Cottbus, Belkan Reich. After a long, arduous journey that seed to stretch on and on, Thomas the Train has finally reached a safe berthing. At last, the train and its occupants can sigh with relief now that they don't have to look out the windows every three seconds. Rather than welcoming them with fanfare and news outlets all around, the Cottbus train station is cordoned off by the military. Instead of burdening the occupants with an overly noisy atmosphere, I have opted to make sure the area is quiet and peaceful. Knowing how taut their spirits must be, I do not want to spook them. To further aid in the disembarknt process, I bring along the representatives of the Slavic community in Belka alongside the family mbers of the Belkan soldiers aboard the train. After everything that has happened, I think they will appreciate a few friendly faces and words.
Standing on the second floor of the station building, I overlook the hustle and bustle below with a pondering look. There are many thoughts on my mind, yet I find myself pausing them when I see the doors of the train carts opening one by one. I watch as faces marred with tragedy and losses erge one after another, their eyes gazing at the clear blue sky of Belka in disbelief. It seems that it's only now that reality has finally settled in for them. They're safe, they're in good hands now.
Without any prompting, the dics rush to secure the injured occupants. It's only when they have given the go-ahead that the Reichsguard allows the civilians to approach the clearing near the train. If they're not moving to comfort the injured Slavs and sympathetic Polanians, then they're moving to search for their loved ones in the train crew. I, for one, can already see a certain fox girl fuzzing over the Lieutenant in charge of the train. It's a small world, really. Who would have thought that the soldier I endorsed so ti ago would go on to be a hero of the day? Even I was taken off guard when I learned that it was his train that got caught in this ss.
Gradually, the Slavs and Polanians are sequestered away on transports and ambulances, with the Slavic community representatives following right behind them in a car. As the casualties are processed and promptly sent to a military hospital, I see that Lieutenant Kemper is introducing his fiancee to the Rusviet VIPs who fought alongside him. I smile to myself when I see such a sight. It's ironic that future segnts of Plan V2 involve a fight between Belka and Rusviet. Yet, for a period of ti, our soldiers fought together side by side for a common good. Right now, we will even shake hands and smile like good friends. Truly, Ti sure brings along many unforeseen surprises. I'd know for Ti was my providence, after all. While this is not the biggest surprise Ti has given , and it's also not the first ti I would have to modify Plan V2, it's the first ti where Plan V2 will be expedited by external interferences. Already, I can see a few ways I can milk this opportunity for what it's worth. Nevertheless, it's sothing for the future to handle, or at least the other clones of . While the Pri Yuki is being put on a forced paid leave, I, her clone, have to handle the reception in Cottbus. This ans that I will also have to co and greet the VIPs soon.
"Oh, joy..." I mumble under my breath before moving to et the Rusviet General. Following behind are the Reichsguards mama assigned to all of my clones. Coincidentally, only Pri Yuki will be guarded by Erika and her unit, which is one way to identify who is the Yuki in charge, maybe? Not sure whether that is relevant anywhere though.
When I step outside of the station building, I keep an appraising glance at the heroes of the damned. A train like Thomas has a shower area in one of the anities carts, yet for them all to look like crap goes to say a lot about what they experienced. The Belkan crew has their Captain sporting a bandaged head, their Lieutenant being supported by his fiancee, and the Sergeant being appraised by a dic for his reopened wound. The Rusviet General is also not unscathed for he too is having his arm rebandaging. Hearing the report is one thing, seeing the wringer these people have gone through in person is another matter entirely. I respect the sacrifice they all made, Belkan or not. Not many can put their best foot down and stand against an overwhelming injustice.
Seeing approach, the Belkan soldiers around start saluting. I put a stop to such an act when so of them are still hurt, albeit not life-threatening. "At ease, gentlen. For what you have done, I should be the one saluting you all instead."
True to my word, I snap a crisp salute for my brave soldiers, prompting the Reichsguards around to mimic my action. Respect is earned, and it will be paid in full for these n and won, regardless of their nationalities. For a mont, the whole clearing is silenced as we showcase our consideration. It's not until I put down my hand that the world around us seems to resu. I give a small nod of acknowledgnt to the Rusviet General, who gives his nod of silent understanding in return. I have to address my soldiers first and foremost.
"Crew of Thomas!" I shout as I look around into their eyes. "You all travel far, helping to save lives with the lifeblood you carry in each trip. Yet, in a trip fraught with unexpected perils, you all stood up and banded together, brothers and sisters in arms, regardless of nation! Facing the grave insults to life as we know it, you all protected and rescued what matters most: The weak, the oppressed, and the unfortunate ones! Each of them, small and weak as they may be, can one day beco the brightest beacon the world has ever seen! You all, brave soldiers, paid the ultimate price to ensure a brighter future for them, and for us! So weep, yet smile! Mourn, yet rejoice! Despite your losses, the civilians are saved at last, your sacrifices aren't for naught! Do not let pain bog you down, instead, make it into the fuel you will carry onward into the future. Keep your heads high for you all are now walking amongst the best that Belka has to offer, heroes! All of you will be heroes in the hearts of many!"
Though my speech may seem simple compared to many out there, it's said with sincerity, sothing that touches the hearts of the soldiers around . In this tumultuous ti, what these soldiers need the most is not physical reward, but rather the acknowledgnt that it is not in vain. This is sothing I will gladly give to them after such a battle well-fought. I continue speaking.
"One way or another, you all have lost sothing or soone back there. I lant my inability to prevent such things from happening in the first place." I say wholeheartedly. "Yet, I will be damn by the Mother Goddess herself if I won't seek vindication for you all. I hereby solemnly swear that due retribution will be t on the people who have inflicted such pain on my soldiers. As of now though, you all must recuperate and regain your spirit. Around you are your family mbers, those that I brought along to welco you back. For the next month, you will be assigned paid leaves in the best comfort the Reich can provide. Cool down and recover your bearing with your families, my soldiers, you all have earned such anities."
In response, the crew of Thomas either saluted or thanked alongside their families. Depending on their choices, we will either house them in a luxurious hotel or send them back ho. They will be off-duty until they've recovered from their injuries or are needed for an interview from ONI. We need all the perspective we can get to make the case against Polania more solid than it already is. This is to give them the best casus belli possible to hold over the world's head. I give the soldiers one last nod before having one of the Reichsguards move to hash out the finer details with Captain Surbella of Thomas the Train. I am now free to have a cordial chat with whoever I need to talk to next.
Moving closer to a half circle ford by General Rokossovsky and Lieutenant Kemper, I manage to catch the tail end of the Lieutenant's introduction of his fiancee to the Rusviet General. The Lieutenant promptly salutes while his fiancee, Ms. Klein, nods at demurely with a big smile. General Rokossovsky also gives a salute, cueing to return their respect in kind.
"General, I wish we could have t under better circumstances." I nod at the old veteran before looking at the Lieutenant and his plus-one. "Lieutenant Kemper, you did well out there with the cards you were dealt with. Ms. Klein, I would like to apologize for putting your fiancee in such a scare."
The trio shares a glance with relieved smiles before the Lieutenant speaks first. "Marshal, I speak what General Rokossovsky and I experienced are just the happenstances in the life of a soldier."
"Right, I could be said to be the one to land the Lieutenant in the ss myself, so if anyone should apologize, it's ." General Rokossovsky says with a good-natured laugh despite his injury.
"I don't think apologies are needed here," Ms. Klein interjects with a smile. "Everything ends as best as it could be. Nevertheless, I have prepared myself for the eventualities when my fiancee signed up for the military."
Both General Rokossovsky and I look at the Lieutenant who is scratching his cheek while looking at his fiancee. "You have a strong lady in the house, Lieutenant Kemper." We complint the man to ease the mood.
We then trade a few pleasantries before I address the Rusviet VIP. "General Rokossovsky, now that you're in Belka, we will make sure to provide you with the best accommodation." I also look at Lieutenant Kemper's duo. "I will also extend my offer to the both of you. If any of you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."
The Lieutenant nods. "About that, Marshal, the General has shown interest in staying at our family ranch with his retinue. Is it possible for us to show him our hospitality?"
"That can be arranged. However, please understand that we will have to update the security around the ranch." I give them an affirmative answer, with them nodding understandingly. "For the duration of General Rokossovsky's business trip, his lodging will be at your ranch. Until we can transit you all to Berlin though, the Reich has secured a nice hotel for you all to rest. Do enjoy the state's hospitality for our heroes first, yeah?"
General Rokossovsky smiles. "That will be lovely, Marshal. Already I can't wait to try so of the cigars your nation has to offer."
I grin at the Rusviet. "You won't be disappointed, General."
The Rusviet nods before curiously asking. "I may be overstepping my bounds for this, Marshal, but when you said retribution for your n, what will it entail?"
I just look at the man, stating matter-of-factly. "War, General Rokossovsky. If you think that the current Polania deserves anything else other than that, then you're sorely mistaken."
"The Reich will not sit silent when the children of the world are hard by such beasts." I say with finality, sealing the fate of Belka's Eastern neighbor.
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