”

“I can bet on something she’d go for,” Hans grinned, and made a very rude gesture with his fingers forming an O while he stuck two fingers through it energetically.

“Yeah, no.” you said, annoyed.

“Oh, sorry.” Hans said, then instead of two fingers, he substituted his pinky.

“Yeah, really funny, asshole.” You slapped Hans’s rude gesture upwards. “I dunno. Clothes? Jewelry?”

“She didn’t seem that materialistic to me,” Stein said. “You’re her fiancé. Shouldn’t you know what she likes?”

“I know she likes sweets.”

“Candy, then.” Stein suggested, which resulted in Jorgen snickering.

“Ey, ey,” he nudged Malachi, “Gehdkehndyfehhrrrer,” the rest of what he said was indecipherable, but whatever it was made Malachi start cackling too.

“Feallponndder,” he sniggered.

“I mean,” Stein shrugged, “Are you going to find anything that expensive here? Get something you think she’ll like. It’ll be better received than something you got because it’s expensive. Isn’t she the daughter of a territorial lord? Her father is so rich he has a private army and he owns cities! You won’t outspend that.”

“I guess not.” You acquiesced murkily, “Though…hm.”

“Ged…geddersohm baethtahys!” Jorgen choked out, and he started laughing so hard he started hiccupping, and Malachi was doubled over laughing his ass off.

You didn’t see what was so damn funny, you thought as Jorgen excused himself to go get another cola. The brief peace left before the next movie started was used to pull out a paper scrap and pencil and jot down the start of a letter.

My dearest Maddalyn, it started, I hope you have been well, even though it will not have been long since the last letter that this will arrive…

-----

Maddalyn Von Blum had felt spritely these past few days. She still felt bruises on her from when her sister had pummeled her, but it was alright- hitting Mathilda had felt good. The small amount of strength she felt developing in her body as she engaged in limited physical activities felt good too. Certainly, she was still thin and tiny, but Maddalyn felt confident she was on an upward trend. It was sundown, and Maddalyn had spent the day wandering about the gardens, crawling about the trees like a monkey and hanging off the branches. She’d learned the hard way that a dress was ill suited to such; so she’d taken to wearing trousers and a jacket instead. She sometimes found herself wondering if she should get used to wearing her jacket open, like she recalled Anya did. It would certainly attract Richter’s attention…

Maddalyn felt sore, as she always did after time ambling about outdoors, but it was a good soreness, and the best part of it was laying down after all of it in her room, as she did now.

Her rest was interrupted by a knock. “Lady Maddalyn?” A maid said, muffled by the closed and locked door. “There is a letter for you. From your fiancé.”

Maddalyn’s breath caught in her throat. A letter? From Richter? She felt her blood rush to her cheeks, her hands shook. She tried to say something, but all that came out was a thin squeak.

“I’ll leave it under the door, milady.” The maid said, finally. Maddalyn heard the slip of paper against floor as the letter was delivered, and the clacking of the maid turning and stepping away. Maddalyn rushed to the door so quickly she tripped over her feet and fell to the floor; where the letter was waiting anyways. She felt her heart slamming against her chest as she picked it up and got up on her knees.

“It’s…”she said in a thin voice, “It’s not quite Langenachtfest yet, but…it’s what I’ve wanted anyways.” She hugged the letter to her chest, “…My birthday is in a week, Richter. I’ll be twenty four years old. I wonder what you’ll send me…it’s okay if it’s late…”

Her fingers were trembling; annoying, because it made it harder to finally open the letter. Maddalyn’s vision was blurry…she hadn’t even read one word, and tears were already running down her cheeks. It was like she had been starving in a wood for weeks, and she’d been found and given a feast. Memories came flooding back; Richter’s arms, wrapped around her. The feeling of his kisses on her ear, her feet dangling in the air when he lifted her up to touch his lips to hers…feelings she’d never thought about before, wouldn’t have thought she’d experienced, and hungered for again, now that she’d discovered them.

…God, she hadn’t even taken it out of the envelope. She was utterly hopeless. Maddalyn wiped her eyes and finally got the letter out. Handwritten; she hadn’t even considered the awful possibility that it could have been typed, but she was relieved anyways.

Dearest Maddalyn,

Dearest. She loved it already. Maddalyn almost cried again, she was so happy.

Not a day goes by where I do not think about your company, your warmth, the feeling of your touch, your embrace.
Until now, I have been unable to convey to you my desire to see you once more. The struggle of deciding whether to hold you in my arms or keep you safe at home cuts me in two, as I cannot decide whether one or the other is the correct choice. Strange things are afoot in Ellowie, things that make me want for your accompaniment even further, however, I would never want a single scratch to tarnish your precious body.

Should any troubles stress you at home, I assure you, you have my sympathies, and my promise to act swiftly upon them when I return. Do not hesitate to share your troubles. My own problems are many, but they are naught compared to any that would result in your unhappiness. Should you find some way to reply to me more efficiently than this, do not hesitate to contact me in such a way.

Maddalyn wanted to send a letter. She wanted to send a reply badly, but…how? She couldn’t think of anything…not on the spot, at least. Peace, you silly girl. She thought to herself, You’re not even done reading yet. She looked back to the page. It was sappy, certainly; overbearing and excessively flowery- but it was her’s. A loving letter especially for her and her alone.

I would be remiss to not mention my desire for your company in ways difficult to put to words.

When we meet once more, such is my need for you that your virginity will be unable to be tolerated any further. I will spend the entire day and night plundering it from your tiny body, and you will be ravished so passionately that you will go blind.

Love,
Richter Von Tracht

Maddalyn felt the letter fall from her hands. Her arms fell to her sides; her head grew fuzzy and faint…

She should have been happy. Her husband-to-be wished to make love to her. He wanted to seal their union, to share in passion…she should have been glad.

Yet…yet she felt terrified.

The blood drained from the noble lady’s face and her shoulders slumped as she felt herself grow weak and distant inside. A small part of her felt angry desperation- hadn’t she asked that they not consummate their marriage until later? After they were married, after? Hadn’t he said yes? In spite of not possibly knowing why, not even asking?

You never ask anything! She raged inside her head, that little part growing in size, Surely this was so unreasonable, and yet..! The thing grew enough that it decided to bite her instead, though. You could have predicted this. How long did you expect to deprive him? Forever? What worthless hot air your “love” is!

Love. Fury, and now that that had done its work of burning her up inside, there was nothing but melancholy to fill that void. I’m sorry, Richter, she thought as she shut her eyes tight; hot tears rolled from them, and her cheeks were well and soaked now. I can’t. I’m so scared. I’m afraid that you’ll find out something…Something I can’t tell you. Something you’ll never ask about, but…if enough time passes, you’ll suspect it…and if you ever found out what it was, you would certainly leave me for it. For never telling you…I’m so sorry. I can’t…

Maddalyn had to get up. She had to get back to the books, to find a solution, no matter what it took, but her legs had turned to jelly…then, so did the rest of her. She woke a minute later, on her side, the letter on the floor. She reached out…and clutched the letter, holding it tight against her chest. She didn’t know if she was happy, or sad; she knew she was afraid, and the worst feeling was to be afraid as well as alone. Richter’s letter to her, at the very least, was warming comfort in telling her that she was not alone.

It was probably more than she deserved.

-----

The next film was a story about an adventure- no complaints were had as the title appeared, with the lament of violins accompanying long stills of calm shoreline. It must have been in Valsten, for how gentle and sunny the seas seemed; at least, as far as you knew about the oceans.

The story concerned the son of a pirate captain, who had been a fearsome raider in the times just before Kaiser Alexander- the first part of the story showed the captain sailing off to sea, the tall clouds of the Great Gales appearing then looming over his ship, to swallow it up in the sudden storm it would bring upon it. It was, of course, clever effects and animation. To go near the Great Gales themselves would be utter madness, but apparently, this did not stop the fictional pirate, as they vanished into the darkness.

The viewpoint shifted back to the boy, as he grew into a man, and the Kaiser’s armies were marching across the continent; the location was revealed to indeed be Valsten- it was a funny thing to be divided between supporting the enemy of the first war you’d been in, or the conquering Grossreich. In any case, the young man sought glory in the twilight of his country (Valsten had been a proper country before the Grossreich, unlike Strossvald), and sailed after his father in the continuing Great Gale.

From there, the Gale did not obliterate his ship, but sent him and his crew along to mysterious, magical places. It was an unfocused, but entertaining series of stops on islands in the Mythic Sea, where the explorer met such companions as a squid man who spoke in burbles, undead pirates, and a lovely mermaid whose large breasts were bare all of the time; there were often shots that seemed shifted to properly include said anatomy into the frame whenever possible. In the end, the main character’s ancestral treasure was found, and it was all rather trite, but the journey had been more satisfying than the adventure.

“That was a real damn good movie,” Stein said at the end of it.

“Eythenkseh too.” Jorgen agreed.

“Eh.” Hans didn’t seem very glad about it, though you thought he would have liked it for obvious reasons. “The ending sucked. Everything was too rushed. Should have broken this into two like novels, they must have crammed a bunch of serials together…”

“That’s surprising to hear from you,” Stein said, seeming offended for some reason, “Didn’t you like the mermaid?”

“Stein. My friend and fellow man. Let me tell you, that once you have beheld and grasped Karla’s magnificent tits, it takes something special to make you look at any other set and forget what was in the past.”

“Yeah, whatever,” Stein snapped irritably, “Enough of that shit. You didn’t like it, whatever.”

“I liked the beginning and middle,” Hans protested, “The end was just…meh. Hey, Mal, what did you…oh, he’s napping. Wow/ Hey, blondie, at least I didn’t think so little of it I fell asleep.”

After Malachi was shoved awake with a snort, you left the theater. Everybody was quite hungry, since you were all well acquainted with the knowledge that the theater’s own food, as Anya put it, was like ”beef but somebody fucked up and got cow shit rather than any part of the goddamn cow.” Though as Hans insisted that you had picked where to go first, meaning they (or rather, he,) got to pick where to eat, you thought about what you’d get Maddalyn…

>A big bag of candy. What was wrong with that? It would be easy to find here, and you knew Maddalyn liked sweet things…
>Just because she was blind didn’t mean she didn’t need to wear pretty things. Though you’d have to go to a bigger city to find a proper jewelry shop.
>Maybe she would like a trinket from one of the wandering mystics? They tended to deal with the spiritual, even if they didn’t actually know as much as they thought.
>Other?

>>3499454
>>Maybe she would like a trinket from one of the wandering mystics? They tended to deal with the spiritual, even if they didn’t actually know as much as they thought.
Might be fun to find, and is preferable to continue to be accused of being a pedophile.

>>3499454
>Maybe she would like a trinket from one of the wandering mystics? They tended to deal with the spiritual, even if they didn’t actually know as much as they thought.

Maybe they sell silver bullets to kill Soulbinders as well. I bet the full moon is soon ...

Theory first:
Maddy is infertile for some reason.

Then:
>A big bag of candy. What was wrong with that? It would be easy to find here, and you knew Maddalyn liked sweet things…
It will remind her the good time we had together. Jewel are useless stones and I don't think she want to think about mystical things and feel like a tool to us.
Sweet things it is.

Then, I have a plan for next night, I was a little to late to expose it so maybe I can mitigate a bit our lack of preparation.

First, we need an emergency supply of oil. Whatever happen, we need to be able to move fast. We can use our "influence points" to get it, either from the village or Kamienisty.
Enough oil to have all trucks and tanks run for a night. Whatever happen, we will win back our investment in influence points, so we need this fuel.

Second, we will need to deploy a crisis room. If we don't have enough radio (or if they are too weak to emit from all sensible target to the Railhead), landline will be enough. But we need a failsafe, so I want a flare gun with green, yellow and red flares to be distributed to all those places. If we have enough supplies, a green flare every 30 minutes. Yellow flares if something suspect is happening, red flares if there is an attack (and need for reinforcement). It should at least be really impressive for anyone wanting to attack and let us react quickly. From what I understand of the topography, every potential target are at 20 minutes max with trucks from our positions. The party stay a priority. UGZ-07 is second on the list, then the rest.

The idea is too always have a good reserve ready to move quickly gun blazing with tanks and trucks to cockblock anyone before they can do substantial damages and be ready to move again as quickly as possible so we always have a some reserve. I assume we have enough trucks to move at least half of our forces but I might be wrong. Best thing would be to have this mobile reserve to be Ellowian so we elude partially the risk of prepared ambush.

Upboat if you agree.

>>3499603
>UGZ-07
Fuck, I meant UGZ-09, who care about UGZ-07, they can all die from what we should care. If they need us during the night, we should just refuse on the basis that we have good intel indicating a potential attack on the high protector and our own positions.

>>3499454
>>Maybe she would like a trinket from one of the wandering mystics? They tended to deal with the spiritual, even if they didn’t actually know as much as they thought.

>>3499454
>>Maybe she would like a trinket from one of the wandering mystics? They tended to deal with the spiritual, even if they didn’t actually know as much as they thought.

>>3499603
Sure sounds fine to me
>>3499454
>Maybe she would like a trinket from one of the wandering mystics? They tended to deal with the spiritual, even if they didn’t actually know as much as they thought.

>>3499454
>Other
Attempt to capture the smallest living stone we can find and send it back in a cage. Maddy likes her pet mice well enough, why not a magical snibber?
Failing that, >Maybe she would like a trinket from one of the wandering mystics? They tended to deal with the spiritual, even if they didn’t actually know as much as they thought.

>>3499603
Eh couple of issues with this one. First is that from the way it's been described so far I doubt getting an emergency supply of fuel is that easy or even possible to get. Secondly I'm pretty sure our company doesn't have any motorized transport for troops besides the staff car; otherwise we wouldn't have to walk into town.
Agree with you that Maddy is probably infertile as of now though.

>>3499687
In case we don't had enough truck I had plans for "borrowing" some :^)
And for the fuel case, I remember that the village had some, we can use our point to get what they have left?
Tanqqqq need to confirm though.

>>3499454
>A big bag of candy. What was wrong with that? It would be easy to find here, and you knew Maddalyn liked sweet things…

>>3499454
Shiiiiit was not expecting that reaction from her...

>>3499603
Having all these things would be nice, but I think it would be better to have just enough emergency supplies for the Strossvalders to be able to bug out if this shirt ever goes south. I doubt we have the resources at the moment to implement this.

>>3500357
How?
Maddy never reacted well to lewdness.

Kisses and Hugs and ear licking?
Yes.
Lewd taunts and butt grabs?
No.

It would have been fine if we were more romantic with it rather than joking and crude. Hopefully our next letter and the gift will rectify this.

>>3500662
Probably has to do with the fact that procreation is involved in the latter. Plus her huge self confidence issues.

>>3500662
Yeah I'm sure a crab will help.

Well now that most of the day's gone it's time to write...tomorrow. I can start tonight but it probably won't come out til tomorrow.

>>3499472
>>3499558
>>3499648
>>3499654
>>3499674
Mystical geegaw of some sort. It's interesting, weird, cultural!

>>3499603
>>3499758
Big bag of sweets. Hey, you know what she likes, damn the critics. It's not your fault she has juvenile tastes.

>>3499677
A...crab.
Well, I guess it's a better idea than other sorts of crabs?

Of course, there's also the matter of this plan here-
>>3499603
>First, we need an emergency supply of oil. Whatever happen, we need to be able to move fast. We can use our "influence points" to get it, either from the village or Kamienisty.
>Enough oil to have all trucks and tanks run for a night. Whatever happen, we will win back our investment in influence points, so we need this fuel.

You want to use your RP to get fuel? That's doable, though considering the shortages and treaty obligations, it probably won't be cheap. I'll put it up for a vote when the time comes- the way fuel works is that each point is operations for a tank on a "mission-" keep in mind you only have crew for three tanks, and two commanders- the two other ones are escorting each other to a social.

You may have another tank commander hiding somewhere in the ranks.

>Second, we will need to deploy a crisis room+etc

Ah. This one's a bit more complicated. Not the crisis room and outposts; field telephones and cable is pretty standard, as are flare pistols, but if you want quick reaction forces, it should be noted that the 5th Battalion is a foot unit, with their internal logistics being horse drawn at heaviest- the Netillian Army hasn't fully mechanized, and it's not close to doing so either. It's not impossible to get trucks on short notice, but it is expensive- though less so if you only want them for a couple days.

Though I am curious as to where and how it was planned to "borrow" some as listed here >3499749

Summarized, yes, you can spend RP to get fuel and limited transport capability you wouldn't otherwise have- though whether it'll be worth the investment is a question to be answered when the particulars of this action are voted on.

As far as the question of Maddalyn being infertile, one would question how she could know such considering that she is a virgin...She is definitely female. Richter's shoved his head in between her legs, he'd know if that was in question.

>>3502568
>You may have another tank commander hiding somewhere in the ranks.
Do we have the crew for it though that we can scour from the Ellowians? Don't mind using Wielzci as a tanker if we're sending the Ellowians out in future but it'll probably have to wait until the fuel situation improves.

>>3502568
>As far as the question of Maddalyn being infertile, one would question how she could know such considering that she is a virgin...

von Blum has been fucking his daughter for years but after all the soul binder autism she's done she won't get pregnant. Am I right tanq?

>>3502712
>Do we have the crew for it though that we can scour from the Ellowians?

It's a possibility; you haven't investigated yet.

>>3502819
I'm pretty sure incest still counts in regards to whether or not one is a virgin.

>>3502989
One more thing: when exactly will the 20mm tank be fixed?

>>3502819
>von Blum has been fucking his daughter for years
He hates Maddy too much to fuck her, if anything he's fucking Mathilda.

>>3503000
It's a hate fuck

>>3502994
Next in setting week- so soon.

>>3502568
Train station must have a lot of truck that can be temporarly requisitionned.
The village under our protection too. Cars and utilitary truck are enough to move infantry.
Worse case scenario, stealing from another regiment.
Maybe we can have infantry do some tank desant drills as our tanks looks quite flat (I'm sure we can put a regiment on the mudguard).

>Maddy infertile
Did we remember her having menstruation?

>>3503327
>Did we remember her having menstruation?

You haven't investigated such. The personal hygiene affairs of others hasn't exactly been an object of fascination for Richter, as would be understandable.

>von Blum has been fucking his daughter for years
>Did we remember her having menstruation?
Shame on all of you who scoffed at my pet crab suggestion

>>3503327
DESU the resource cost going into this plan seems like it's going to be way more than the benefit we get out of it.