Albrecht pondered the Unioner's offer as well as that of the SIS agent for quite some time. His mind ticked over the various possibilities of what this would mean for both his family and for Rheinland. The future, he concluded, was clouded and uncertain, he could not say one way or another what would happen, but an answer was expected and although he struggled to find the right words, he replied in a serious tone that clearly showed his internal troubles You want me as a serious candidate for the Rheinland throne? I am flattered, but my name, though clearly remembered, will not be enough. There must be serious support, from you, the Rheinland Military and even a Rheinland corporation, as much as I know you detest this idea, the people of Rheinland, like other people of other houses, cannot and will not take a leap of faith based on a name nearly dead and gone. He paused, wondering if he should reveal his family, but he believed it to be no secret, they were both ordinary citizens.
I have two Brothers, Alexander and Christian. Alexander is a baker and Christian is...or was, I can't remember, a police officer with the RFP. We are all unmarried men, the last of our bloodline. I cannot promise you what you want until I have your assurance that my brothers will be hidden and looked after if this plan of ours fails horribly and I die. But back to my original point, we need the Rheinland Military on our side and we need Kruger, or Daumann.
He smiled, realizing that he had not said the one statement they sought I believe I can agree to be what you seek, once my one term is promised, but make no mistake he said, his voice once again taking a hardened tone of dead seriousness I am no puppet and I am certainly no slave. If you expect me to be either then you have another thing coming. His voice softened, his features died down and resumed their friendly professor like appearance I hope you understand me gentlemen, I hope I have not caused you offence and I hope you found what you were looking for in me.
Hanna began to grin Mr. von Albrecht, I can promise you, our agency neither wants you to be a puppet nor a slave, we are trying to help Rheinland to regain strength. That you can be proud of your house again.I cannot promise you to hide your brothers, as far as I don't have the power to get them visas to Bretonia, She looks over to the Unioners but maybe the Arbeitsdirektor can help you with that. She takes a deep breath, she looks into von Albrechts eyes and her tone got very serious Mr von Albrecht, I wouldn't have contacted you if not all necessary steps would be prepared. Our agency talked already to the other factions. Consider support from Kruger, the Daumann Company and the Rheinwehr as well as the Rheinwehr Marinestreitkräfte and of course the Unioners, right, Mr. Frei?. She smiled again would that be enough support to work with, Mr. von Albrecht?
"Loyalty. There are more factors than ambition. They're loyal to the idea, because they see what they want in an empire. They're not loyal to you."
Armin had cut into the conversation with surgical deftness although Frei didn't seem even the least frustrated or nomplussed. A curious relationship for a pirate and a
mouthpiece. There was a sense that the Unioner rhetoric of unspoken camaraderie wasn't just a public relations stunt, but a genuine bond.
"Kruger see an empire as power, my friend. They see a return to the extraction fields of the Sigmas, a Gas Miner's guild vastly reduced in power, a monopoly over Rheinland's mineral extraction operations. Daumann want the complete destruction of the Hessians and a forceful move into the Omegas to maximise diamond extraction so they set the rate of inflation. The Military want greater control over strategic decision making and political clout. They want ever higher funding, and they will want to make a puppet of you. The BDM want extreme regulatory power, they crave to be the shadow behind a democratic parliament. Republican wants the complete control over imports they had during the Imperial Shipping years. The Unioners want a path to decriminalisation and re-integration into society for our families, and a reconstruction of the wealthfare state. You cannot be all things to all people. You cannot act on every step at once. Yet you need to keep every party convinced that you will make good on their vision, or you won't get within a planet of the throne room."
THE SYNDIC LEAGUES
(A co-operative of Rheinland's Shipping Unions, retired from a life of piracy.)
"There is also external agenda. Foreign policy." The old pirate scratched his beard, raised his head, and fell quietly cold, shoulders squared.
"Sirius is not black and white. I believe in good and evil. I believe we are the sum of our actions. Few people are virtuous. We make systems that are written by flawed people with flawed characters, so we perpetuate flaws. I am a terrorist, a piratelord, an elected representative, to some, a war hero, and a civillian administrator all at once. I have saved lives and been responsible for deaths. As everyone else in this room, Albrecht, to varying degrees. "
Corin curled his fingers around the stem of the cup.
"Every side has a different goal. The nuance does not end there. Everyone's vision of the future has different actors in it. There will be men appointing you who believe that your first course of action should be to surrender Sigma Twenty One to the Kusarians, round the fleets to the Omegas, and join the Gauls in tearing out the last few pieces of Bretonian space."
In one fell motion, he upended it, stem in the air, rim to the tabletop. A single trickle stained the light along the table. Empty.
"Contrary to that, would be those who think that you should take the entire fleet through the Zurich connection, sieze emergency powers, and attack the DeFrances from the rear whilst all their fleets are occupied in Bretonia and the Kusari boarder. The Gallic invasion would be over in a month."
With backhanded abandon, Frei swatted the glass away. It clattered off the bulkhead, stem snapped into a shower of shards.
"Either decision would be as useless for Rheinland as this glass is now at holding fluid. Nuance. People without power and born with egos believe that striking, rash decisions are strength. They are not strength".
"I will tell you something that will irritate the BIS. It may cause you to trust us less. It's the truth. The Unioners are co-operating with the Gallic Royal Intelligence services and the Bretonian Intelligence services at the same time, in compartmentalised, seperate theatres. Until now, neither knew of our relationship with the other. To a Bretonian or Gallic perspective, that would be a betrayal. That, would be black-and-white."
"The reality of the Union is that we, barring crime, stuck to our mandate. We are here to improve the social conditions of Rheinland's poor and working. For the average Gaul, Charles is an ideal king. His reign is not perfect, as anyone on Marne will tell you. But the average Gaul can expect healthcare for free, state assistance in hard times, career mobillity, a reason to live. A reason for their families to live. In another life, socioeconomic stances taken alone, Charles would be a perfect Kaiser."
He looked Albrecht in the eyes, and gave a long, tired smile.
"In foreign policy, Charles is a bloodthirsty, civillian-murdering, maniac. Our co-operation with the gauls is limited to hunting down nox importers. The Federals are selling drugs on the street without the healthcare for the rehabilitation of addicts. Gallia are the only ones prepared to fund nox interceptions. You see? It is not black and white, nor grey, but a kaleidoscope. You will have to learn how to speak in colour. You will have to use the parts of people and organisations which are of use to the nation and to yourself, and find a way to suppress, or minimise the risk, of their dark sides. Just as we support Bretonia now because we believe in the moral authority of the Bretonian state, even if Bretonian society has committed its own share of crimes."
"I do not care if you bring hostilities between Rheinland and Gallia as much as I hope that you will honour your promises to the people first. Whoever your influences, and whatever you do, you must save foreign policy beyond the present sigma war for after your reign is established. Resist every temptation to fix a position in public. Whatever side you back - or if you choose not to back any side at all and pick your own path - we will back you. But you must become a strong leader first. You must cement your support before you start looking outwards. Bretonia's interests are obvious, and we won't stop you from acting in Bretonia's favour. But war must not be your first act of government. You will be our philosopher king. You will not be the end of us all, and you will not be a coward."
Corin extended his hand. "Those are the conditions of not just our support, my liege, but the minefield you will soon have to walk. Are you prepared?"
"Though the past is scarred and the future untold"
" Be the boot heavy, the vacuum cold."
"I of the Liga, do not fold" "For suits or saints or beggar's gold. Information-Recruitment-Message Dump-Feedback
I am he said simply Although I believe Rheinland is weak, or if not then it is certainly not as strong as it could be. War between Kusari and Rheinland is...well my thoughts don't matter, its happening. War between Gallia and Rheinland however, that would cause far more misery than anything else, it is to be avoided. Should the Unioner movement support my claim, should the Rheinland Military do likewise then you will have a new mandate, one of ensuring the social welfare of the people. He waved his hand, dismissing the idea But that comes later. The situation will no doubt change and so we must cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, you must seek out my brothers sir. Alexander and Christian are younger than I but they are now at risk if we continue with this plan, I wish to keep them safe. Christian is on New Berlin and Alexander is on Stuttgart, will you find them for me?
During the Meeting Hanna's messenger pings up. She quickly reads the message and looks at Hans Fradrick and Corin. Corin, it was a pleasure to meet you. I dont want to put that hard cut in here, but the Prinz and I have to leave now, unfortunately. She looks at Hans Fredrick Prinz, the time is about to come that you can lead Rheinland. I finally got in touch with the Rheinwehr. Their leader wants to meet you, if you agree.
The old professor nodded before returning his attention to the other two men Well then gentlemen, before I leave you in such a hasty manner, was there anything else you wish to add? I'm sure we'll meet again no doubt and anything else we can discuss then.
"Just one, Sir. The Unioners would prefer not having to kidnap relatives of the would-be kaiser. There's the future to think about. "
Armin raised his hand, pressing the professor's to his, shaking on it.
"We can retrieve your relatives peaceably and discreetly. There are apartments on Baden Baden that are owned by us for situations like these, and would be most appropriate as it would keep them out of Berlin and Hamburg where your support base would be the most heavily scrutinized. They'll be comfortable."
"The Unioners will start publicising our charitable work, cutting down on attacks on federal forces. Ease tensions with the Rheinwehr before zero hour."
"Good luck. To all of us."
THE SYNDIC LEAGUES
(A co-operative of Rheinland's Shipping Unions, retired from a life of piracy.)
Hanna looked happy at the Unioners as she saw they are really keen on doing the coup. She looked at von Albrecht Prince, that would work with your siblings on Baden-Baden? Probably. Now, we'll have to leave now, I recieved a message from the Rheinwehr, they have prepared everything. She went to the Unioners and shook Corin's hand It was a pleasure to meet you, Arbeitsdirektor, I hope we can meet soon agan, then in a better age for the Rheinland.
She smiled a bit and showed the prince the way. Prince, the Rheinwehr has arranged a transport arranged for us to the meeting place. Sir, we will meet on a Rheinwehr Battleship, the Rheinwehr Kriegsschiff Karlsruhe. Sche looked tired and took her sunglasses out of her pocket to cover her eyes again. But first, Prince, let me buy myslef an energy drink, otherwise I won't survive the trip to Stuttgart. After she bought her drink, she came back to von Albrecht and introduced him to the latest news. Prince, a man from the Rheinwehr will meet us somewhere in Stuttgart before we land on the Planet, there he will take us with him in the Military shuttle to the battleship. Then they entered the Liner that would take them to Stuttgart.
During the trip to Stuttgart Hanna slept a few hours, she was woken up by von Albrecht as he recognized a men on the flight that looked the whole time at them. Hanna saw the man and suddenly recognized him. It was Wolfgang von Thielau, one of her new friends from Rheinland. She was about to happily greet him, but he showed her to be quiet until they leave the Liner.
Wolfgang led them to the von Thielau Residenz as soon as they arrived on Stuttgart. Nice too see you Gefreiter! Hanna smiled now more that she knew whom Admiral Bäke sent. Wolfgang shook his head slowly and smiled. Hanna, dear you can adress me now as Flottenkapitän, we have had a change in our structure the last week. I have the pleasure to tell you, that the new Admiral entrusted me the lead of the RWK Bad Nauheim. Hannas eyes widened and she spoke with an unsure tone Wait...New Admiral, Wolfgang?Indeed, he said.Ronald Hetzer, a good and fair Admiral, don't worry, Vizeadmiral Bäke is still in service. I have asked both to come to your meeting, Hanna. She looked at the Prince and then at Wolfgang. Well... Let's do this then, but only if you can ensure me, Wolfgang that I don't have to fear the Admiral accusing the Prince for treason. Wolfgang looked at the prince and saluted. Sir, a pleasure to meet you. Well, I can tell you, the Admiral is interested in this meeting, you don't have to fear treason for now.
He pointed at the Ragnar. Hanna, Euer Hoheit, please enter the Transport to the Karlsruhe, we will have a short flight.
After they arrived on the Karlsruhe, Wolfgang leaded the two guests through the Hochsicherheitsbereich and finally to the office of the Admirals. He entered the room and saluted to the majestetic officers. Sir, Frau Hanna Wyghtham, a friend from the Royal Intelligence of Bretonia, and seine Hoheit, Prinz Hanz Fredrick von Albrecht arrived without any problems, as you asked for, Sir. Wolfgang salutes again and quickly leaves the room. Hanna heared him yelling Soldaten, Wachoffizier I order you to keep the Büro secured at any costs! No one who is not invited is to be advised to leave the area immediately!
Hanna turned to Ronald Hetzer and Franz Bäke Nice to meet you, Admirals, I'm Hanna Wyghtham, as Wolfgang already spoilered She chuckles Now, I've brought you the Prince, as psomised, I will just stay here for the prince's security. She smiled and sat quietly down.
Hanna looked at her smart wach Prince, Admirals, unfortunately I will have to leave for some time, I will have to go and take at least the leader of the Republican Shipping to this meeting, I did indeed write a message to the other companie's leaders too, I don't know if we will bring them too. She nods and leaves the room.
As she went out, she saw her friend, the Flottenkapitän still standing out there. She went to him and started with a soft voice Wolfgang? Would you do me a favour? She asked politely. Wolfgang looked at her and sighs Uhh sure Hanna, what is it this time? Hanna grinned as she went on; Good, we will have to take your transport, we are fetching up some of the most important persons in Rheinland, the leader of Republicen fur sure and maybe the leaders of Daumann and Krüger too.Uff, sure, you know where they are, Hanna? And what do you want with them?I will tell you later in detail, Wolf, just bring me there, we will bring them to the meeting with the prince. She looked at him while walking.Hey, the prince also invited you! Wolfgang suddenly stopped and his eyes widened. The prince invited me too? Well, das ist eine grosse Ehre, how have I deserved this honour? Hanna went on to the shuttle Well, you are one of the von Thielau family, don't forget the power of your family, and don't forget your good attitude to the prince. Wolfgang realized what the prince was about to offer the family with that meting as they entered the shuttle.I see what you mean, Hanna, well, I will gladly join the meeting and meet all of these honoured men.But first we need to get them, at least Mr. Mayer is awaiting us at Duisburg, Wolfgang, let's go!Yea, Hanna, sure! he said and left the hangar of the Karlsruhe with the direction Neu Berlin.
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