Though she missed 'her' train, she appreciated the low key return to Berun. Looking out the window didn't evoke any pleasant feelings, however. Every city had a bad side and signs of poverty – that was endemic to the human condition after all -- but she had never seen it so starkly visible. Not in Berun. Years of war had started the process and the 'peace' was near to completing it.
She sighed and shook her head. The upcoming depression, hyper-inflation, and even the next war that would result from it were as clear to her as if she were reading a newspaper from the future. The new government (technically a Republic but everyone still called it the Empire), had decided that honoring the reparations was the best move and made up for the lack of funds by printing money. A lot of money.
There were ways out of the situations but none that would be obvious to anyone currently alive (excepting Tanya, naturally). Several excellent theoretical papers (mostly out the Chicago School of Economics) laid out hard-nosed solutions that didn't rely on pie-in-the-sky wish fullfillment to make them happen. Almost all required a ridculous amount of support from every sector of the country, but they would work.
It might be time to consider moving. I can leverage my 'hero' status into at least one more promotion as I retire. Switch to the private sector in a few years and make my mark there. With no war in the way, I can make a lot of contacts inside the industry. A few dozen inventions from the future and I can make an easy killing. I don't know how to make an iPhone but I certainly can introduce frozen dinners or something else that doesn't require a specialized degree.
It was just a rough sketch of a path but she was happy to have it. It seemed doable and she didn't see any way that Being X could accelerate things so fast that WWII would occur twenty years sooner. Plenty of time to set her plans (especially escape plans!) properly and live out a life of luxury somewhere warm, sandy, and far from people with an irrational love for weaponry.
"That reminds me, I need to get my money out of payroll now that the war has ended and make some targeted investments. Fiat currencies are going to take it on the chin all over the world, soon, not just the mark." She was happily planning her future when the train pulled into the station.
Mages weren't allowed to fly in most major cities for security reasons. But when half-a-hundred mages were deliberately NOT flying and standing in formation, they exuded a presence Tanya could sense from fifty feet away. She was actually mildly surprised that even normal people couldn't sense it. Ever since the attack in Strasbourg, she had been inordinantly sensitive to magical energies, as if a veil had been removed from her senses.
She had the good grace to look surprised when she got off the train.
The full battalion, even including members who had been released from duty due to health reasons were there. They saluted as one, perfectly polished boots clicking together. It was an unusual sight in one regard: they had spent all their time rushing from battle to battle, so their dress uniforms hardly left their closets. In some cases, they had never even been issued until long after the war was over. Weiss and Serebryakov marched smartly to the front, waited for her to return the salute and announced, "Welcome back to Berun, Commander!"
"And it's good to be back. With a welcome like that, I hope there's a party waiting... with plenty of alcohol."
There was.
* * *
The Bierhalle had been reserved in its entirety and could barely fit all of them. The owner had been thoroughly briefed on who the guest of honor was and had simply left the hall in their care for the night, getting around the 'no serving minors' rule. Not that Tanya indulged, tempted though she was. They were shocked, however, at the number of fine vintages that she had brought with her from the Republic.
"Colonel, did you raid their best wine cellars before you left? This is an amazing bottle!" Weiss was savoring a thirty year old red. It was fruity and strong... it felt like an apple tree had fallen on him and he was doing nothing to dodge.
"I have numerous admirers there and they ignored the fact that I'm too young to legally consume their gifts. It's better that all of you enjoy it in my stead." She sipped a delightful cup of coffee that Visha had made for her but she still looked longingly at quickly emptying bottles.
"Ha ha! We appreciate their, and your, generosity!" He lifted his glass and shouted, "Ich möchte einen Toast auf Degurechaff ausbringen! To your safe return and continued health, Commander!"
There was a general shout of "Zum Wohl!" and everyone drained whatever they had in hand before refilling them again. This was not the first toast of the evening it was far from the last.
Serebryakov had indulged only a bit but had participated in every toast. She seemed quietly happy to just be there. Her Russy ancestry made her nearly immune to alcohol, especially such (relatively) small quantities. "So, Commander, you seem no worse for wear though I must admit that I found your outfit both fetching and quite shocking."
Tanya shrugged and shook her head with a smile. "What can I say? It was the first time since this damnable war began, and ended, where I could eat as much as I liked without having to burn it off every day. My doctor says that there should be no permanent effects though I'll likely never be very tall. At any rate, none of my uniforms fit me anymore! They've gone far beyond tailoring and need to be replaced."
"I'll make sure that's done immediately, Colonel." She made a note in a well worn journal and then slipped it back in her pocket.
"No need to rush but I'll definitely feel more comfortable when I'm attired properly."
"Do you feel... that your clothing is improper?" Visha looked at the lovely dress that her commander was wearing. It was both feminine and yet had an air of innocence... perfect for a girl her age.
"A few weeks isn't going to change the habits of years, Captain. And it's hardly something I'd wear in front of the General Staff. When is my 'leave' over, by the way?"
"Six more days and your uniforms will certainly be ready before then." She laughed. "It's very odd not to be rushed around."
"This peace won't last, they never do. So savor this time and rejuvenate but be ready for the next war... if you are still in the military then." She sipped her coffee, taking her own advice to savor the moment. "Have you thought of what you'll do after your service? As a draftee who's served admirably, you can probably do any number of things. Stay in the military, make a go at it in the private sector, even shoot for a government position with your knowledge of how the Russies think and act."
"I-I hadn't thought that far ahead." Her face became somewhat troubled. "It seemed like a luxury at best and a distraction at worst to have such thoughts during the war." She poured herself a shot of akvavit but didn't drink it yet. "How about you? It seems that you have even more options than I do."
"Does it seem that way? No, having come this far, I'll probably shoot for full Colonel. It'll take a few years, I think, but maybe I can make my mark for my brains and not brawn. I've invested a lot in my career and I'd hate to start over right now. No, when I retire from service, it will be with eyes open and plans in place." Have to get away before the next war starts! There's almost no way it can be prevented now. Damn Being X! We were so close to having a lasting peace in Europa! Still, we'll do this right and with a healthy bank account and civilian contacts in place.
"Eyes open... yes ma'am!" Visha down the powerful drink with a single shot and slammed her shot glass on the counter!
* * *
In the end, more than half of the 203rd needed some kind of assistance to get to the barracks and several ended up sleeping rather uncomfortably on the floor as their helpers were only in marginally better shape than they were. Notable exceptions were Visha and, of course, Tanya. They were breakfasting off base (as they wanted to enjoy their meal) but they were joined by a surprise guest: Anluk Kahteijanen. He had only drank during toasts and only a sip each time.
Tanya nibbled on her (excellent) pastry and (acceptable) sausage and eggs. She found that despite continued growth and the presence of good food, she didn't have the appetite she had when she was flying or fighting on a near daily basis. "How have you been, Anluk?"
He smiled genially. "I have no problems, Colonel. Between a small inheritance and my pension, I do tolerably well all things considered. I have to thank you again for making sure that I got that. A lot of former soldiers and widows are having a harder time."
"You served honorably, it was the least I could do." If you don't treat the injured soldiers right, then current soldiers won't have the same esprit de corps they should have... that's basic psychology! If you don't keep promises with your human resources, they won't perform properly when you need them most. "Also, if I were you, I'd invest whatever cash you have into things of value. Hard currency, land or something that will generate revenue."
"Oh? Investors say otherwise."
She snorted. "I've read their advice and I wonder that they can even operate a typewriter without injuring themselves. It's simple, really. Fiat money is not backed by anything in particular other than people's trust in their government." She pulled a 1 mark note out of her purse. "This looks like money to you, to almost everyone. But what I see is piece of paper with bad art on it. What would its value be if no one was willing to accept it?"
The other two thought and then Visha answered slowly. "Nothing. Nothing at all."
"Correct! It's just a piece of paper at that point, not even worth as much as a blank piece as you can't use it to write on. Now our fearless leaders have a lot of debts they need to pay and our oh-so-understanding conquerors don't accept paper, but only hard goods like coal and gold. But they can pay us with paper. And all it takes to make more of these," she waved the bill before putting it on the table as a tip, "is to run the printing presses a few more hours."
Anluk looked at the note and said slowly, "I've never heard anyone explain it like this before."
"Of course not! Their job is to sell you whatever is the common wisdom of the times... until the times go bad. The Unified States has the strongest economy in the world, now, but they printed their money into worthlessness during their revolution."
"That's very interesting, commander. Do you mind if I take some notes?" Anluk asked.
"Certainly, but it's really just common sense." Simplifying where necessary, she laid out the macroeconomic principles of hyperinflation and devaluations of currencies. Truthfully, none of the concepts were hard -- even obvious once laid out -- but they were shockingly different from what people believed in their day to day lives.
Despite the unscheduled lecture, they had a pleasant, hangover-free breakfast... a fate not shared by the rest of the 203rd.
* * *
Having had little to do in the Francois Republic other than read newspapers, Tanya was a bit tired of the activity. Still, she wanted to catch up on the news as quickly as possible and it was pleasant to read in a language she more familiar with.
The news was much the same as always: births and deaths, crime and punishment, endings and new beginnings. She was puzzled, however, that there was no news about herself. Tanya was not so vain to think she would be front page material, but it seemed odd that the 'trial of the century' had ended in an acquittal, the former prisoner exonerated and even lauded by her former captives, that she had narrowly escaped a massive assassination plot AND was now finally back in her home country... and it still didn't even rate a page 3 byline?
Finally, by going back several days, she found a tiny mention of her upcoming arrival into the country. The wording was almost entirely non-committal and she sensed the heavy and unsubtle hand of the propaganda department. Honestly, they have the people skills of a tank in a rose garden. Do you they really think people believe all this nonsense?
She found the same situation in all the papers she bothered to look into. Whoever was clamping down on the news, they were doing it hard. "The curious incident of the dog in the nighttime..." she murmured to herself.
"Excuse me, Colonel?" Visha stopped her organization efforts for a moment. She had been trying, with some success, to boil down more than half a year's worth of news to a convenient amount while also going about her duties as adjutant.
"Nothing, just thinking out loud." She stretched out her bare feet under the desk. They were nearly healed and when she wasn't using her floaters, she kept them exposed to help the process. Considering she was wearing a summer weight blouse and knee-length skirt, she could hardly be less 'in uniform' so she did her best to put the additional ignominy out of mind.
She mechanically signed amazing stacks of documents that Visha presented to her. She drew on tiny amounts of mana without resorting to the orb to keep her fountain pen filled and the ink moving smoothly. Mostly it was for practice but it did speed her task somewhat. When did they get a practical ballpoint pen? WWII I think. She tried to remember the history as she worked through the stack of paper towering on her desk. Ah, that's right, the idea has been around for awhile but they needed a better ink. Something quicker drying like printer's ink.
"Captain, do you know anyone in the printing industry?" As she wasn't facing her adjutant, she didn't notice the fleeting guilty look on her face.
"Yes, ma'am. In passing."
"Excellent. There was a machinist that worked on orbs named... Lange I think. Yes, Sergeant Lange. Have him look up the patent for the ball point pen but make one designed to use printer's ink. It'll probably take some tweaking to get the ink mix right but the surrender agreement has put a lot of our skilled men out of work so he should be available."
"Yes ma'am. May I ask why?"
The real reason is I'm tired of using these stupid fountain pens, but I can't say that! "Fountain pens are not very efficient. You have to keep refilling them, they are prone to spatter, and you certainly can't use them when the altitude changes. The ink expands and you got a mess on your hands. It would be nice to have something that a pilot could use."
"Or a mage?"
"I've rarely had the luxury to write anything down while flying but you make a good point." she responded dryly. She never noticed the dozen or so legal documents in the stack of papers while talking. "Oh, also dig up a report on how many manufacturing plants are closed down or operating at less than capacity. The war department probably has the latest figures." Before Visha could ask, she continued. "I may have some work for them to do from outside the country. One of the few things the commies have right is that people are happier when they have work to do." And the ones who aren't, well, they aren't my concern anymore!
Chapter 24 - Turnout, def 2
Tanya looked at her new uniform in the mirror, pleased with what she saw. Oh, she was certainly different, inches taller and more 'adult' (or at least more like a teenager than a child). The uniform was spotless and perfectly pressed with the only two details different: she didn't have her orb back and she still kept her cane. It was an acceptable variant on the uniform (much like an eyepatch or a sling for an injury) and even the most finicky rule-stickler would agree it looked professional. As she was back in Germania, she snagged some magical rounds for it of the proper caliber so that wasn't completely disarmed. One shot might not make much difference... or it could make all the difference in the world.
One of the things that was strictly enforced in the surrender agreement was orb control and research cessation. They wanted to know exactly how many orbs they had and where they were at all times. She supposed her usual type-97 was in a vault somewhere waiting for someone to fill out the proper paperwork (Visha was looking into it). The type-95 was officially classified as a 'prototype', however, and was hidden away somewhere. Technically, the definition was precisely correct because it was irreproducible and most of its features weren't even comprehensible.
Good riddance! They need to seal that cursed thing in lead and dump it in the ocean! The one good thing is that Schugel almost had an aneurysm when he found out that all military research was halted. I heard he had to be literally dragged from the lab, raving the entire time. Tanya felt a warm glow just imagining the scene.
Still, it would be good to have her type-97 back. Assassins were still a thing to be feared but here in Berun, she felt somewhat safer. It would be pleasant to settle into a nice, peaceful routine. Writing research papers, maybe some training, flying where allowed... anything but fighting.
Visha knocked briefly and walked in with her new cap and a brush. "We don't have time to get your hair cut but I can brush do it up so you'll still be within regulations for today." She seemed particularly eager as she held up the brush and there was a glow in her eyes that Tanya had rarely seen.
"Ahem, thank you Captain. I don't have any experience with this sort of thing." That was nothing less than the truth. Even in the Republic, her hair had been handled by the train maids or makeup people for her performances.
While not dawdling overly-long, Visha brushed out Tanya's blonde hair until it gleamed and then expertly pinned it up so that it was attractive and fit neatly under her cap. With her well-pressed uniform, shiny new boots, and polished cane she was the spitting image of a young officer... a very, very young officer.
"Colonel... are you floating?" While not obvious, it seemed that she was lighter on her feet than one might expect.
"Just a bit. My feet aren't completely healed and new boots are, well, new boots. Hopefully, they won't order us to march anyplace soon!" She laughed and clicked her heels together. "Let's be off! I've lazed around long enough."
* * *
The two went to central command in a staff car. The corporal who drove them seemed rather star-struck to be in the presence of such famous people. He maneuvered through the Berun traffic with skill and occasionally looked back at the officers in the rear view mirror. I can't believe White Silver and Shadow Gold are in my vehicle!
Alton had grown up on the stories of them and the 203rd and had joined the army as soon as could just in time for the end of the war. Tales of impossible missions, endless heroism and improbable victories filled his childhood. She was so much larger-than-life that he was shocked at how much younger (and shorter) she was than him.
And Serebryakov! She was always described as Degurechaff's right hand and a genius at finding whatever her commander needs whether it was provisions, equipment or even luxuries. But no one mentioned how beautiful she was! He couldn't decide which passenger was more distracting.
He had dreamed of joining the 203rd but tested negative for mage ability. He had gone to different recruiters so he could tested again but came up empty twice more. Still, he joined anyway despite the removal of the draft toward the end of the war. Everyone knew the end was near when the tides had turned against the Empire and many people were even relieved it would be over, even if they lost.
The surrender happened while he was still in training but he had completed it and was duly sworn in. Most of the reduction in the armed forces had been from the conscripts (some of whom regretted it as jobs were scarce) but Alton had settled into military life with ease. When he had heard of the Colonel's trial, he was devastated and imagined rushing to her defense with like-minded patriots but of course that was impossible.
He couldn't afford recordings of the trial but he didn't miss a broadcast. And he felt the change in tone from day to day from the tribunal. From a hopeless last to a triumphant victory, it was a rare light in the otherwise dismal news. It was a final victory from the Great War, months after the fighting had stopped.
He snapped up copies of Ihr Kampf and the Picture Album. In fact, he just got his copy of Childhood Lost that morning. He glanced in the review mirror again. Dare I ask?
They arrived at Central and Alton rushed out to open the door for the women. He had enough sense not to offer his hand.
"Thank you, Corporal." Tanya stepped lightly out of the car and waited for Visha to join her.
"Colonel, may I presume..."
"Eh, what is it?" Tanya tilted her head slightly.
"I would love to have your signature, if you don't mind."
She gave a little grin that sent a jolt through him. "Sure, why not?" She turned to Visha. "Did you bring a pen?"
"Ah! Actually, I have a prototype from Lange this morning. I haven't had time to test it, though." She pulled out a pen wrapped in cloth. It was made of machined metal that had been polished to a high sheen and looked like it could have sat along side surgical instruments.
"How did he get it done so soon?" She turned it over and over curiously. It was balanced well and felt good in her hand.
"I'm not certain but he seemed very excited to work on it. He hasn't had much to do since they shut down the research facility."
"Well, I'm glad he enjoyed it. A step down from the precision stuff on orbs but still this great work." She took the book from the corporal, already opened to the first blank page. She signed it with military precision, pleased at how well the ink came out of the pen. "You know, Captain, this is the first fan signature I've made in the Empire. I thought I put all that behind me in the Republic."
"There you go, Corporal, for what it's worth." She closed the book with a snap and was handing it back and happened to spot the front. "Corporal. Could you explain why my picture is on the cover?"
"Ummm, but Colonel, the book is about you."
Tanya scanned the title and flipped through the first few pages. "Captain Serebryakov. It would make sense that I would have a copy of a book where I'm the subject, yes?"
"Yes, Ma'am! I'll make sure you have copies on your desk by nightfall."
"Copies. Plural."
"Yes, Ma'am. One per book."
Tanya literally didn't know how to react to that news and decided to file it away to contemplate later.
"Thank you again, Colonel." He saluted smartly and held it until they entered the building. Only then, did he look inside his book. To Corporal Banikoff from Lt. Colonel Tanya von Degurechaff. To succeed in life: Set a goal, formulate a plan, and execute it. That's all.
He looked Central Command again. "Thank you... I understand now." He closed the book almost reverently and drove the staff car back to the motor pool.
Tanya thought as she walked down the corridor, I hope he didn't mind rehashed catchphrases with that signature. Ah, well, it doesn't matter. That book will just sit on his shelf for the next fifty years. If he's lucky, it might fetch a few marks for him someday.
* * *
Comrade Loria lived a simple life... simpler, at any rate, than many party members of his clout. His mansion wasn't excessively large, nor did he own a car preferring to ride in vehicles owned by the State like a proper communist. What he did enjoy was power and his simple pleasures. He reminded himself almost daily that a man under so much stress and working on such important projects needed a proper release to do his job properly.
For the good of the people, of course!
The Russy Federation, though victors in the Great War, saw little return for all their sacrifices. Oh, the reparations weren't unwelcome, but they were a pittance compared to the vast resources they already controlled (or used in the fight!). They gained nothing from the conflict of any real value and they had lost the only thing that Loria cared out... her
His perfect angel, lost! She was perfectly ripe at the end of the tribunal. So clean, so enticing! He tolerated the sham court because he rather enjoyed her futile struggles and then would be waiting for her with open arms to teach her the ways of the world. He was even anticipating giving her back once he was through with her. Enemies of the state were either eliminated quietly or were returned when they were too damaged to be of use... to save on funeral expenses.
Why, with the proper drugs and care, they could forestall that pernicious despoiler of innocence called puberty for years and years. This was not to be borne! The judge was already in the gulag... traitorous pig! And two crack teams of agents sent to take her somehow failed. Failed!
Pavel's report was an obvious attempt to dodge blame. He was about to sign orders to send both him and Louis to the nearest gulag when he spotted an extra package of important documents from Pavel. The Picture Album slid out of the folder and onto his desk like a holy object. He opened it with trembling fingers and saw his angel surrounded by an adoring crowd of children. Loria almost turned another page but closed it suddenly. "No, no my sweet. I'll save this for tonight."
Before he left, he sent off the orders to apprehend Louis, and to capture Tanya but put the ones for Pavel in a drawer.
Just in case.
* * *
Central Command was refreshingly the same. The clerks and adjutants were mostly interchangeable so one could pretend it was the same office as five years ago, or fifty. Often the sole voice of reason in the war effort, Tanya had been striving for a permanent position here since enlisting. Now it was within reach! She could barely stop from skipping down the hallway.
Since officers (other than mages) didn't count on the enforced troop limitations, there had been a large number of promotions recently. Technically, the number of officers was suited for the wartime troop levels and if an inordinate number of second lieutenants used to be sergeants, no one questioned it. The top of the military had been shaken up a lot as well. Basically, anyone who had been dead weight or too cozy with the political office or the monarchy had been ushered out. This had been Zettour and Rudersdorf's demand to keep them from retiring. The powers that be swallowed heavily and signed the papers in the end.
I'm glad a competent officer like Rerugen made the cut. Intelligent, efficient and also a good friend to have. What could be better for me?
Visha took her leave. "I'll go about my tasks unless you need me, ma'am?"
"No, go on ahead. There's nothing I'll need until we leave." She knocked on the large oaken door and entered after a somewhat muffled, "Enter!" was heard.
"Lieutenant Colonel Tanya von Degurechaff reporting for duty, General!" She gave him a parade-ground salute which he returned promptly.
"At ease, at ease. Please have a seat, this may take awhile."
"I can only imagine. I've blocked out a week just for debriefing. I'm glad that I was given some leave before that chore commences." She glanced around his new office out of the corner of her eyes. Papers and documents were everywhere, even worse than during the war. Tanya knew he was a man who liked order and efficiency so this must be quite trying for him. He's bound to be one of the busiest officers during peacetime, even more so than during the war. Maybe I can get posted here? It could be even better than Strategic planning.
"Your detailed notes made that almost superfluous. Given your schedule there, I'm surprised you had time. Coffee?"
"Yes, please." She saw him make her a cup the way she liked it: black, no sugar. One of the advantages of a long-term relationship, even it was a superior to subordinate.
He sat down on a little-used but comfortable chair near the coffee table. It, the table, and the couch for guests were nearly the only surfaces not covered with paperwork. "Other than the official reports, can you tell me what you thought of the Republic? No great details, just your general impressions."
"There were surprisingly accommodating, I have to say. They are an emotional culture rather than a rational one at their base. Honestly, all our troubles in the war stemmed from not understanding who we were fighting." She quoted, "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."
"That's from that oriental general, isn't it?"
"Yes sir. I hope to have his teachings made mandatory for all officers as soon as possible."
"If it produces results like you've shown, I don't see how anyone could possibly object." His face seemed troubled by this but he quickly cleared his expression.
Ah, he must be thinking that if we had done that years ago, we wouldn't have lost the war. How insightful!
Mein Gott. I'll have to read his theories very thoroughly. I can't imagine an entire generation of Degurechaffs as our officers!
"That aside, there are many other ways we can improve our military while meeting the letter of the surrender agreement. People are always planning for the last war, when they should be planning for the next war." There, that's a commonsense idea from the 21st century but not very well known now. And it shows I'm not a war nut trying to fight the war we've already lost.
"I see. Could you, ahem, elaborate on that?" I-is she talking about the next Total War. Already?! She's only been back for a week!
"Because of the restrictions on orb research, it's obvious that we should invest in more mundane technologies. As efficient as mages are for some things, the fact is that they, we, are a rare resource that can't be automated or pumped out by building another factory. A bomber can pack more ordinance that any mage, a fighter can outgun us, and either can fly higher and farther. This gap can only increase with time because there will ALWAYS be more non-mages than mages and each advancement of technology can be copied a thousand or a thousand-thousand times."
Wait, what? She's arguing against making mages more prominent on the battlefield? What is she planning now? "I'm surprised to hear you say that, Colonel, given how hard you fought for an all-mage battalion."
"I'm not ashamed at our performance! Far from it but facts do not bow to opinion. What was right then is far from right now. I suspect mages will always have a place in war but not simply because we can swing a bigger club with fewer bodies."
"So, what are you proposing?"
"Two things: research and elite units designed for specialized or covert tasks. The power of the modern mage shines in special forces style situations. Where you might only get a dozen people on the ground so every one has to count. An elite unit is horrifically expensive and it's senseless to use them like a more mobile form of artillery." She made a disgusted face and sipped on her coffee to compose herself. Not bad, though it ranked lower than Le Train De Tanya's maids.
"Yes, your activities in Norden and during Shock and Awe proved that." He made a note. "What's this about research?"
She leaned forward, "The reason mages were so useful in war was their flexibility. Why not apply that to civilian life or military research? We've been so focused on the ability of our mages to blow things up, that we've never explored what else can be done with magic. We have computation orbs that are the pinnacle of current technology, but why not cheaper ones that can do other, more useful peacetime activities?"
She's making a lot of sense but what am I missing? The damnable thing is that she's RIGHT, no matter what her goals might be. She honestly sounds as if she would be happy with either assignment. A crack squad of murderous commandoes or the peaceful forefront of a new industrial revolution.
"That bears a lot of thought. I'm afraid, though, that our hands are tied on this or rather, yours are."
She tilted her head slightly to one side. "General? I'm afraid I don't understand."
"By the Treaty of Paree, I'm afraid you can no longer serve in the military."
Chapter 25 - Turnout, def 3
Tanya sat there, stunned, her cup half raised to her lips. "Could you please repeat that?"
Rerugen sighed, "I wish I could change the situation, but here's what happened, briefly. During the removal of the Emperor from power and the creation of the post-war government, the Political Office had an extraordinary amount of power. Basically, they had assumed the role of chancellor and Emperor during the transition. This also included the negotiating of the peace treaty."
"But I read the treaty! There was nothing in there that would cause me to lose my commission! Other than war crimes, which are covered by treaties that predate the surrender, there's nothing applicable. And after the tribunal, even that wouldn't apply!"
He frowned. "The problem was an 'addendum' clause to cover situations that might crop up not covered by the initial treaty. Any addenda would have to be unanimous amongst all the interested parties and the Political Office allowed a change that would ban any non-adult mage from serving as an officer and any graduate of the War College from serving until age 21."
Tanya heard all her plans shattering at once. "I can't believe... no I can. Those bastards!" She quickly regained control of herself. "My utmost apologies, General." The look on her face could only be described as murderous and he was suddenly glad she didn't have her computational orb right now.
"No need, I felt the same way." As happy as I am to see her transition to civilian life, it's a shameful way to treat any officer of the Empire. "There was specific language in the second part disallowing grandfathering anyone. In essence, it was written for a single person, and a single person alone."
"I don't know how to respond to this. I assume there are no loopholes to exploit?"
"They kept the language very clear and simple. It's impossible to misconstrue, I'm afraid. The only thing that could have made it clearer is to have put your name directly on the document." He cleared his throat, "Over the protests of the Political Office, we insisted that you retain your full military rank with a promotion to full colonel as per our current policies and all associated honors."
She smiled wanly and even let out a strained laugh, "What use is a colonel with no men to lead?" Six goddamned years! I'll have to wait longer that I served in the war before I can get my place back! By then, it'll be too late to make my mark, many of my allies would be retired by then, and the new guard will have forgotten what they owe me and the 203rd. Also, that will be getting far too close to the next World War. I was planning my exit not long after that, not having to fight for my place again! "When does all of this happen?"
"Honestly, we've been fighting them for months now. We argued they couldn't do it during the trial as that would affect your position there. But now that you are back on Empire soil, it's gotten harder. With your service, you have accumulated several more weeks of accrued leave, but after that, I won't be able to hold them off."
"I never thought I'd be grateful for all those failed attempts at using my leave during the war, but I'll take them now. Too much to do, and almost no time to do it. I guess I should be used to that by now."
Rerugen said carefully, "So you aren't going to take your leave as leave?"
She snorted, "Hardly! I'd always planned to retire from the military someday, but on my terms. After the war was over, of course!"
"Of course." She'd never leave while the fighting was going on, but that's over now. Where will go... no, what will she DO now?
"No, I have to accelerate all my plans to the breaking point and even then I'm not sure I can make it." She laughed, a more natural sound than before. "I always imagined I'd retire as a respected general on the command staff, not as a political embarassment."
There's no helping it, I might as well just ask. "What will you do, then? From all reports, you were quite popular in the Republic. Have you considered that as a career?"
She looked almost shocked. "Please! That was something I did to keep them pacified until I could get on friendly soil." She quoted, "'It's better to be feared than loved' but that only applies if one has significant power. When one is weak, it's much better to be loved. Honestly, can you imagine me as a professional entertainer?"
Rerugen shook his head. "No, no I can't." Despite countless reports, I still can't believe it. This child-monster singing and dancing for the masses? Ridiculous. It's fitting that she's quoting Machiavelli... they would be great friends had they ever met.
"With the war over, the world will be shifting into a post-conflict economy. Plenty of opportunities for a smart person with some capital and connections."
"The world of finance is pretty rough for a novice."
"If I hadn't been in the military, and had a few marks to my name, I'd be a millionaire by now. All the lost opportunities irk me but at least we saved the Empire, eh?"
She sported an appearance of utter confidence that on anyone else would have seemed egotistical but on her was a simple statement of fact. And Rerugen believed her. She had always had the clearest eye on both the future and her own capabilities. Still, he was curious. "Oh, you have a path decided already?"
"Absolutely. What is an invention? It's basically an idea. Finances are no different. Someone with a new idea or way of looking at things that makes sense can make money fairly easily. The trick is to be first, be fast, and to capitalize before everyone else catches up. Good ideas will become commonplace and then you have to come up with the next good idea."
He smiled wryly, "You make it sound easy."
"Well, people with new BAD ideas will jump out of windows once they've lost all their money. Still, you can make money on other people's bad decisions just like every horse race has winners and losers." She raised an eyebrow. "What, are you thinking about investing? I can let you ride on my decisions... for a fee, of course. I won't lie, this is extremely high risk, high return. I have the utmost confidence that it will work but anyone who isn't me will think it looks crazy."
He was about to reject her immediately but paused. Was it really so crazy? The one thing Tanya had always done is keep her promises. He had a more than comfortable income, some investments, a bit of family land he had inherited and some money socked away for retirement. As a long-time bachelor with no expensive habits, it tallied to a decent sum but it would never be enough to make him well-to-do. The war had hit almost all his investments hard proving that he wasn't better than the average man when it came to such things. Why not risk money that was already losing value? "Is there a minimum?"
"Not at all. I'll only be investing what I have as well and I am by no means wealthy. Admittedly, I was counting on the military covering most of my expenses. Just one more debt I need to put at the feet of the Political Office."
"I'll think about it, Colonel, and let you know soon." He steeled himself before asking the next question but it was the right thing to do. "Is there any help you need from me?"
Tanya gave him a brilliant smile, one of the few he'd ever seen from her that didn't involve mayhem of some sort. If he hadn't known her, he might have been moved by it. "I'm sure you'll take care of my men for me, I couldn't ask for more than that. But if anything comes up in the next few weeks, I'll be sure to call." She made her goodbyes and saluted but as she was leaving she paused. "General, may I speak freely?"
"Yes. Yes of course."
She took a deep breath. "You are good officer, a good man, and a good friend. The times ahead are going to be harder than you can imagine. The Empire needs you so make sure to take care of yourself." She clicked her heels and left smartly before he could respond.
* * *
Tanya gathered Visha as she headed to the exchequer to get her back pay. It had languished in her accounts for years and had become quite a sizeable sum. Between her regular pay as an officer (which had increased dramatically), combat and hazard pay she had enough to live on for many years already. Her expenses during all the time had been minimal... she had no expensive hobbies, lived on base, and only worn army issued uniforms. Her sole significant expense had been for dinner or fine coffee and even that was infrequent as she was deployed for more than 90% of her enlistment.
She had mostly calmed down but Visha was still fuming after she heard the news. "How could they do this?! You're one of the most respected officers in the entire Reich! Ooooh!"
"Serebryakov... it's fine." She put her hand on the older girl's arm and she almost immediately became calmer. "My fate is not worth upsetting even a bad peace. I'm still alive, am I not? And, despite all odds, I have all my limbs, my senses are intact and my brain hasn't been addled by one explosion too many. I'm lucky compared to so many others."
Visha let out a long breath. "You are right, commander. We are both lucky! Let's get your money and then go for lunch... your treat!"
Tanya laughed! "There you go, look on the bright side. By the way, what do you want for your birthday? It's coming up soon."
"You're right. Is it only a week from now?"
"Of all the things to forget. You'll be 'officially' an adult then and free from the nonsense I'm facing currently." She glanced at her adjutant out of the corner of her eye. There were few people who could mistake the woman for anything less than an adult while Tanya could easily pass for a 10 year old with a change of clothes and her hair tied into a pontail with a big ribbon.
"I don't really need anything..."
"Come now! You only become an adult once!" Well, except for me. Assuming I survive.
"Anything would be fine Colonel.
"Well, if you think of anything, just tell me soon. I'm not lacking for funds."
The exchequer was a portly, middle-aged man, something rather rare in the 'lean and hungry' times that gripped the Empire. He spent an inordinate amount of time tallying her account and did not take it well when reminded of her accrued combat and hazard pay. When, finally, he had come to a tally that they both agree on she said, "Excellent. Finally. Please withdraw all my funds and I'd prefer goldmarks or solid coins."
"I'm afraid you don't have the authority," he said with a smug little smile as he sat at his oversized desk.
"Excuse me? Herr Sommer, perhaps my ears are playing tricks on me. One too many artillery bursts or exploding magic shells I'm sure. What I thought I heard you say was that I didn't have the authority to withdraw my own pay." The tone of her voice dropped the temperature of the room by 10 degrees instantly.
"You heard correctly. Now, if that will be all, I have many tasks..."
He never got to finish the sentence because Tanya had grabbed him by the throat with one hand and threatened him with her cane. He struggled in vain but could break the grip of her child-sized hand. "I've risked my life protecting the Empire for that pay and I'm no good mood at this time. Either I get paid or I'm going to screw your head into the ground, shove that ledger so far up your ass that you will taste ink and then light it like a wick and watch your lard turn into the ugliest candle ever seen!" Her eyes began to glow and Visha sensed waves of magic coming off her with every syllable.
Visha shouted, "Commander!" The accountant looked at her gratefully but realized she wasn't paying him any attention. "If you kill him, it will slow down the withdrawl of your back pay!"
"You make a good point, Captain." She watched his face go from red to purple before she finally released him. "You have two minutes and not a second longer to explain yourself or I will carry out my threat and I'll deal with the consequences afterwards!" She put her hand on a very large, and very flammable, ledger.
"Y-y-yes Colonel. My apologies! New regulations were put into place disallowing children from accessing their funds freely other than what's needed for day-to-day expenses." Seeing her dark expression, he shrieked slightly and held up his hands defensively. "It wasn't my idea! It wasn't my idea! Many new regulations have come out recently!"
Tanya recalled Kahteijanen's difficulties in getting his pension. Apparently they are already tightening up the money supply starting with the soldiers. Bastards!
"And how are these so-called children supposed to get their pay, hmmm?"
"I-I'm not sure..."
"Get sure!" Her voice practically blasted his hair back. She started to stomp toward him, an eighty pound girl confronting a man three times her mass.
"A parent! A parent could legally demand the pay!"
She stopped inches from the man on the floor. "I see. I'll be back and I expect to see you here." She turned on her heel, "Come, Captain, we have things to do."
A week later, Tanya returned to see Herr Sommer at his desk. He had a wan, grayish look about him as if he had been locked in a prison cell with only a view of the gallows for company. "C-C-Colonel. I'm sorry, but I truly can't give you your money. There's nothing I can do!"
She drew very close to him and said, "You'll have to speak about that... with my mother."
"M-mother? But, but are you not an orphan?"
Tanya stepped to one side and Visha walked up with a sheaf of official-looking documents. "That would be me. Please prepare BOTH of our back pays. Immediately. And in gold."
* * *
...one week earlier.
As she stormed out of the office, Tanya still wasn't certain if her threat had been a bluff. Still, her brain hadn't stopped working and she already had a solution in mind. But it was so damned embarassing! "Captain... no, Visha. Can I ask a favor of you. A massive one, so don't agree too quickly."
The young woman was almost as shocked by the Colonel asking for any sort of favor as she was by hearing her use her first name. "What's that? I'm sure to do it if I can!"
"Have you considered becoming a mother?"
Visha's mind went blank. "I-I-I have been too busy with the war, colonel, to even think of such things!"
"No, I meant for me." She sat down on a bench along a boulevard and her adjutant sat beside her. "They are are obviously targeting all the veterans, but especially me. I guess they figure if they take our guns and orbs away, we won't be a threat." She grinned ghoulishly. "But it's the only solution I can think of. If I'm adopted by a responsible adult, they can't keep me from my money. It has to be someone I trust, someone close enough to me to make it even thinly plausible and someone whose career can't be overly damaged by associating with me."
Her head whirled as if the planet were suddenly off kilter. She respected and admired Degurechaff more than anyone in the world and thought of being her mother in ANY sense of the word caused her brain to overload. She sat up firmly, "Of course I will!"
"Don't decide just yet. The Political Office has far too much power and I think they are an ally of both the president and the chancellor. Anyone close to me is going to suffer from scrutiny at best and reprisals at worst. That's why I can't even ask some of the few other people I know. Rerugen, Zettour, even Ugar would be sacrificing even more." She clenched her fist and pounded it on the bench. Damn you, Being X! I know this is your doing! You want to shove me to the brink... you couldn't do it in war, now you want to do it in peacetime! "This NOT an order. This is favor from you to me. The greatest favor I've ever asked anyone." She swallowed strongly. "W-would you please adopt me?"
"Yes! There is no doubt Col... Tanya. I would never turn my back on you." She put her hand on Tanya's fist and whispered, "We guide him always, abandon him never... I've already gone through the forest of swords and hails of bullets, how could I say no now?"
Tanya hesitantly put her other hand on Visha's. "Thank you." A gleam entered her eye. "Now let's go screw those bastards!"
* * *
Visha's birthday party was almost as raucous as Tanya's welcome home and no less welcome. Several foolish comrades tried to outdrink Visha but her outrageous metabolism and Russy heritage made her nearly immune to their efforts and she was at worst mildly tipsy by evening's end. Still, they had been warned not to over-indulge too much as they had a mission the next day (thankfully in the afternoon).
That morning, Visha and Tanya visited a judge sympathetic to them. His son was a soldier that been saved by the 203rd in Norden and he had gotten in contact with Weiss and Serebryakov while Tanya was on trial. He was fuming as he signed the papers, causing his brush-cut silver hair to shake. "I can't believe them! I had not idea things had devolved so far as to lead them to crush our heroes to pay for their failures. It's an outrage!"
Tanya nodded. "It's ever the lot of the soldier to pay for the mistakes of others."
"Well not this time, I say! Pissants think they are great because they can lord their power over REAL men!" He cleared his throat. "And women, no offence meant."
"None taken, your honor."
"Why, I'd adopt you myself but I gather Miss Serebyrakov someone in whom you place great trust. Good choice, that! Better one trustworthy comrade than a thousand pathetic lick-spittles!" His ranting was putting more than its fair share of saliva spray on the documents, but his heart was in the right place so neither of the other two stopped him.
"That's always been my philosophy." She nodded and blew gently on the papers he already completed to help the ink dry faster. Maybe I should gift him with one of the new ballpoint pens? The initial run of prototypes are working well and we can ramp up to full production given a bit of factory space and some workers.
"Ha! It occurs to me that your 'mother' could apply for on-base family housing and there's no reason why you cannot wear your uniform even while retired. It'll be like you never left! Be quite the shock to those bastards!"
Tanya laughed! "Ah, that would be amusing, but I already have plans."
"Perhaps in law? Your self defense was masterful both in planning and execution. I wager you could become a top barrister inside of ten years and a respected judge in twenty."
She shook her head. "Too slow. I'm afraid we, I, don't have that kind of time."
"Slow? My dear Colonel, that rate is obscenely fast. But I suppose you know your position better than anyone. Still, it'd be a shame not to put your gifts to work." He stroke his rather magnificent white mustache as he thought. "There's a point of law you might find interesting. It only applies to a select few and it depends on your ultimate goals."
He spent the next half hour explaining as Tanya's eyes grew wider. Finally, she laughed delightfully! She continued to laugh so long that someone who didn't see her would assume that children were playing inside.
* * *
Tanya and Visha collected their pay, every pfennig they were owed, and all in hard metal. The hapless accountant reached for his phone with a shaky hand but stopped suddenly when the Colonel said, "There's no use reaching for that. I believe you'll find that the phones are out of order. I'm sure they'll be repaired by the time we leave."
"C-colonel! I've done what you said... what more can you ask of me?"
As if on cue (they were cued by Serebryakov), more than fifty magic soldiers squeezed their way into the room, with several hundred more waiting outside. "You'll find that all these brave men want their back pay immediately. In gold."
"I w-was able to make an exception for you two, but the reserves of hard currencies..."
She pinned him with a glare. "Do not talk about exceptions! The regulations state that anyone wanting their pay can specify the type of currency as long as there are sufficient supplies on hand, yes?"
His shoulders slumped and he whispered, "Yes, yes you are correct."
"Then be quick about it!" The snap in her voice sent a jolt of electricity down his spine. He literally felt a shock as if a mini bolt of lightnight had struck him.
"Yes ma'am!"
The entirety of the 203rd, members of the Salamander Kampfgruppe, and other acquaintances owed money by the military had listened to Tanya's description of the upcoming financial disaster. Most military people just used the exchequer's office as an unofficial bank for convenience but getting the money out took stronger measures.
Sommer finally stopped paying when he was halfway done. "I'm sorry, but we are out of metal currency and goldmarks. We have sufficient papiermarks to cover the remainder, I'm sure."
"No, don't be foolish. Issue them drafts for gold and silver that they can get cashed in at other banks. Be quick about it, I have many things to do today!"
He didn't argue an further and all the banks for half a mile around found their supplies of hard currency going out based on these drafts. But no bank was hit too hard so no one noticed a pattern just then.
Visha kept tally and finally announced. "All have reported in, Colonel! Mission successful!"
"Excellent. So, Herr Sommer, you'll likely find that your phones will work properly in half an hour or so. Please call whomever you need to then but make sure you indicate that everything was done STRICTLY according to regulations, yes?"
"Y-yes." The broken man had no fight left in him and just sat with a bowed head as the cream of the Empire's military marched out of his building singing patriotic songs led by their undersized commander keeping them all in tune.
* * *
Visha almost staggered into Tanya's office with a stack of books. Tanya raised an eyebrow as they had spent much of the previous week emptying the office personal items or filing paperwork. "Captain, whatever are you doing?"
"You asked that I bring the books about you here, Commander. I thought we might as well pack them along with the other items."
"While that shows commendable foresight, I only needed one copy."
She dropped the tall stack on a nearby table. "There is only copy, ma'am. One copy of each, that is."
Intrigued, she went over to where her adjutant was fanning herself with one hand. "Can you summarize what I'm seeing then?"
"Yes ma'am! This the Picture Book, the Germanian version, of course. These two are your unauthorized biography and the Kartoffel edition, Ihr Kampf."
"Catchy title," she said dryly.
"These are the Francois, Germanian, Albish and Idolan editions of Childhood Lost. First printings!" Those books all sported a picture that must have been pulled from her earliest military records when she was first tested for magic abilities.
"These ones," she waved at a stack that were neatly bound with matching covers, "are a fourteen volume set of your music along with arrangements for accompaniment. The various translations are included inside. Allard is listed as co-author but I thought you'd want these as well."
Tanya nodded, a bit stunned. "He did do a lot of work getting those songs ready."
Visha pouted a bit. "All these lovely songs, but you never sing for us! Colonel, that's hardly fair!"
"There'll be time for that later. What are these pamphlets?"
"Oh, one is writeup of the perils of communism, The Red Menace. Since it had been leaked to the Russies, it was being passed around already so I got one of the better copies. The other is the dangers of bad monetary policy. I think he titled it Hyperinflation."
Tanya began rubbing her forehead. "How did so many books getting written about ME without me even knowing about it?" She picked up the last book and it turned out to be transcripts of the tribunal on lovely paper with very small print and many pages.
"That was ordered by one of the law schools, Heidelberg I think, but I believe a version will be coming out as a textbook soon. It's been fairly popular among non-lawyers who can't afford to get copies of the broadcasts."
"Since this is almost entirely in Francois, I hope they translate it, too." She looked over the stacks of books and said, "Dare I ask if I'm getting any compensation for any of this?"
"Of course! Well, the Picture Book proceeds are earmarks for orphanages, the biography is a scholarly work and Ihr Kampf is a bootleg effort. Your lawyer made sure proper copyrights were in place for much of the rest." She looked a little surprised. "He seemed somewhat, ahem, less than competent from your description but he did a good job on getting the international rights secured."
"It's amazing what high expectations and fear can do even outside the military." When did I ever even hint that he should copyright all this? Well, well, well, I guess I underestimated him. Since he's been a valuable human resource, he should be rewarded. "Do you know where he is now? I've been too busy to keep track of him."
"I believe he's set up shop in Berun. Shouldn't be too hard to find from the postmark."
"Let's do that." She looked over the piles of books. "After we get this all packed!"