Viktoria stood up, and started walking up and down like a caged animal while Jürgen expressed his own concerns.
"Direktor with all due respect, we must obey the line of command. Direktor Enfield is our superior, he must be informed of all these developments. We risk civil war otherwise!" she looked at the rest of those gathered seeking a nod of approval, someone to agree with her that a civil war would be even more disastrous than the current situation in the House. "Geoff Enfield is your protégé. If there is someone he is going to listen, it is you Herr Volker. We must give it a chance at least."
She sighed. Despite Volker's assurances of Bretonia's motives, she was 100% certain there was an ulterior motive to risk so much - since - if the plan failed and their role revealed, Bretonia would face severe consequences from Rheinland and likely perish -- even now their survival is hanging from the balance.
"I don't buy into these vague claims about safer Omegas. If they are leading us into a civil war, it is because they want Rheinland to become even weaker. Perhaps that is their goal as that will draw the attention of the ever-hungry Hessians and Coalition into our vulnerable core systems, leaving Omega-3 safe. If that's indeed the case then our goal should be to thwart Bretonia's designs by avoiding a civil war." she insisted before turning towards Lichthammer. "What do you think Kaptain?"
During a loveley talk with Karl ,Hanna was being disturbed by Volker's speach ,she has also monitored the amount of alchohol present during the conversation.She keeps her head cool as she still tries to pretend that Karl's sedduction attempt is very interesting ,even if he isn't realizing that in the same moment he wears his wifes weding ring that Hanna did not miss.Regardless,she found Karl and interesging person due to his war stories and interesting sence of humor caused by probably a bit alchohol.She did not miss any word Volker said even so she really wanted to pretend she is not hearing anything.In the same time Lichthammer is very focused on the way Landers is responding to this topic as future Inspektor,Hanna is very interested in seeing how Landers react to it.But since Landers have asked Hanna a question ,ignorence to the topic was no longer posible.
She starts looking around ,trying to read other pepole's toughts trough their expresions ,and she started to realize that this is not a place where she should pretend smart ,considering the security outside the Rezidenc and her two most trusted companions that may end up hurt if Hanna dares to threat or remind "traitors" of concequecess in case of civil war.Therefor Hanna realized that Lander's questions is most probably her que to leave,since Hanna saw that Volker is watching her with extreme doubt.As she stood up calmly she instatly looked at Volker.Then turned to Landers.
"I honestly tought that this is not an official meeting,I really enjoy my time here and if you want to talk buissniss let me answer to the question about Bretonia.
Yes we do share same problems in Omegas,and I myself was suggested by Steiner from the Bretonian Armed Force that we open up Omega's to each other due to amount of Corsair and Hessian attacks.As it is still aquestion beyond my rank I was unable to grant them that.But I just know it is not realized ,also I do not think that is enough for them to plot a civil war" -She turns to Volker - "I am more worried about former Direcktor ,and his speach of corruption.So Herr Koch if you know me you know that from my early age i was trained for warfare and i spent entire life as a soldier.Topic of this sort are not mine to discuss.As I see you do not want to cut it out,and insisting on making this meeting official.Instead of relaxing enjoyable converastion with Herr Karl who's home you use to speak of terms such as civil war ,I am forced to listen to your fears.I can assure you there is no corrutioon in Marinekomando.I will personaly deal with any form of such since an armed force of Buro is as neccessery as the other departmants,or even more now during a war time.If you have evidence of Marinekomando's corruption i would like to get them so I could deal with them instantly.I am not as flexible as Einfeld ,therefor if someone in Marinekomando is risking to put our names to the dirt i will...-She stops for a second realizing what she is about to say is not according to Einfelds politics,but in the same time she makes the killer look- "I will deal with them according to law"
"As for term Imperialism ,i want to warn you that I have been served those words in Bering and Sigmas by LSF and GMG.That term was excuse as they tried to kill me as well as my agents.If you want to change goverment in that way you should consider not only the cittizens of Rheinland but our neighbours as well.But I do not think this is either place or time for such topic ,therefor -She turns to Karl- I will leave as I do not see Rheinland Military officers here ,they are probably working while I sit here.I will not allow Military to feel absence of Marinekomando in time of war.You already have agent Landers who appears very capable of handling things as well as Kommisaroberat who is a high commander of Buro." -She turns to Kommisaroberat - "With applogy Herr Stieglitz I hope i have not spoken above my rank ,I will be heading to the field as with your presence here I do not need to worry about anything. -Finally Hanna turns to Karl - "Herr Karl it has been a great honor and pleasure meeting with you,I trust you will explain Herr Volker some things since I already see that Direkcotr's office may have left him blind on one eye.At least you are expereinced Militry man." -She turns to Volker again but also looks in Kommisaroberat- "There is only one corruption i will dare to speak and will consider me no matter what form of goverment there is.Nomads.You have all the time with Kommisaroberat to discuss why i have mentioned them.Unless you really believe that they are gone.Part of my special training within Buro was anti-alien warfare ,therefor if you have anything related to that I will be most willing to prioritize it above all.But who runs the goverment topic?Of the five members of Bundestag including Einfeld you can speak to them.I am just a soldier who will keep doing her duty.Now with all respect to everyone I must leave.War cannot wait" -She salutes everyone and specially Karl as she smiles to him saying - "I hope we meet again Herr Karl ,Volker totally ruined the fun ,with you I almost forgot about my duties".
As she leaves and takes her gun from a silver plate .She put it under her sleeve,as the finger remains on the trigger. As she walks out the doesn't even bother to say anything to the man welcoming her ,but is focused with her surroundings.As she starts walking fast towards a ship she is sighted by her two marines who recive a body language comand.Routine already known Wraiths engine's have been started by Lara as well as her and Herman guns loaded but lowered.Routine also includes activation of somke bombs set near the Wraith to provide unclear vision since Hanna is assuming sniper ambush.
Lara speaks to Herman - This doesn't look good ,is smoke cover ready? - She asks Herman - "Of course we seem outnumbered but we ll handle it . As Hanna is speeding up towards her ship not causing any panic in security .One of guards appearted to have spoken her name tho ,she has already reach Herman Lara and her ship. She turns back to the guard following her and smiles - Thank you for your hospitality ,we are leaving ,food and drink was nice ,as well as Herr Karl .Take care of him for me will you " - she winked at him.
Lichthammer's last grumbles seemed to stay not heared by the others, she was able to leave the estate without being noticed. Agent Canaris was waiting for her at her shuttle. Just a short time after Lichthammer left the estate, Horst Stieglitz stood up and walked towards the Agents and the former Direktor. " Lady and Gentlemen, I have to tell you I don't agree with this imperial shit you talk about. The Republik works as efficiently as possible. Yea, maybe some agents and police man turn a blind eye on events after being paid well... But hey that's how your holidays are financed... Do you really want to give up on this? I don't believe that. Herr Koch, I really honor your Military field service and all that, but you must have gone crazy while this Reha. Nein, I can't accept these Ideas. I must tell Herr Enfield what happened hier! He will not tolerate this imperial mindset. You'll have to get re educated Volker, the Republik benefits us. "
Volker looked disappointed at Horst Stieglitz. He thought this man would follow his Sister's line as honorable Kommissaroberrat. But all he can see is that Horst is too young to see the problems of corruption and he's disappointed with Horst's disrespectful behavior. Volker feels the pressure being put on him. Horst's threat to tell the republic - supporting Direktor everything is too much for Koch. "How... Unfortunate." He reaches for his Luger and aims at Horst with the words " It's treason then. Herr Kommissaroberrat Horst Stieglitz, you have chosen to support a corrupt government and delivered me enough proof for corruption even in the Büro. I cannot let you go anywhere, reporting to Enfield would destroy every connection that was established in favor for the citizens, as well as the successful negotiations between these parties so far. You are hereby put under arrest, Herr Stieglitz!" Volker yelled at two of the security personnel: "Quick, use these handcuffs!"
A moment later Stieglitz was pressed to to ground and barely could move. "What the... Are you crazy?!? You'll pay for that!"
"You can tell that to the Rheinwehr as soon as they pick you up", Volker grumbles.
Viktoria remained seated and silent during the exchange. The Kommisaroberrat had a couple of points and Volker didn't even try to persuade him before seizing him.
"It would be better not to talk openly about it here if you don't like Volker's idea." the Agent whispered to Jürgen.
The Hauptinspektor looked at the happening and looked then to Viktoria. "Honestly, I think Volker just did something we have missed to do in the past. Acting. We have these problems. I didn't want to believe that we have corrupt agents, but it seems there are. I personally think I tend to agree with Volker."He whispered. Jürgen then looged around and went on in a normal tone. " By the way... Where is Frau Lichthammer?"
Viktoria looked around trying to locate her. Everyone's attention was on the confrontation between Stieglitz and Volker.
"She should be around here.." she said and stood up as she started searching more intensely. Karl-Heinz von Thielau was alone and didn't know where she went. A few minutes later she entered the main hall, no longer caring for etiquette.
"Hanna Lichthammer is missing." she declared to all attendants while looking at Volker. "The Kaptain and her entourage have just departed from the launchpad."
Volker was staring at Viktoria for a second. "Verdammt! She wouldn't stealth out if she just wanted to go somewhere! Whatever she has in mind, it cannot be good for anyone of us hier! Now we don't have to loose any time. Jürgen! Viktoria! You two grab your Wraiths and fly direction Neu Berlin, Frankfurt, incase she wants to do what Stieglitz threatened. I will take one of my elites and fly in the direction Omega 7,Bretonia, in case she wants to leave Rheinland and contact someone from the Büro. Karl-Heinz mein Freund, take care of Stieglitz please as long as we are away! "
Jürgen looked at Viktoria while reaching for his keys " By the lords, this can't end good for us if they reach their destination, no matter where. Let's go then Viktoria!"