Rheinland`s Propagandaoffizier Heinrich von Metternich appears and addresses the audience.
"The Oberkommando of the Rheinwehr announces!"
"Kaiserliche Polizei keeps Oktoberfest safe and sound!
Valiant upholders of law and order, the ever vigilant men and women under Kara von Thielau's command have ensured flawless proceedings of this year's Oktoberfest. All of Rheinland has been able to enjoy the festivities without even a hint of dissent, a befitting demonstration of the Kaiser's all-encompassing influence and grandeur.
Kaiserliche Polizei Rheinland - join their ranks today and become part of something greater." With charming professionalism von Metternich continues.
"Stalwart bulwark of New Berlin's western sectors, Brandenburg Station, continues to represent one of Rheinland's core ideals - the indomitable will ..." He pauses all of a sudden - silence. Nothing but a slight and knowing smile. Footsteps approach and out of the dark steps a woman, way past her prime. Scarred and maimed, yet carrying herself with an aura of unshaken confidence - or pure hubris. Clad in a Rheinwehr uniform... and a medical corset, forcing an upright posture no matter what. 'Armed' with swagger stick, Mechthild von Herzsprung takes centre stage.
"... and ability to protect what is ours. Thank you for having me, von Metternich."
"Always a pleasure, Frau Admiral. I heard there is plenty you have to tell the Vaterland, now that you returned to the fold?"
"There is indeed, ja. Initially i planned to address members of our glorious Kaiserliche Rheinwehr in a short speech, then return to my duties. But i reconsidered."
"And why is that, if i may ask?"
"Due to a simple yet profound question..." Herzsprung's piercing gaze lingers on the main recording device - and thus the audience.
"... ... what is a soldier? Some may say 'someone who fights'. Others might say 'someone who defends one of the Houses'. They are not wrong, but still far from the truth. A soldier is so much more. They are the embodiment of loyalty and courage, of discipline and obedience. A representation of undiluted virtues. They bravely face any obstacle - with a distinct lack of self-pity. You do not see me complaining about my wounds, do you?" The silence is far from long enough to warrant an answer.
"A soldier is toughness incarnate. Toughness towards others... and even greater toughness towards oneself. To serve Rheinland is not only an honor, it is a privilege. And Rheinland truly is privileged - for all of its cititzens are soldiers at heart." Herzsprung points her swagger-stick directly at a passing camera drone, following it for a bit.
"Some may have forgotten. I certainly have not. This undisputable truth, a beacon of Rheinland's superiority, is what kept me going. What drove me past previous limits. What emboldened me to prevail against all odds, while the Salzach and me were trapped in uncharted space, until help arrived." Folding both hands behind her back, the camera drone's feed cuts back to the main recording device. Grim determination dominates her scarred visage.
"As there is always help as long as there are sons and daughters of the Vaterland. It was proven to us just recently once more. Dissidents, aiming to shake us to our very core, to split us apart, have cowardly launched an attack on medical convois, bringing direly needed aid to our valiant warriors in the Munich system.
A group of Unioners it was. We extended our mercy to them once. Granted them their absolution. We see now where this has brought us.
No. More.
These ... people... have thrown away what all of you have given them! Tossed it aside without so much as a second thought or hesitation. Your goodwill? Your mercy? All in vain." At this point, Herzsprung almost spits out certain words.
"Be assured...
These despicable fiends have been put in their place. All they achieved is but one thing - showing their true colors once again. Not to be trusted, not to be given any shelter. Nor quarter.
Bounty Hunters, renowned for their prowess in battle, sided with the mighty Rheinwehr to thwart these dastardly deeds in one fell swoop! A decision as natural as saluting a superior. Confirming once again our course is true and righteous." With a mere moment to catch her breath, the belligerent air of pure disdain subsides. One gloved hand gets a few strands of grey hair out of her visage.
"Know this, my beloved Rheinland.
Großadmiral von Thielau himself rescued me from the fringes of known space. Despite his high station, there is nothing a true soldier would not do for another brother or sister in arms.
That... is unity.
That... is true valor.
That... is integrity and commitment.
In every Rheinland citizen, from the youngest to the oldest... the most frail to the most imposing... all of those qualities are embedded. Second nature to each and all of us.
I do not need both my eyes to see that the Rheinland i was cut off from once ... is still the same i now have returned to.
You will carry on, cititzens and soldiers of Rheinland. You will face each and every obstacle like you did all those countless obstacles of the past.
Not just today. Not just tomorrow. Not just next week. Nooo. You, blood and backbone of our mighty House, you will do so next month. Next year!
Next decade!
Next century and beyond!
Für den Kaiser! Für das Volk! Für Rheinland!" One last salute follows, remaining eye opened wide - staring at something behind the camera drone. The feed cuts back to von Metternich, saluting as well. With a small pause he adjusts his posture afterwards, only for a second transmission to start playing. "Truly inspiring words from Admiral von Herzsprung. In line with that, a word from some of Rheinland's most battle-hardened sons and daugthers. Legion Rheinstahl, congratulating their brothers and sisters in arms on a recent victory in Omicron Xi."
"Death to all who dare oppose us! Keep that going and we'll have boots on the ground over there in no time! Leave some of them for us, would you? We'll be done here VERY soon..." The one speaking wears the infamous Rheinstahl combat gear, full mask obscuring any facial features. Blood and mud scattered over it, in the background explosions and gunfire toss even more of both around. An almost robotic and inhumane laugh follows, distorted by the helmet's air filtration system. Red lenses stare directly at the camera and, with a salute, the feed cuts out again.
"With Munich being a constant place of battle, a space our most skilled warriors prove Rheinland's superiority by pushing back the Corsairs again and again, the Oberkommando deemed it time for another lesson in proper warfare. Gathering at Raubling Station, Rheinwehr troops prepared for a show of force today."
[22.10.2022 12:46:28] Death: DTR-CNS>El.Existir was put out of action by [RM]KKS-Greifenstein (Gun).
[22.10.2022 12:51:36] Death: Outcasts.Go.Home was put out of action by RNC-Weimar (Gun).
[22.10.2022 12:54:31] Death: [RM]RNC-Ostkantone was put out of action by DTR-Consuella? (Gun).
[22.10.2022 12:54:55] Death: DTR-Nox. was put out of action by RNC-Schleife (Gun).
[22.10.2022 12:55:02] Death: DTR-CNS>Way-to-Heaven was put out of action by [RM]Fl.Albert,Bartel (Gun).
[22.10.2022 12:55:39] Death: RNC-Weimar was put out of action by DTR-CNS>Trireme (Gun).
[22.10.2022 12:55:57] Death: DTR-CNS>IronTenacity was put out of action by [RM]Fl.Albert,Bartel (Gun).
[22.10.2022 12:59:31] Death: DTR-CNS>Vengeance was put out of action by [RM]RNC-Rammstein (Gun).
[22.10.2022 13:05:08] Death: DTR-Consuella? was put out of action by [RM]RNC-Sprotte (Gun).
[22.10.2022 13:08:59] Death: DTR-CNS>El.Arca was put out of action by RNC-Coquitlam (Gun).
[22.10.2022 13:11:17] Death: DTR-CNS>Parabellum was put out of action by RNC-Coquitlam (Gun).
[22.10.2022 13:11:43] Death: DTR-CNS>Cerratus was put out of action by RNC-Schleife (Gun).
[22.10.2022 13:14:32] Death: DTR-CNS>Trireme was put out of action by [RM]KKS-Bad.Nauheim (Gun).
"In a resoundingly efficient operation Omicron Xi has been pacified for the time being. The crew of the RNC-Ostkantone, a Donau cruiser, took it upon themselves to prevent critical damage to a nearby Tirpitz by moving into the line of fire - ending up disabled. Having been damaged themselves already, this noble sacrifice, an act of true conviction, allowed the RNC-Schleife to retaliate with merciless precision. Having brought glory to the Kaiser, his mighty Rheinwehr returned to Munich in order to replenish and regroup. Preparing for the next strike..."
"This weeks Wochenschau ends on an inspiring tale - that of the indestructible KKS-Greifenstein. Following the stalwart example of the undefeated Battleship Westfalen, the Greifenstein has proven once more there can be no defeat on the road to greatness. Only greater obstacles, which are to be conquered. Rheinland never falters. No matter how much opposition we may face."
Connection Established RNN Network Services
Frequency RNN-KRRHFNS-DKH-67G- Stable Connection Terminated [END TRANSMISSION]
Out-of-Character Notes
Huge thanks to the following for their input!
Alpha Wolf
Traudel Habermeyer
DTR for providing a lovely event and pushing Disco's activity!