Ildoan newspapers were the first to cover the earthquake and surrounding issues in detail. And, because Ildoa is Ildoa, they also had the most lurid and salacious. It was an oddity of history that some of the stories were actually accurate.
"...disaster, while quite damaging to local architecture, did not rise to the level of the 1894 earthquake which killed over 1300 people.
The majority of buildings that collapsed were of more recent construction, highlighting shoddy workmanship following the previous..."
"The Horrific death toll almost reached Triple Digits if not for the brave actions of vacationing Imperial Mages and local Women of the Night. What brought these two groups together? We may never know, but strange Fate turned them into Angels of Mercy.
The Strength of Magic moved mountains of rubble, while bandages torn from what little clothing was available helped bind the Wounds of the Victims."
"TvD vice-president, assaulted by local thugs, defends herself valiantly until local constabulary arrive to apprehend criminal gang!"
"Despite denials from the Russy Federation leadership, it's obvious that Loria was running a child prostitution and slavery ring in nearby Magna Rumeli.
As head of NKVD, their murderous secret police, he had unprecedented power to capture and abuse countless Russy women and, yes, children. Mostly children. Until recently, though, he had only been seen within the borders of the Federation and, it must be pointed out, the recent trial of Tanya von Degurechaff in Parisee.
Recently, his broken body, damaged by excessive vices, was found in a palatial villa, surrounded by his equally evil minions. Loria's heavily armed 'assistants' were found dead in the ruins of the mansion. Apparently maddened with fear by the earthquake, they shot each other until even the few survivors didn't last the night.
Though General Secretary Josef will not admit the horrific crimes committed just minutes from his luxurious Moscou office, now his pet monster has spread its evil to closer shores. Perhaps no longer satisfied with his local treats (and by that we mean innocent victims), he has decided to start capturing slaves farther from home.
Servant women talk of girl slaves, literally shipped in crates for the pleasure of this devil in human form. Special 'slave ships' were used to spirit unsuspecting girls to Magna Rumeli. Suspicious Russy men skulked around the city for weeks, causing smart mothers to hide their daughters when they approached.
A woman who did not wish to be identified, said, 'It was horrible. That poor girl was literally starving in a crate with nothing but a bottle of water dosed with dangerous drugs... like an animal. No, worse than an animal! At least an animal in a cage can move around.' After bursting into tears and finally recovering her composure, she continued. 'We had to clean her and treat her wounds and prepare the girl for her, for her... owner. He insisted that we dress her in schoolgirl clothes and decorate the room the same way. I can only pray she got away when the earthquake came and he hadn't had a chance to touch her yet.'
A discerning reader may notice that the ships and shipments must come from somewhere... but where? We have documentation that show their 'finders' were capturing girls from the shores of Ildoa!"
* * *
An orphan, dirty but fairly well-fed, was sifting through the rubble looking for something worth selling. Because the building had been fairly opulent, it was guarded during the day so he could only sneak around at night. Just before he was about to leave, he spotted something glinting in the moonlight...
* * *
In the seaside Ildoan city of Tuscany, there was a party who had rented a largish extended suite in the better wing of the Regina Spa. There were more men than women, and the staff assumed that they were business colleagues on vacation. Interestingly, the men deferred to the women in most things and a young man handled most of the details of the stay.
This didn't stop the girls from getting twice daily massages. The younger one was apparently recovering from a severe illness and was noticeably emaciated. Still, extended care was quickly helping her recover and she spent much of her days relaxing under the sun and eating sumptuous Idolan delicacies. Occasionally, the two would go swimming on a remote private beach they had rented for their stay.
Two weeks after they arrived, the entire party checked out without fanfare. But, for years afterwards, there were rumors that mermaids lived in the beautiful waters nearby.
* * *
Tanya said for the umpteenth time, "Visha, please. I'm well recovered and no longer an invalid. Certainly, all that tender care and swimming helped me recover quite well." The train they were on was shaking mildly as they were on a well-maintained straight section of track.
"But, but we can't be sure there aren't lingering effects!" She looked worried but she was listening at least. "How's your magic?"
The young mage waved her hand lightly and the coffee in her cup swirled around obediently. "It's odd. I feel more connected and smoother but maybe... weaker? No, not weaker. The power curve is different." She shrugged. "I guess the best way to describe it is as different."
"No urges to shake everything?"
"I've been trying to do what you said I did but no luck so far." She stopped playing with her coffee and took a long sip. "It might be just the circumstances but I felt like there some pent up power that I tapped into." She held up a hand. "I spent two weeks hating Loria so much, even drugged up as I was, and maybe I was storing that up somehow? Certainly, I can't do anything like that now."
Visha nodded. "Well, I guess that's fine then. I can't see that ever happening again."
"I certainly hope not! Even if I could reproduce it, spending half a month sedated is nothing I would recommend. Oh, is there any news on finding the Type-95?"
She shook her head. "The General hired some agents to look through the rubble but so much stuff was flying around that it could be five feet away, or five hundred. And under piles of rock."
"That's not good, but it could be worse. He's a good friend and I'm sure he'll do his best."
"Speaking of which, wasn't there a telegram from him?"
"Ah, I forgot!" She pulled it out of her satchel. An attendant had handed to her just as they were getting on the train and it slipped her mind as they were getting settled in.
Tanya cut open the envelope with a table knife and tapped it until the telegram slid out. She read the very short message. Then read it again. She was on the third repetition when Visha finally couldn't contain her curiosity. "What's wrong?"
She finally looked up. "General Rerugen says I've been nominated for an ambassadorship."
* * *
A very powerful creature known as God by some and Being X by another was brooding alone. His powers, though mighty, did have limits. Touching a mortal here and there, inspiring and guiding, those took very little effort. But more active interventions prompted a backlash from the very universe. Not against Him, though, never that! But the world itself would reject His interference in a reflexive way and sometimes even make things worse in the end.
How else could explain that the heretic not only survived but thrived?
Unable to find an answer that suited His personality, He continued His solitary, and sullen, thoughts.
* * *
One week earlier, Rerugen sat across from the head of the political office in one of their sporadic meetings. He was ignoring the man's ranting but enjoyed the rather expensive brandy he kept stocked. There was no sign of the privations of the populace in this office and the military man noted that apparently some still bought expensive new suits on a regular basis.
"You have to rein in that monster of yours! On top of her outrageous behavior in the Empire, now she's causing chaos overseas!"
The General swirled the liquor gently and enjoyed its aroma before taking another sip. "My monster? If you are referring to Degurechaff, she retired some time ago, with honors. I'm afraid she's a civilian like any other now."
"Like. Any. Other! Did I hear you say that?!"
"Besides, that area of the world is geologically unstable. If you do some research, you'll see they have an earthquake every handful of decades. And our presence there was merely to hunt down the thieves that stole the Type-95. That we rescued Miss Degurechaff was a happy accident."
He sneered. "Save that claptrap for someone who might believe it. She's a menace! A disaster! A walking bomb with a short fuse! Either you deal with her or I'll be forced to!"
Rerugen shook his head. "You can't touch her legally, and you know it. Illegal methods are likely to fare even worse. For all that I have found fault with her in the past, she is stunningly capable when it comes to defending herself... and retaliating with a zeal that borders on religious."
The man fumed, his face redder than usual. "At this point, I don't care! If I have to pass a law that outlaws blue-eyed blonde girls, I will!"
He took another sip... what a wonderful vintage! "You're going about this the wrong way, you know. The solution is easier than you think."
The Head stared at him, gape-mouthed. "What are you babbling about, man?"
"Opposing her will do no good. She's out of your league. Your best bet is to do something nice for her."
"You expect me to bribe, that, that, that...!" Words failed him... a stunning lack from a man who survived on his ability to craft convincing arguments.
"Not a bribe, no. A candid recognition of her abilities and skills. But one that also serves your purpose of getting her out of your hair."
He sat down and poured himself a snifter significantly fuller than Rerugen's and took a huge swallow, ignoring proper brandy protocol. "Talk."
"Post-war, Tanya has developed the ability to charm even her most ardent foes. Could you have imagined her being cheered in Francois a few years ago? The Devil of the Rhine? I doubt it! So send her off to someone that will challenge her for a good while." He fished two papers out of his portfolio and threw them on the conference table. "We need an ambassador to both Akitsushima and the Unified States. The former because we've never really had close ties to them but they are a growing power. A few years there would keep her easily occupied since even learning the language would be daunting and you can be the one to hire her translators to keep watch on her movements. The latter because they threw out our old ambassador during the Great War and he's retired now. There's plenty of antipathy there considering how many of their 'volunteers' she blew up. But there's also the music lovers to keep her occupied."
More brandy, more brooding. "It galls me to reward her for being a bloody nuisance."
"What reward? You're sending her a third of the world away no matter which direction you send her. If it's any place less inviting, she won't accept. Keep in mind, you're removing her from her base of power AND away from you. It's a singular honor so it would be almost impossible for her reject. Who knows? She may love it so much, that she never comes back."
That last sentence was what decided him.
* * *
Hammerschmidt clapped his hands together twice sharply. "Look alive, everyone! The President and Vice-president will be here any moment and she'll likely have questions about the state of affairs. You know how she hates waste... especially wasted time!"
"Ja ja ja, Jonas, no need to waste your breath, we know!" The other department heads all nodded, wearily. Working without their #1 and #2 leaders had been a challenge to say the least. Any other organization would have floundered, rudderless, in such a situation. They wanted to show here that they had risen to the challenge though most would admit Hammerschmidt had been under more pressure than most since he was spearheading the financial department.
As if summoned, Tanya and Visha came in, drawing every eye in the room. Though they had heard a severely edited account of what she had undergone, Tanya seemed no worse for wear and in fact walked with utter confidence. "Thank you all for coming today. We'll keep this brief as you all have been working overtime to keep everything going."
She flipped through the reports quickly, praising each in turn. Frankly, she was surprised at how much they had accomplished even other only a few weeks. "Everyone, excellent work!" She held up the sheaf of paper and tapped it with the back of her other hand. "This is exactly what I want to see. Independent, excellent thought! It's okay to make mistakes as long as you make intelligent mistakes and recover from them."
Tanya put the reports back on the table and said, "The only thing I'm unhappy about..." she paused and everyone sat up straighter. "...is how much you overworked! Everyone arrange for a four day weekend holiday within a month for you and your workers. Plus a week's bonus for everyone for everyone in the company. Schedule it however you like but make sure no one gets burned out. It's called a work/life balance. Don't let it tip too much the wrong way." The unfamiliar term took them by surprise but they understood it immediately.
"Okay, that's enough. Again, good job! Hammerschmidt and Lange, stay behind, everyone else take the rest of the day off."
"Anyone need a drink? I won't keep you long but I just let the others go because the rest doesn't apply to them."
They looked at each other and then shook their head. "That's okay, ma'am. Plans later."
Lange agreed. "Strong drink and powered tools don't mix."
"Ah, pity then." She glanced at her supply of fine vintages and sighed as drinking was still illegal for her in the Empire. I simply must travel again!
"First, Hammerschmidt. Your people have been amazing. Don't leash them too much, especially those who have been making money. If they have a halfway decent idea, you can approve it. If it takes more funds than your budget, talk to Visha or me. Especially Yvette, Marie and Ernst... those three are on fire and if you want to elevate them to manager level, go ahead."
He rubbed his chin. "Marie has management potential. The other two are better on projects for now. I'm afraid too much time spent doing managerial chores would take them away from useful tasks."
Visha reminded him gently, "Managing should be a part time job. Thinking up good ideas and helping others succeed are the most important tasks. If you are acting like a 'manager', then you either have the wrong people on the tasks or you are spending too much time checking up on them."
The man paused and then slowly nodded. "Yes, yes I see what you are saying." He gave a rakish grin. "I think I'll be unscheduling a lot of meetings tomorrow. AND I'll be taking advantage of the long weekend."
Tanya returned the grin, "I won't keep you then."
After he left, it was the Sergeant's turn. "So I understand the projects are going well, Lange?"
"Yes ma'am! That initial list you gave us is all but complete and the boys were wondering what to do. A few had ideas for projects but not nearly enough for the whole team. Fortunately, you secretary found the other list so we've had plenty of work."
Tanya blinked. "Other list?"
Lange continued as if the question hadn't been asked. "What amazing ideas! I have to say, this could keep us busy for centuries unless we recruit more people. Some of these things will require the invention of entirely new technologies to even get close to fulfilling them. Geostationary satellites, televised images, analog and digital computing machines, wireless telephony and the rest! It's like you planned out fifty years of technological achievements in one document."
Crap! I didn't expect anyone to find that. I was just trying to map out what technology was needed to make the modern world I came from. Now they are taking my technology tree as a mandate for their work. She played it off. "Those are just idle imaginings. Theoretically possible, but hardly practical."
The ex-sergeant shook his head. "We discussed it and, as far as we can tell, there's nothing inherently unworkable on the list. It's a matter of engineering, not scientific impossibility. Of course, some technologies depend on others so there's a hierarchy. And your integration of magic orbs and non-magic technology are unheard of as far as I know."
"Well, if you want to draw inspiration from my casual ideas, I won't stop you. Don't take everything as a mandate, though."
Lange gave a little grin. "For those who make things, having beautiful ideas to inspire us is as essential as air." He then laughed heartily. "The funding is helpful, too!"
"I haven't given your group a dime since I started it. Sales and licensing are supporting your research and making all of us a ton of money. Don't ever feel like I've given you and your team anything... you've earned it all with your brains and your work." She jotted down a few technologies she think were created in the 50s in her old world. "I had some other ideas that might be more doable before geosynchronous satellites. And don't be afraid to recruit some of our mages in case the technology needs a shortcut or just to help with research."
He looked at the list, "You really don't have a preference?"
"A good heat pump before summer hits would be nice but, no, not really. Have fun, make fun things and Hammerschmidt will try to make us money with it."
The technologist left, possible blueprints flickering in his mind, barely avoiding door frames as he left the building.
Tanya stood up and stretched. "Well, that went well." Such excellent human resources! I can make money without doing anything but sitting here. Who knew that you could grow talent at this level? Too bad I didn't realize this in my last life. She thought back to the man who pushed her onto the train tracks. But not that guy... he was utterly hopeless.
Visha's eyes were sparkling. She really wants everyone to be happy and productive at the same time. Instead of trying to squeeze every mark out of them, she wants the whole company to do well. "It's almost time for the General to arrive. We really should have met him at his office."
Tanya shrugged helplessly, "I tried! He seemed to think this would be better."
"Well... I guess it's a non-military position. Maybe that had something to do with it?"
"Regardless, it'll be an interesting conversation. I have to wonder about the motivations and timing of it all."
Visha said confidently, "Why, it's obvious! You were a force to be reckoned with during war, why not during peace?"
The former Colonel pursed her lips. Why not, indeed?
The General arrived a comfortable five minutes early. By this time, the staff was well familiar with him and let him go up to the meeting room without a particular escort as if he were a member of the company and not an outsider. There were smiles and nods from them as he walked up the stairs at the back of the factory. Their main office was still a nicely remodeled second floor, but the first floor was definitely all business and no frills. He saw new TvD products were starting to fill the shelves and the military surplus section was getting smaller.
One secretary he recognized approached him as he made it to the top. At least he thought she was a secretary. The workers never seemed to do exactly the same job from visit to visit. Workers one week were supervisors the next week. Managers of the past were driving trucks today. It seemed terribly chaotic but it all worked as far as he could tell. "General, I have to, well all have to thank you for everything you did to get the President back." There were unshed tears in her eyes and she seemed barely in control of her emotions.
He nodded graciously. "I only did the right thing. I'm just happy it was enough in the end. Oh, that reminds me." He took out a portfolio of photos in a folder and handed it to her. "I borrowed these from the newspaper division earlier. Can you return them or have them destroyed if that's the proper method?" She reached for the clasp curiously before he put a hand on hers. "I don't recommend looking at them, however. They are not for the faint of heart."
"Yes sir! I'll make sure!" She hurried off to a document destruction container, holding the portfolio as if it were physically dirty.
The doors to the conference room were open and he saw Degurechaff talking with Serebryakov. From what he overheard, talking about the very reason he came.
Tanya looked at the two proposals on the table, while Visha kept track of pros and cons between the two on a clipboard. "So Akitsushita has food, a lot of growth potential, and are a bulwark against the Russy Federation. The Unified States has free markets and we have businesses there already, great music and are just generally less restrictive socially."
Rerugen cleared his throat and chimed in. "Your knowledge of Anglish can't hurt, either."
Tanya looked over and smiled. "Don't think I haven't considered that, sir." Just not in the way you suspect! She continued. "But I can tack on a language pretty quickly. There are big advantages to knowing a language better than your hosts think you do."
"It seems like you are still deciding. I had no idea that the choice would be so difficult." He sat down and put his hat on the table to one side.
Visha waved her clipboard. "It's shocking how close it is. It could go either way if the right weight hit the scales."
"I'm afraid I can't help with that. Honestly, I just came to get your answer. Still, if I can supply and information that would assist you, I'm available."
"We're still in the brainstorming stage, I'm afraid." She tapped the proposals lightly with her forefinger. "Visha is right. It's less a matter of logic now and more akin to whimsy." She laughed! "Too bad Ildoa doesn't need an ambassador... their wines there were delightful. Akitsushima's age of adulthood is 20 which is inconveniently distant if I want bottle of sake."
"Did you know that the Unified States doesn't have a legal drinking age?" Rerugen said with a small smile that vanished even as it appeared.
"What, really?" That's right! This is a different world... things might progress very differently here. But this is around the time where Prohibition might be enacted. If that's the case, then this might be an opportunity rather than a problem.
He said dryly, "I trust you won't use this as an excuse for any drunken revels."
"Please, General! You wound me." She put her hand over her heart dramatically. "I've never been drunk and the one time I got slightly tipsy was because I was drugged." She frowned and Visha, sensing her mood, but her hand on Argent's shoulder.
"Ahem. At any rate, you need not worry that alcohol will dull my wit. As a representative the Empire, I must maintain both appearances and efficiency."
It was then that the daily mail was delivered. With a smile, the secretary left the stack on the conference table without interrupting the discussion. The general watched her and commented, "Your staff is unlike any other I've seen. They have an unusual attitude. It's akin to being overly-familiar. It's hard to describe." He struggled for the right world. "Familial?"
Visha nodded. "You are not far off. Everyone you met is a shareholder and most owe their prosperity to TvD. Not quite allies, but certainly not subordinates. Friends I guess is the best word."
While talking, Tanya glanced at the stack of mail and the return address of the top letter caught her eye. "Hmmm... speaking of which..."
"Oh?"
"It's from a... friend of mine. She lives in the Unified States." The envelope was made from a very high quality paper, corners still sharp even after its journey.
Rerugen raised his eyebrows. "Why do you, no, how do you have a friend from there?"
"I met her when in the Republic. Actually, it was during the that whole Strasbourg Massacre incident. She was there during the early part of the evening but left before the shooting started." She carefully opened it and slid out a smaller envelope. This one was literally gilded and smelled of jasmine. Intensely curious, she opened this envelope and slide the card out. Tanya glanced at the it and then looked up in thought. "Well, this may have decided things... I've been invited to a birthday party and it's in the same city as the consulate in the Unified states."
"You're not one to leave things to chance."
She shrugged. "Honestly, I was leaning toward the States already so why not let this be the final weight?" Tanya gave them a sly grin. "Besides, it would be nice to see the country that is buying so many of my records!"
* * *
"Henri? Darling? Please fetch another sack of flour." A sweet voice called out from the next room.
"Certainly, just a moment Helga."
Gladieau was busy, busier than he ever expected to be. While the woman he didn't yet call his fiancee had a struggling business when he met her, now her struggles were of another nature: too much business!
While not a baker and certainly not physical in any classic sense, he was trying his best to help while they searched for competent staff. Massive bulk orders from TvD's markts along with a vastly increased walk-in business from the new recipes kept them hopping. They had a very comfortable relationship with Tanya's conglomerate who apparently owned a mill and several granaries now. The massive vertical integration kept TvD prices low which meant their bakery's costs were falling even as their sales increased.
He hefted a sack of flour, noting that they all had the TvD logo on them and drawing a sense of comfort from it. Though his ex-client, the ex-Devil of the Rhine, was the most frightening person he knew, she was on his side so that was good, no?
He grunted a bit as he carried it the sack to the baking room and dropped it on the table. "They seem to be getting a bit lighter. Maybe a different type of wheat?" He had been so active lately, he hadn't even noticed that he was 10 pounds lighter and had even put on a bit of muscle.
"I'm sure the weight is fine. Please put the flour in the big bin for use."
As he did so, he commented, "We can't keep up this pace. Between you, me and the register girl, there's only one real baker here. I'm not sure what to do."
"Well, naturally. Why not ask your friend Tanya? She seems good at solving problems."
He stopped suddenly, almost spilling flour all over the floor before Helga warned him. That's it! I think they have a hiring agency now. At the very least they have more resources to find people than I do. "You are brilliant!" He grabbed her and gave her a big kiss and threw off his apron and grabbed a suitable hat. "I'll be back soon, hopefully with help!"
* * *
Marie (one of Hammerschmidt's 'acquisitions' from the banks of Berun), was happily putting puzzle pieces together. The pieces, however, were people and opportunities and not part of a child's jigsaw. The war and recession had destroyed many businesses and had eliminated many jobs. She recalled vividly an offhanded remark by President Degurechaff when someone had commented on what a tragedy it was.
She snorted. "Tragic, yes, for the people involved. But as inevitable as the dawn in the long run. The war and aftermath only hastened collapses that were already in motion. If a mill closes but another one across the street is doing fine, doesn't that mean the first had problems that were simply hidden from view?
When times are good, any business can do well. But if they fold at the first real challenge then they are like greenhouse orchids. Pretty, but not fit to survive when the chill of winter slips in. The best thing to do, is to clear the planters so hardier breeds can thrive now that they have a chance.
Taking this to heart, Marie compiled lists of shuttered businesses they owned and tried to match them up with the right managers and people. Soon, she was the director of personnel and some nights she tried to figure out how it had happened.
When Gladieau arrived, she obviously recognized the ex-lawyer turned baking assistant. "Ah, Herr Gladieau! How can I help you?"
In Germanian that had improved dramatically in the past months, he presented his problem. "I have a desperate need for workers and I understand you have turned into a hiring agency of sorts."
"Well, yes, but usually just for our own businesses. Still, you are a friend of the President so we can make an exception. Can you describe your needs?"
"Certainly, we have received far more orders than we can handle! Both bulk and storefront orders. Frankly we don't have the staff and could use a baker -- or three! – and a stout man to handle the heavy loads."
"Three you say? From my understanding, your bakery isn't that large."
He shrugged helplessly. "The demand, it is too much! Helga might work herself to death at this rate, but she can't say no. When people need bread, she makes it!"
Marie's hand moved to her personnel lists but then hesitated. "You are not the baker, correct? It is your partner?"
"Aside from a large number of recipes bequeathed to me by my mother and an excellent palate, I'm just an amateur. Helga, though, has a real knack for it."
She proceeded to open a completely different cabinet, this one full of closed businesses. "Herr Gladieau, might you consider opening another a bakery?"
He looked shocked. "Another one? We can barely handle one as it is!"
"It seems to me that your problem isn't a lack of employees, it's that your sole baker is making bulk goods when she should be concentrating on the small orders. If you had a factory bakery to make the larger orders, you could solve both problems." She looked a little grim. "And have no fear that we can't find enough people to work in them. There are far more workers than positions for them. Even just choosing from only veterans and widows, we could staff a huge factory ten times over and we have more resumes coming in on a daily basis."
"So you are saying more bakeries... would be less work?"
"In the long run, yes. Helga would be more hands-off on the baking side and spend more time looking over the quality and management of both businesses. I can arrange for a professional manager to handle procurement and what little bookkeeping is required and all the workers needed for both stores."
"Will it be expensive? Most of my money is tied up in the current bakery and, frankly, invested in TvD."
"That's exactly WHY this will work so well. You can use your investment as collateral and you will know that we want you to succeed. A shuttered property does us no good... but a new thriving business with us as your partner is something that helps us all. Please, sit, and let us talk!"
It only took them ten minutes to find a defunct bakery not far from their current one and a roster of people to help at both. Gladieau gathered their notes and hurried back to Helga so they could discuss the matter immediately!
* * *
Pavel, out of all the Russy troops in Constantinople, managed to avoid the disaster... not the disaster of the earthquake, the very presence of Argent herself! He wore a disguise at all times since then and never slept in the same place twice. He wasn't sure that he was still being hunted but he suspected it would be a long time before he could relax. As much as feared Loria, that was the devil he knew and he had no idea how General Secretary Josef would respond to the death of his favorite attack dog. How did it turn out like this?! I handed him a powerless, drugged little girl and he managed to cause this, this, this situation!
He bought a bottle of something alcoholic and went up to this room for the night. He locked the door and windows and, finally feeling a moment of respite, he pulled off his headscarf and face covering and collapsed into a chair. He took a swig and brooded in the darkening evening. "I almost had it all... almost! Loria was my ticket into the inner party. Well, I guess he could have had me killed like so many others, but what's life without risk? I was smarter than the rest. A survivor!" He drank some more, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed.
"But, why not? Why can't I come back? All my communiques were through Loria. I just have to show that it wasn't me that set this up. I was just another lackey to his mad scheme. Who to blame, though? I can't pin it on Louis again." His eyes widened. "Or can I? What if he was a secret agent for Loria that handled these unpleasant matters and the previous denunciation was just so that he could have his own team separate from the loyal NKVD? Everyone from teams 1 and 2 are all dead. Loria is dead. There's a vacuum now and Loria's seat is empty. Why can't I be the one that sits there?!"
He never saw the man who came behind him. One arm grabbed his head and pulled it back while the other expertly wielded the knife that cut his throat. Not enough to kill him immediately, but certainly fatal. The man who killed him was cleaning off his knife while he watched Pavel bleeding out dispassionately. "You can't because you are dead comrade."
Pavel, blood leaking out of his throat despite his hands desperately trying to staunch the flow saw his former co-worker standing over him. His eyes dimmed after a few more seconds, never to light again.
Louis efficiently searched Pavel's body for the funds he had escaped with and his one-time pad so that he could commence communications with the fatherland again. With Pavel and Loria gone, the NKVD was ready for its next incarnation. More pure. More effective.
And entirely more deadly.
Chapter 50 - Quartet of Soldiers
General Zettour was looking out a window, lost in thought. Normally, between himself and Rudersdorf, it would be the latter doing so. But the other general was taking a rare holiday so it left Zettour to marshal his thoughts without him.
What strange fate has befallen our Fatherland. "Strange, indeed."
His adjutant looked up. "Yes, General?"
"I was pondering the state of the our nation." He took off his monocle and polished it. "How would you characterize it?"
"I'm hardly qualified to do so, sir."
Zettour briefly smiled as he remembered another subordinate who had answered similarly. "Please speak freely, this is not an exam and there will be no punishments."
He looked around to make sure no one else could hear him. "Ahem. Well, sir, frankly terrible. Unemployment is high and increasing. Inflation is beyond any measure of control. Reparations are crippling what recovery we might engender. Our standing on the world stage is either pitiful or reviled depending to whom you speak. Public confidence is down to unheard of levels." He swallowed. "In less civilized times, I imagine executions would be coming sooner rather than later."
"Thank you for your bluntness. Nor are you incorrect on average. What was that saying about statisticians? They would tear down the mountains and use them to fill the seas and tell you nothing has changed? No, we must look at both the heights and depths to find the true picture."
"For example, let's look at Colonel von Degurechaff's new venture as if they were their own country. How would you judge them?"
"I... words fail me, General. The level of growth TvD has exhibited is astonishing. They seem to have a knack for turning castoffs into marks, straw into gold. In essence they aren't doing anything that anyone couldn't have done. We've investigated, plus any number of people who wish her to fail, but there's nothing amiss. Just business. Good business."
"And that's why you can't look at averages. The reason for TvD's growth is that she's doing what what ought to be done but she's the only one doing it. That rare combination of insight and boldness made her the ideal officer and is making her the ideal businesswoman. How I wish she could have joined the senior staff!" He replaced his monocle. "Still, she may do more good where she is, now, and where she will be in the future."
"Oh? Where's that, sir?"
"Just my hypothesis and you are not to repeat this to anyone." He spoke succinctly, not more than two sentences.
His adjutant nearly dropped the papers he was holding as he listened and then did drop them as he realized the implications. "Mein Gott!"
* * *
On the other side of Berun, the absent Rudersdorf was chatting companionably with the man who had been Emperor. While they had butted heads in the past, all matters of contention had likewise died with his fall from power. The generals had made an appeal during the war to have him intervene and use his influence to force the political office to the peace table which he rejected soundly.
Rudersdorf considered him an erratic, overblown ass who let the whisper of a greater Germanian empire lure him to folly. Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II thought the general was a pompous, interfering busybody who needed to do as he was told and stay out of politics. However, with the surrender and subsequent 'peace', they found they had rather similar tastes and interests. With nothing to argue about, they could finally talk.
Wilhelm sipped his tea and made a small face before putting it down again.
"The drink not to your liking? Usually you'd have something strong if I recall."
"My doctors, they rule my life, or at least the parts that Augusta hasn't laid claim to." He took another sip. "I'm hoping the damnable stuff grows on me before I lose all enjoyment of drink and die of thirst."
Rudersdorf guffawed and drank his coffee in sympathy (though his had a touch of brandy in it). "If that's the worst of your complaints, you are living an ideal life!"
The Emperor growled, "Say that after you see what they've done to my breakfast. A dog couldn't live on that! But, on to more pleasant topics, how is that little girl of yours doing? The general they chased out."
"It's Colonel, and she's doing quite well. To be honest, she quite matches your love of innovation and gadgetry. Her company releases some new product on nearly a weekly basis and they are expanding rapidly."
"Hrumph! You know that's not what I'm referring to, has she accepted an appointment yet?" Despite his seemingly casual attitude toward Degurechaff, he was actually following her quite closely. His remaining advisors kept him informed and he read her newspaper daily. He had – quite secretly! – sent in more than one attempt to win the prize for catching an error.
"Not yet, but I expect a decision soon. Her love of Germania runs deep and she yearns for a chance to serve. Damn the political office for their interference!"
"Bah. Their ambitions exceed their ability by leagues. Forget them, they will become the past soon." He ignored, or was unaware of, the fact that this described him as well. "So tell me... is this young star in a relationship at this time? I know she's young, but..."
Rudersdorf raised an eyebrow. "Yes, she IS young. A bit too young, wouldn't you say?"
"Rein in your imagination, Kurt! I'm quite happily married and not looking for even more chaos in my life. But with the end of the War, I have a few sons who need experience and sending one to assist as a diplomatic attache under such a storied soldier isn't a bad idea."
"I can confirm, as far as we know, she's not involved at any rate. I'd advise against trying to play matchmaker, though."
"Oh, why's that?"
The general smiled with more than a trace of evil satisfaction, "I haven't seen anyone who could handle her in times of peace and even less so in times of war. And hasn't it been said that all Love is War?"
* * *
Rerugen personally took Degurechaff's acceptance to the Political Office, not trusting to any subordinate to handle such an important task. The man there took it will ill-grace, even more so because the general insisted that he sign a receipt indicating he had taken possession of it.
"All this fuss over a snip of girl. Why do you care so much?!" He looked wan, as if he were fading and yet somehow managed to gain weight since last they met.
"Honestly? I want her to do so well in peace that she never thinks of going to war again." Someone with plenty of money, friends, and colleagues all over the world would be the last person to wish for war, right? He pushed down the wicked part of his brain that whispered he was grooming the Devil herself and relied on his logic to muffle the noise it made.
"Why did you even think she'd accept? She has every damned things she could ever want right here." He reached into his desk and pulled out a bottle of liquor. Rerugen noted it was a cheaper brand and he only retrieved a single glass.
"For all her flaws, she's a patriot and serving abroad in a place that hasn't seen her particular brand of... expertise... would attract her. Are you complaining now? You are the one who made the recommendation after all."
"At your insistence," he growled.
"Hardly. I just pointed out actions and consequences. You came to your own decision. Probably the best of your career. So rejoice! You have sent the Devil abroad... aren't you happy?"
* * *
In the Unified States a flight mage pulled off his goggles after testing a new orb. It was a tricky thing, still being worked on, but much better than standard issue. Rumor had it that it was partially made from a captured Germanian orb (97x was inscribed in tiny letters on the back of the case) and its better features were going to be integrated with their newer model.
"Hey, Bayer! How'd it go?"
"Not bad, Sarge. It's a little rough switching between modes but it's got enough horses to pull a freight train. Honest, though, given the tricks we saw the 203rd pull with the originals, we've got a ways to go." He tossed it back to his superior and said, "I'm gonna get a shower and hit town, need anything?"
"I'm good. Geez, I'd love to have the schedule you flyboys, do! Just waft around in the sky for an hour and then laze around the rest of the time."
"You got me good, Sarge. I'm doing it for the sack time and the ladies!"
They both laughed and he headed back to the barracks.
Corporal Cal Bayer was a big man, even in a profession that favored the physically fit. He was 6'3" if he was an inch and came close to 300 pounds with his boots on. When a teenager, he was a big embarrassed by his size but his grandfather set him straight. "You see this, boy?" He hit the family crest painted on a shield that Cal assumed was a million years old. Depicted was not one but TWO bears on it, or maybe one was a big lion. He never was sure which.
"Yes Gran-ther."
"Back in the old country, our people were always big and strong! A full grown bear like this could knock over a tree, chase down anything slower than a deer and gut a man with a single blow. Your ancestor fought one for three straight days with nothing more than a knife and came home wearing its skin! You think some scrawny momma's boy could do that?" His Germanian accent was particularly thick when he talked about the old family history but Cal never forgot a single story.
In some ways, he was glad the old man hadn't lived to see the world go to war against the 'old country'. It would have broken the old man's heart... or driven him to apoplexy!
At any rate, Cal got over his feelings about his size only to have them resurface when he tried to get into military flight school. Again, he was too big! The recruiter just shook his head and said, "Son, we have hundreds of wannabe pilots for every five positions we post. We pick the man to match the machine, not the other way around." Seeing the teenager's shoulders sag, he threw the kid a bone. "I shouldn't get your hopes up but..."
"But what? What?!" Like his grandfather, he found his accent leaking out when excited, but his was a Texas drawl rather than of Europa.
"Have you been mage tested?"
"No sir."
"Not many have but maybe 1 in 10,000 have the right stuff. Can't hurt to give it a go. Mind you, the test is free only if you are willing to sign up on the spot."
Cal thought about the odds but decided he had nothing to lose. "Just point me in the right direction."
"It's just two doors down." He slapped him on the shoulder. "Good luck, son! I hope to see you in basic soon!"
Apparently luck or fate was with Cal that day as he found himself sworn into the US Army an hour later.
It was a good thing he was so physically capable as the amount he had to learn about being a mage was daunting. Not one to hit the books often, he dived into these with a passion. Between his grasp of flight mechanics (excellent) and flight mathematics (abysmal), he managed to average out to a decent aerial mage before long. He did surprise his teachers more than once with his knowledge of history, military and otherwise.
At any rate, he graduated and was deemed sturdy enough to handle the abuse of the orb testing department where he sat through the last part of the Great War, never having been called up.
Just before setting out to town and a music hall he particularly liked, he jogged out to grab his mail. Technically, mail call came in the morning but with his odd testing schedule, they made allowances for the big man.
The Pfc in charge of the mailroom nodded as he came. "Hey, Cal. Got something interesting here for ya!"
"More fudge? I swear by all that's holy, Bill, if you opened another package..."
"Geez, no! But I can tell when orders come in and that's what this letter looks like."
Cal opened up the letter and stared at it, dumbfounded. "Well, shoooooot." Again the drawl made its appearance.
"Spill it."
"Apparently I'm going to be an Embassy guard up in the Windy City."
"You shittin' me? Who you guarding?"
"Ambassador Degurechaff... the Devil of the Rhine."
Chapter 51 - One man's trash...
Preparations for their departure were faster than one might expect. On the one hand, the Political Office was rather embarrassed by the appointment in general and on the other, TvD was mostly self-directed these days. Despite that, Visha elected to remain behind. "We can't just go vacationing every time we feel like it!"
"It's hardly a vacation, you know," Tanya said dryly. "Rebuilding relations with the Unified States should be top priority for the new government and it's a shocking lack of foresight that they haven't managed a bridgehead yet."
"I hear they have pizza better than what you get in Ildoa, Polska sausage on a bun that would tempt a saint to break his vows and some of the best steaks in the world." Serebryakov was practically drooling and she imagined the culinary delights that lay in store for her friend and boss.
Tanya stared at her hungry friend and finally said, "After a suitable amount of time, please come visit."
"Of course!" She cleared her throat and said less energetically, "Once business matters are cleared up."
"Oh, did you get the regulations under which the embassy operates?"
"Yes, it's on your desk along with the maps of the area you requested. Mostly it boils down to the embassy property being, technically, part of the Empire and so our laws apply there."
"Hmmm, that's what I thought. Very interesting. Come, Visha, let's look at the maps you were so good to procure!"
The two pored over the maps and a property list on the side so they could reference what the structures shown. The previous Germanian consulate had actually been 'reclaimed' by the Unified States and the new one was in a much less prestigious part of Chicago. "How rude of them!"
Tanya just smiled, "The old consulate was sitting on prime real estate and there was no sign Germania would still exist after the war. Don't worry and let's find my new home."
The property turned out to be an older house that abutted a burgeoning industrial area. Even in a city as prosperous as Chicago, there were declining areas as well as prospering ones. This neighborhood had falling property values due to the encroachment of factories, breweries and 'lower class' communities. Still, the house was once owned by a prestigious family that had fallen on hard times and the property would need refurbishing to bring back its faded glory.
"You said consulate, not embassy?"
"It's a bit embarrassing for Germania but the Embassy in DC and all the consulates were sold. Technically, the Chicago consulate will function as the official embassy until we can purchase land in the capital of the Unified States.
"Isn't that a problem? This is worse than rude, it's a deliberate insult, I think."
"I said don't worry. Honestly, the will likely work out better in the long run." Tanya smiled wider and wider as they read about the neighborhood. "This is fantastic! The whole area is depressed. Crime is on the uptick, property values are down, businesses are leaving and the wealthiest residents are long gone. The only major business left there is the brewery."
"This is good?" But Visha hadn't worked with Tanya for so long without learning a few things. "So you are not seeing downsides but instead..."
They said it together, "Opportunity!"
* * *
Conrad Meier of ZKV and Yvette Oberst of TvD were on an unusual shopping spree in the Unified States in preparation for the Ambassador's arrival. Instead of buying furnishings for the embassy, they were buying properties. Between the clout of one of the world's largest banks and the Yvette's nose for a bargain, they snapped up several city blocks of land directly from the property holders. For the most part, what few businesses still existed in the area didn't even realize that their landlords had changed overnight. The last section, and the one not available for sale, was the large brewery off of the river.
The two sat down for dinner after two grueling days of deal making and purchasing. Yvette handled the negotiations, for the most part, while Meier shoveled many, many pounds of legal documents to ZKV's office in Chicago for processing. Two of the bank staffers practically lived in the Deeds Office while they handled title transfers.
Yvette grinned like cat with a freshly-stolen fish and the fact that she ordered seafood tonight only added to this appearance. "Well, Conrad, we did it. I can't believe what the last forty-eight hours have been like!"
The Waldstatte banker could only nod wearily. The pace they had kept up made him seriously fear that his heart might have given out. But memories of 'the Devil' gave him strength when he felt weakest. "It's too bad the factory is off the table. Even with ten times the funds, it would be out of reach."
"True, true. It's odd. The pattern of purchases and the locations make it seem like that's her goal but it's impossible to purchase a thriving business unless they are looking to sell... and they definitely are not."
"Ya, ya. Oh, they have extended loans they used for expansion that put them under some risk but as long as the money is coming in, there's no problems."
Yvette thought about the situation carefully while she enjoyed her trout smothered in capers, lemon and butter. "Let me run a hypothetical situation by you."
"Go on." He dabbed his lips and sipped some a more-than-acceptable Bordeaux.
"If we assume that TvD is going to buy that brewery, that would mean they would have to be in a situation where they MUST sell, right?"
"Exactly. I see no other possibility."
"And for that to happen, their cash flow would have to tank. Because of their loans, they are somewhat overextended and can't afford to miss any payments."
"Yessssss. True. But it's a popular brand and their sales are expanding nicely, not contracting."
She toyed with her wine but didn't drink it just yet. "I don't know if you follow the news from the Unified States."
"Only the financial section, and then only if the matter impacts our investments directly."
"I saw something interesting lately. Some new legislation that's been proposed. Normally I wouldn't care for the same reasons you don't follow it but what caught my eye was that chief proponents of the bill were women."
"Eh?" The man looked surprised. "While I'm the last man to look down on women, both present and soon to be present, isn't that highly unusual?"
"It is, certainly in the Unified States. That's why it captured my attention." She twirled her glass while Conrad contemplated asking for the dessert cart to visit their table. Finally, she spoke. "Herr Meier," she said formally, getting his attention. "Are you a gambling man?"
"I've bet recreationally when with friends. Beyond that, not so much."
"I'm not talking games. I'm talking REAL gambling. Do you have some money you wouldn't mind betting on a guess?"
The banker was still sore from the losses they had incurred 'betting' against Degurechaff and he receptive to opportunities. "Tell me more."
"The Chicago Butter and Egg Board is here and they handle a wide variety of commodities and futures."
"Of course. They have added new products for decades. We even have a man working for us to handles trades there as needed."
The cat-with-fish smile returned. "Let me tell you my theory..." She spent the next half hour explaining her thoughts. Before long, both had pads of paper out and were scribbling ideas and numbers frantically.
Conrad patted sweat from his face with the table napkin. Instead the cold sweat of fear, however, this was a flush of excitement. "What monies do you have available?"
"All TvD's senior managers have a generous investment fund we can tap into if we find an opportunity. With access to much more with permission."
"Much the same here. If you're anywhere close to right, this is a chance to make staggering amount of money."
"The question is, do you trust my analysis? Do you trust that President Degurechaff has called this right?"
Meier hesitated and then said firmly, "Let's do it!" He lifted his glass, she lifted hers, they clinked them together and downed them with a single quaff! They each spent the next hour sending and receiving telegraphs to their respective home bases. But, by morning, they had the funds they asked for.
* * *
Hammerschmidt, despite the time he spent working for TvD ,was continually surprised at the amount of foresight the President had. She asked for people with financial skill or banking experience and no matter how many he recruited, they were all busy constantly. He had doubted at the time, but no more.
Still, when Yvette's plan had come through, Degurechaff hadn't even blinked and immediately okayed the request. This investment sucked up almost every bit of liquid capital they had and leveraged their holdings and even their gold reserves to cover their position. Naturally it helped that ZVD was the go-between but, to his eyes, it looked like a gambler betting everything on '00' on a whim. Remember, Yvette and the president are shockingly smart. If they both think this is a good idea, then there must be very, very good reasons.
Fortunately, their businesses all had healthy cash flows. It was almost embarrassing how much they continued to sock away in banks outside of Germania to protect their assets. They were hiring people as fast as they could manage even outside the world of finance and a new business or venture opened on a nearly daily basis. I can see why the president has a hands-off approach. The amount of work required to closely manage everything would kill an average person!
Much like his boss, he had stepped back as well and spent far more time looking at the forest and much less at the trees. Because of this, he spent far more of his day simply... thinking. "Cecile, tell me something..."
"About what, Jonas?" She was technically a secretary but had put all her money into TvD and could even be called modestly wealthy now compared to her peers.
"Tell me about things people don't want. Don't limit yourself."
"Well! War, famine, pestilence and death." She grinned at her joke but was surprised when he wrote it down.
"Please, continue."
"Ummm. Crime, garbage, bad weather, terrible food, tight shoes, land mines, smelly exhausts, bad language... shall I go on?"
"No, no, this is enlightening, thank you. And if you have more ideas, write them down and give them to me."
"If anything is disliked badly enough to be on her list, then someone will likely pay to be rid of it. Of course, if one man's trash is another's treasure, it would be best if we could win on both sides, right?"
He ran his finger down the list until he came to his chosen 'trash'... land mines. "Yes, this is the one." He walked down the hall to the employment branch. "Marie, can I get some military types that are good at sapping, explosives, mines, and so on? Oh and mages with any related skills or are good at sensing in general."
"How many do you need? I have my files and can put out a call."
"Give me all you can. Standard rates but they have to be willing to travel."
She smiled grimly. "For a paying job? People would fly to the moon if necessary. I'll get you a list today and a longer one later in the week." She cocked her head to one side, "What's the plan for them?"
"We're going west... to turn trash into treasure."
Marie, no fool, saw the implications immediately. "Oh! You are going to buy useless land on the Francois border and reclaim it."
"That's right, you clever girl, you. Most of the land there has no market value. Many of the owners are dead and the government even paid descendants a pittance when they couldn't meet their promise to rehabilitate it. Visha told me that it's nothing but mud and weeds for miles on either side of the border."
"That could be worth quite a bit. I think the President or the Vice might know someone in the government in charge of those lands. You should run this by her before she head for the States."
"Naturally! We're doing big things in the Unified States but that doesn't mean we are through with Germania, eh?"
* * *
Tanya listened to Hammerschmidt's proposal carefully and then nodded. "Good, do it. But think bigger."
"Bigger, ma'am?"
"Make an entire division... call it the TvD Reclamation Corp. They will specialize in fixing 'ruined' land both here AND in Francois." She smiled wryly, "If only for the shock it will give our enemies, this plan is worth it. Remember that everything we do has a tangible effect and a public perception. Your idea about hiring people and fixing the results of the war and making money on it are all laudable, but reminding the world that we are a force for good is even more valuable."
Hammerschmidt nodded. I see! She's rehabilitating the perception the world has of Germania! We are not the monsters they have portrayed us as, but just people, good neighbors doing their best.
Tanya was happy that he realized her intention. Smart fellow. If we make everyone love TvD, we'll be impossible to stop when we enter new markets or expand our influence. Our detractors will be afraid to stop us when we roll into town! "Also, don't be afraid to hire Francois mages, if any are available. Much like here, many of them were retired as being too expensive the moment the war ended. We don't need top-tier ones, either. As long as they can wield and orb and have the ability to learn, sign them up."
Jonas was so stunned, his mouth almost dropped open. Even her enemies?! Is she actually a saint? "Have no fear, President. I'll make sure this succeeds!" He left quickly, not willing to waste a moment longer.
Tanya was a bit puzzled about his fervor. Perhaps it's because his first big project. Maybe he has a bit of competitiveness with Yvette? Well, if that's what motivates him, I guess it's fine.
She turned back to her mail, reading a personal note from Dr. Dupont. While she received regular business reports, the busy physician hardly had time to put pen to paper herself.
The note was short but to the point. Congratulations on your appointment, Miss Degurechaff. If you have an evening free when you travel from Berun to Chicago, do not forgot you'll be traveling through Francois. All my best, Dr. Dupont.
"Hmmm, this will be worthwhile. That woman is smart and I still owe here a lot." Some memories of their embarrassingly intimate conversations still caused her to blush. She penned a quick acceptance and put it in the 'send' pile. The next letter was rather more florid.
Dearest Tanya,
Or should I say President von Degurechaff? How impressive you've become! My spies whom I call my friends have told me that a certain high flier will be making her way to our shores JUST in time for my birthday. I cannot fathom what an amazing coincidence this is!
All jokes aside, please don't be shy and come earlier so we have time to have fun, my friend! I have a suite set up for you and other things to entertain you.
All love,
Helen
P.S. No need to bring a gift but you MUST wear one of your fabulous outfits. This is not a request!
Tanya gritted her teeth. She didn't mind visiting Helen Schwab and, in fact, looked forward to it. But... dresses again! She finally sighed . Well, I'll entertain Visha with another shopping trip before I go!