Bill Wagner's New Chapter: Rheinland

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Bill Wagner had seen enough. He stormed out of the meeting room, his walk and demeanor that of an angry bull.

“Mr. Wagner, it is important that you not do this!”, an executive yells from the meeting room, his head poking out of the doorway.

“You… and most of the rest of you in there are the reason for this! You never log flying hours, I even wonder if your license is still valid, and you come to the meetings mostly for the free Sunbucks and coffee! No, I am through hauling your share, and your share…I am done! I submit my resignation!” Mr. Wagner screams, his face red, his arm veiny as he points with his long finger to each of the guilty executives.

He storms down the corridor again, his flight boots smashing against the floor like a horse’s hooves. He nears the hangar bay doors of Trenton Outpost to board his private shuttle when, as he rounds the corner, a familiar face nearly smashes into his.

“Heardy! Sorry thar, bosso! Erm, I mean Mr. Wagner, sir. Hey er… you aint look’n too gud,” Hank Rover quips, his hand scratching the back of his head.

“I am through with this place, Mr. Rover. Adjustments are needed to keep up with the changes in Sirius. I realized today that there is no getting through to them,” Mr. Wagner replies, his voice mellowing some. He walks by Hank.

“Well, er. I’ll miss yer,” Hank replies sadly.

Bill freezes in his place. He looks back at Hank. Despite his annoyances, mistakes needing correct, paperwork filed on behalf… Bill’s heart sank. He stares at Hank, the anger in his face retreating to that of sadness.

Then suddenly, he smiles. “Hey bud. How about you come with me,” Bill grins.

“Uh, okay boss! Heardy, you’re dang near mah only friend in this place, heardy!” Hank cheerfully replies.

As Bill and Hank turn to walk to the hangar bay, the clomps of dress shoes is heard behind them. They sound heavy as if the person is moving in a brisk speed. Bill, distracted by this, turns and sees Amy Raybern walking swiftly toward them.

Bill, eager to leave the station for the last time, waits impatiently for Amy to arrive.

“If it was anybody else, I would tell you to not bother. What is it, Miss. Raybern?” Bill asks, his tone that of impatience but of interest.

“Bill… Bill!” Amy exclaims, her breath heavy from walking so briskly over the distance of the station.

“Bill… look, you’re right. About everything! The recruitment process, the lack of depth in our executive team, let alone the laziness of those who call themselves leaders. I’m… I’m done too!” Amy scoffs. She looks down the corridor and then back at Bill.

Bill shrugs. “Want to come with us?” Bill asks.

“Well, sure. I don’t work here anymore. Where are you two headed to?” Amy inquires.

“Don’t know. Figure to Fort Bush first for some Sunbucks. Figure it out as we go,” Bill nods.

“Could use a coffee. Okay, lets go,” Amy smiles.

The group boards the private shuttle of Bill Wagner. The door hatches shut and the pilot punches in coordinates for flight.

“So, Mr. Wagner. No more an executive of USI? Sad day for them,” he mutters.

“Very sad. I miss it already. But, changes needed to be made that they did not want to make. Now it’s… hey, Hank! Do NOT touch anything!” Bill yells as he points sternly to Hank as if he’s a child.

Hank, who is always curious and getting into things, has logged on to the Bill’s terminal. He had pulled open a browser. On the screen reads a message, “Hiring for Republican Shipping, all executive positions”.

“Oh! Er, sorry thar boss. But ehm… I thank… dere…” Hank mumbles as he points to the screen.

Bill and Amy stand up from the comfortable sofa seat and walk over to the terminal.

“Scroll down… what is this?” Amy asks, she leans in over Hank’s shoulder.

“Due to deficiencies in productivity, the chairman and all executive positions have been vacated. They brought in a Walter von Bismarck… positions needed, offices of logistics, affairs, and recruitment…” Bill mumbles to himself.

The pilot, listening to the recent events, looks back at the group.

“Still to Sunbucks?” he asks.

“Nope! It looks like we are going straight to Rheinland!” Bill says with a grin.

“Bosso…” Hank says as he looks over his shoulder at Bill. Mr. Wagner glances at his loyal friend.

“I er… I aint know’n how long we done gon’ be outta Liberty. Can we er get some donerts ‘den go o’er yonder?” Hank asks, his temperament that of a child asking for pizza rather than a grown man wanting donuts and coffee.

Bill is about to say no when he glances at Amy. Her face expresses that of agreement with Mr. Rover.

Bill sighs. “Alright. Sunbucks first! And then to Rheinland,” Bill trumpets.

After their stop at Fort Bush for their delectable treats, the group is finally off to Rheinland. The trip will take a day since they decide to fly cloaked and without the use of the trade lanes. This gives Bill and Amy a chance to submit their resume’s and correspond with the hiring agent for Rheinland Shipping. They not only must coordinate their interviews, but they must also declare themselves to the Rheinland Military and the appropriate border agencies. Though hostilities have ceased and there have been rare cases of the two houses working together to combat smuggling, tensions are still high.

As the shuttle reaches the jump gate to the Hamburg System from the Hudson system, the ship uncloaks. A nearby Rheinland fighter immediately turns and heads toward the shuttle.

“Liberty vessel, this is Rheinland patrol Gamma-Two. Please submit your ID code and designation”, the pilot orders, his Libertonian words are in a deep, Rheinland accent.

“Patrol Gamma-Two, this is Univer… eh, Liberty Civilian Shuttle Echo-One. Transmitting…”, Bill’s pilot replies as he punches some codes into the on board computer.

“Received… oh, you have been expected. You are clear to proceed through gate. Wait for escort after,” the fighter pilot replies.

The passengers and crew aboard the shuttle buckle in to the seats they are sitting in. The arms of the jump gate grind open and the energy generator spins to activate the artificial jump hole. The shuttle activates it’s auto pilot and automatically flies to position. The ship suddenly lurches forward and into the violent, turbulent hole. The ship rattles and shakes, seemingly falling apart at the seams. But everybody remains calm. They have all been through a jump gate hundreds, if not thousands of times.

At the other end of the jump gate, the shuttle waits a few minutes until their escort arrives. Bill listens to the pilot speaking to the fighter escort as they communicate the logistics of their convoy. In no time, the shuttle is warping through the trade lane of the Hamburg system.

Their travel takes a couple of hours since they are using the trade lanes. They are unhindered by pirates or any wrong-doers. In fact, Bill is quite surprised by how much of a military presence Rheinland has in space. Through his research of recent events of Rheinland, it’s understood that the Rheinland Military and Rheinland Government’s new leadership are a hard working and committed group. It’s no wonder that their systems have tight security!

Eventually the shuttle arrives on Planet New Berlin. The group is whisked into customs to conduct a background check and security checks. They already received most of the documents, but a physical is required to ensure they aren’t imposters or even possibly tainted by the mysterious Nomads.

The checks are concluded and the group waits for their liaison to arrive. They sit in a lounge and are frequently offered refreshments. Bill is in partial shock. These Rheinlanders are not behaving like the Libertonian media would impose them to be.

The door swings open with a ‘whoosh’ and beautiful, young, blonde Rheinland woman steps in.

“Good evening! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Miss. Rachel Snyder! I serve the Office of Affairs in Rheinland Shipping and here to escort you to your hotel! But first I must ask if you have received refreshments, been properly cared for…” Miss. Snyder inquires.

Bill stands and reaches his hand out to Rachel. The two shake hands.

“Miss Snyder, our entire travel has been under the supervision of professionalism. I must confess that I was worried about entering Rheinland space as a guest to your people as a Libertonian. The hospitality and care is rivaled only by Orbital Spa and Cruise. But, we are travel weary. We are eager for soft beds that are stationary and free of solar wind turbulence,” Bill replies, his smile drawing more of a smile from Rachel.

“Oh, I completely understand. Come, I will escort you to the shuttle. You need to be refreshed and ready for your big day tomorrow!” she chimes. She glances at Hank Rover before turning around to exit the room.

The group follows her to the shuttle. Within minutes they arrive to the fine hotel in downtown Berlin City, the capital of Planet New Berlin. Snow continually falls through the city. The city lights from above are astonishing for Bill. He almost requests the pilot to make a tour around the city, but his eyes are heavy with travel exhaustion.

The shuttle lands and the door unlatches. Since they are Libertonian guests in Rheinland, they are still escorted by a couple local Rheinland police. As with the customs agents and Rheinland Military, they are courteous to their guests. They are not rigid robots like Bill suspected before arriving. He even engages in conversation with one of the officers. He smiles and nods as the two conversate.

The group finally reaches their hotel rooms. Before Bill enters his room, he explains to Hank to not abuse any of the appliances in his room or it will come out of Bill’s personal account and not the corporate account. But even Hank looks worn out from travel. Fortunately, his next room neighbor is fast asleep much like Amy and Bill are.

Bill is up to an alarm early the next morning. He showers and shaves, slaps on some deodorants and colognes, dresses in his fine business suit, and is out the door. He is escorted to the shuttle where Rachel greets him. They quickly board the shuttle before it launches toward the headquarters.

“Coffee, Mr. Wagner?” Rachel asks as she turns on the coffee machine.

“I like you already, Miss. Snyder!” Bill laughs. Rachel smiles with her eyes closed.

“So Miss. Snyder, how long have you worked for Mr. von Bismarck?” Bill asks.

“Oh no, Mr. Wagner. I’m actually employed directly by the Office of Affairs. I serve the office and not the officer, but I serve the office by serving the officer. That’s the way I like to think of it, anyway!” Rachel chuckles.

“That actually makes sense, Miss. Snyder. I think that was problem with Universal… well, besides officers serving themselves. I like to think that I served the offices of logistics, affairs, and so forth, even though I was the vice president. Well, at least I did my best to anyway. The cause must always be greater than one person,” Bill says. Rachel has poured a cup for Bill and hands it to him.

“I think we will be getting along just fine, Mr. Wagner,” Rachel grins.

The two continue to chat until they reach the headquarters in Berlin City. The ship bobbles down to the landing pad as it lands. After a thud, the door unlatches and opens. Rachel leaves the shuttle followed by Bill as he adjusts his tie. They exit the pad and enter the headquarters. The building is fitting of a headquarters of the largest trading faction in Rheinland. The architecture is cruder than that of Liberty. The planet is a snow planet, after all. The building feels thicker and more rugged. But it’s a proud building, despite noticing a few employees walking by with their heads hanging low. Rachel leads Bill toward the office of Walter von Bismarck. She opens the heavy, wooden door. It’s a large room with Rheinland green carpet. The new ‘Rheinland Shipping’ logo is etched in the carpet. Bill glances down at the logo and is careful to walk around the logo. Walter watches Bill walking into the room. He grins as he understands pride and disrespect. The first test has passed. Bill approaches the desk. Walter stands, his hand reaching outward to Bill.

“You must be Mr. Bill Wagner. I am Chairman Walter von Bismarck. Pleasure, truly,” Mr. von Bismarck says. Bill takes his hand and the two share a firm handshake.

“Mr. von Bismarck, the pleasure is mine. I have read about the changeover in leadership of this company and I am eager to get started with this process,” Bill says with eagerness, but pride.

“Of course. But first, lets take a tour of the facility. Let us conversate,” Walter grins, his accent thick. Bill knows he must learn the Rheinland language and fast.

The two walk around the building while Walter discusses current events of Rheinland and Rheinland Shipping. The building is finishing renovations to trade in the black and white imperial colors for the unified Rheinland green colors. Evidence of Rheinland’s very recent tumultuous civil war is seemingly being erased by the building. Bill does not challenge this at all. It’s a good thing for a people to be united and not in conflict.

“And here… a model of the Rheinland super train. Magnificent, yes?” Walter asks, his smile that of pride.

“A magnificent vessel, absolutely. I am eager to get my hands on the control sticks of this one. The Mastadon does equal in appearance, I cannot lie. But they never could figure out the trade lane glitches. Utility always trumps appearance,,” Bill replies as he fondles the model of the Rheinland super train.

“You… still flew, even as vice president of Universal Shipping Incorporated?” Walter asks, intrigued.

“Ah, yes. I can never ask of anybody something that I myself am unwilling to do. I am capable of doing some office work in flight as well. I still have a love of flight,” Bill replies. Walter nods his head with approval.

The two continue their tour of the building. They walk by the cafeteria of the headquarters. Many managers and department heads are talking to themselves while they enjoy coffee or eat breakfast before their shifts.

“Have you enjoyed Rheinland coffee? Perhaps not as good as the Libertonian Sunbucks,” Walter says plainly.

“If it is anything like the stuff I had on the shuttle over here, then I would very much enjoy a cup!” Bill laughs. Walter grins.

The two take a seat while Rachel fetches some cups of coffee from the café. The two chat, but Bill cannot help but be distracted.

“We should just give up on the asset. Too much work, ja?” he hears.

“Yes. Why even try that anymore. Long term, yes. But I’m giving up in the Liberty sector…” another replies.

“I’m sorry to interrupt you, Mr von Bismarck…” Bill says. He looks to the right at the two men holding a conversation.

“Excuse me, you two. What is it that you two are discussing?” Bill asks.

“Ah, Helium from Liberty. Too hard to deal with Libertonians to acquire shipping deals. More expensive in the Omegas, but easier. Leave it to our pilots to get it heh,” one of the men says. The other nods.

“So you are willing to put your pilots at risk because it is too hard to get a deal done. How can the two of you look at yourselves in the mirror when you are possibly condemning one of your own to death because you didn’t want to put in the work,” Bill preaches. Before he knows it, he is standing next to the table.

“You owe it to yourselves and your team, all the way down, to provide them the very best opportunity to succeed…” Bill continues. His firm speech inciting attention from others as they turn.

“…Do your jobs and they will do theirs. I have a phrase, mission first and people always. You owe it to them and their families to do whatever you can to take care of your most valuable asset, your people, while making sure the mission is done. I want to keep tabs of this deal and I will be checking in,” Bill concludes.

Bill turns and looks at Walter. He is stone faced and serious. “Come, Mr. Wagner. Let us return to my office,” he replies. Bill wonders if he just blew it.

They walk down the hallway toward the elevators. Walter looks at Bill.

“What is that then… mission first and people always. Is that Libertonian customs?” Walter asks, his tone that of intrigue.

“Yes. And I am sorry if I embarrassed you in front of your department heads, but there is no excuse for laziness and a lack of effort. Things sometimes don’t work, and I can understand that, but never from a lack of effort,” Bill replies, a sense of anger in his tone.

“But I respect you saying that. Come, let us discuss. Take seat,” Walter says. By now the two are back in the office. Walter motions to the seat opposite of his desk. Bill sits accordingly.

“That is what this company is lacking. The people here have been pushed beyond limits. They are exhausted. They have lost sight of values and morals. That is what I am here to do. I believe that I must fix their minds before I can fix this company,” Walter explains.

“I cannot agree any more with you on that. I noticed it when I first stepped in here. I must learn what they are going through, given. But there is no excuse from losing one’s center, losing the core of what you are. If they take care of their people, their people will take care of them,” Bill replies.

Walter stares into Bill’s eyes for a few long seconds. He looks down and opens a drawer. He flips through portfolios before pulling one out.

“The Office of Affairs is a position for just that…” Walter begins…


Rachel finally receives a ping on her communication device. She smiles and jumps up from her table in the lounge. She hurries down the hallway as Bill and Walter are exiting the office. They are smiling as they shake hands. As Bill turns to walk down the hall, Walter gives him a firm pat on the back. Rachel and Bill walk down the hallway. She looks at him with a smile.

“Sooooo? How did it go?” she asks with curiosity.

“I start tomorrow, officially. But first, I must go talk to somebody about helium and then go directly to the customs office to change my citizenship…” Bill chuckles.


It’s the afternoon and Amy is sitting in her hotel room with her hands under her chin as she hears yet another one of Hank Rover’s tales. One has to wonder if they are true or not.

“Heardy… and den dat tahm when I done hooked mah elbow into the exhaust of mah Rhino, heardy!” he begins to say.

A knock is heard on the door. She stands and opens the door. Rachel is standing on the other side with a smile. “Your turn now! Are you ready?” she smiles.