One with the Wilderness

[sovereign]

782 A.S.
Stuttgart System
Planet Stuttgart
------------------

"Hektor, it's sleep time now."

"But mom, the military hasn't finished beating up the evil Hessians! If they don't stop them now, they'll use their secret weapon and turn everyone into cabbages!"

"Then I guess all your little toys get turned into cabbages. Would you eat vegetables then? Anyway, its bedtime."

"Five more minutes?"

"Magic word?"

"Please?"

"Alright. Five more minutes."

"Thanks mom."

Hektor's mother walked toward the door, then turned around again.

"Just make sure the military win. I don't want to be a cabbage."

She winked, then kept walking, muttering to herself about how four year olds shouldn't have that many toys.

---

[sovereign]

784 A.S.
Stuttgart System
Planet Stuttgart
School playground
----------------

"Hey Hektor, do you wanna go check out that new food plant?"

"Aldous, there's twenty teachers watching this place. Won't someone see us?"

"Not if they're distracted. If we can get away with it, are you in?"

"I don't know... that's against the rules..."

"C'mon, its a food plant. What could happen?"

"It wouldn't be against the rules if it was fine, would it?"

"Ugh. Hektor, I'm telling you, nothing bad will happen. Hey, looks like that new kid picked a fight with Max. Poor chap. Let's go while nobody's looking."

"But-"

"Sissy."

"Be right there."







"Wow, and I thought it was just the sludge they produce that was gross... this place is filthy!"

"I think we should go back now Aldous. This place is kind of creepy."

"Hey, what're those guys?"

"Umm... they don't look like employees... uh-oh..."

Gunshots rang out as the LWB operatives opened fire. Hektor and Aldous were caught in the middle of a gunfight, and barely managed to find cover before shots began whizzing past their heads from both sides.

"I told you this was a bad idea."

"Sorry, you were right..."

"And you thought the rules weren't there for a good purpose."

"Sheesh, Hektor, I know, I was wrong, now shut up and figure out a way out of this!"

"Maybe if we ask them to stop firing?"

"That's a stupid idea."

Another bullet landed too close for comfort.

"Let's try it anyway."

"HEY! CAN YOU GUYS STOP FIRING SO WE CAN GO BACK TO SCHOOL?"

"What the- everyone, stand down. Let the kids through."

"Thanks mister."

The pair walked briskly away from the gunfight, but after getting halfway past the Synth foods employees, a shout came from the LWB side. Shots flew from both sides, and the children made a run for it. Hektor got back to the fence they had crawled through, but noticed Aldous wasn't with him. Hektor scampered back and found him off to the side, only a few feet from where the fight had been before the LWB fell back. He was wounded badly, and unconscious. Hektor shouted for help, and within a few minutes a group of Rheinwehr soldiers came to where he was.

"How badly is he hurt?"

"I... I..."

"Come on kid, what happened here?"

"I don't know, we got caught in a gunfight and and they stopped to let us get out but then they started shooting again and-"

"Wait, the LWB opened fire while there where children around? Monsters..."

"Will he be okay?"

"Wound looks bad, but if we get him out soon he'll be fine. I think. Let's move!"

"You'll make sure he won't get shot at?"

"Little boy, none of those rats are still standing. As soon as we got here we mowed them down. Anyway, let's move!"

"What should I do?"

"Go back to school and don't wander around where you aren't supposed to!"

Hektor wandered back to the schoolyard crying to himself, and hating himself for getting his friend hurt.

---

[sovereign]

787 A.S.
Stuttgart System
Planet Stuttgart
------------------

A brilliant parade swept through the streets. The Rheinwehr marched proudly alongside floats portraying the Gottkanzler, and music could be heard through the mass of cheering. Nine year old Hektor yelled happily alongside the mass of people, and felt true pride in Rheinland and its prosperity through the guidance of the Gottkanzler.

---

[sovereign]

790 A.S.
Stuttgart System
Planet Stuttgart
------------------

"Hektor, I swear you never take off that little uniform you got from camp. Doesn't it get dirty?"

"No Sebastian, I have several of them. They stay very clean."

"Well from your smiling I can at least take pride that you take care of your stuff. Better than I ever did, isn't that right mom?"

"Yeah, I can attest to that. Now if you two boys can head off somewhere else, I'd like to talk to my new daughter-in-law."

"Sure thing mom. C'mon Sebastian, its been awhile since I've been here, what's new?"

"Besides the wife?"

"Well obviously."

"Where to start... well, you probably know I got refused from the military-"

"Mom mentioned that but never really explained it. Why did that happen? You must be the first guy in our family to ever not join."

"Yeah, not too happy with it either... turns out my left arm locks up whenever I spin too fast, so I'm no good for flying, and I have no talent with a rifle. So I guess I can put it off to inability, not lack of will, right?"

"Sure, big brother, you just get too sissy when you spin-"

"Hey, I'm fine with it, my arm isn't. I've been looking into working for Daumann, the pay out in the lavafields is pretty nice-"

"And pretty lethal."

"Hey, if I can't be alongside the military I should at least try to help make their stuff. It's the least I can do to uphold family tradition. What, did you think I'd just give up?"

"Yes."

"Pah, you always were the brat Hektor... although it looks like you have high hopes for rank as well. Did you add another star to your play uniform since the last time I saw you?"

"You noticed! Nobody else cared that I went up to Admiral."

"Haha, I'll bet they just thought it was more fitting... you really would do anything to fly up there, wouldn't you?"

"Except eat my vegetables or break rules."

"Hmm, I'll have to remember to tell mom that-"

"Hey! That isn't nice!"

"I'm just teasing. Looks like Sophia wants me to head back, so I'll likely be caught talking to her and mom for a few hours... just keep yourself occupied and don't break anything, will you?"

"Since when do you get to boss me around?"

"Since forever, I'm older than you. Go play with your cousins."

---

[sovereign]

796 A.S.
Stuttgart System
Planet Stuttgart
------------------

"Long time no see, brother."

"It has certainly been awhile. How have you been?"

"Things have been tough, but I'm fine. I've almost gotten everything prepared for applying to the military."

"Hektor, you can't apply for another three months!"

"It doesn't hurt to be prepared..."

"I suppose you're right. You must be the most dedicated Schneider ever to walk this planet. You're only seventeen and you've almost finished all the paperwork for a military application!"

"Yeah, I guess it might be a little over-zealous. How's little Klaus?"

"Not so little. He's going to enter the flight simulator competition, you know."

"Hm, maybe I'll have competition for most over-achieving Schneider?"

"Entirely possible. Mom's really proud of both of you, you know."

"I notice you didn't include yourself in that statement."

"Yeah, would you ever guess that mining rocks all day wasn't as heroic as saving lives and protecting the greatest nation in Sirius?"

"Point taken. It wasn't your fault, though. You know there was nothing you could do."

"I know that, but can you help me convince mom?"

"I'll try. How's Sophia?"

"Beautiful as ever, although she'll be less tense after the competition."

"You aren't worried?"

"My son will do fine. He's brilliant, and I've promised him a nice cake if he does well."

"Ah, the joyous motivational powers of pastries..."

"Thought you'd understand. How's school been for you?"

"Its been fine, grades are high and I've been staying out of trouble."

"You? Stay out of trouble? Naww-"

"Pah, when was the last time I broke a rule? Six years? And that was a technicality?"

"I was being sarcastic. I know little brother Hektor never does anything wrong. How's the social life?"

"Erm..."

---

[sovereign]

796 A.S.
Stuttgart System
Communication from Rheinland Military Recruiting Commission to Hektor Schneider
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are pleased to inform you that your application to the Rheinland Military Kriegsmarine has been accepted. Attached should be all necessary forms to fill out regarding health concerns and other possible issues. Please return them within two weeks of receiving this communication. Upon completion of these forms, you will receive another communication detailing the training process. Welcome to the Rheinland Military, soldier.

-Rheinland Military Recruiting Commission








I'd like to attach a personal note to this, as well. A lot of us were getting worried when we found out about Sebastian's medical condition, but its good to see another Schneider fill the ranks. I'm sure you'll do great things. It's in your blood.

Good luck to you.

-Colonel Baer Mayer

---

[sovereign]

796 A.S.
Stuttgart System
Planet Stuttgart
Kriegsmarine Training Facility
----------------------------------

"Alright recruits, you've gotten yourselves into the Kriegsmarine. Good job. Now, its time to prove that you were worth it. Anyone have flight experience?"

A few hands went up timidly.

"I asked a simple question. Either you have flight experience, or you don't. Why is that so hard?"

A few more hands shot up.

"That's better. Alright, all of you who put your hands up report to the simulator room. The rest of you, head to the instruction area. We'll be teaching you a few things about flying before you go up in the air. Dismissed!"

All but Hektor separated and went to their appropriate training locations.

"Is there a problem, recruit?"

"Sir, with all due respect, I have no flight experience but have thoroughly studied all the material available."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, sir."

"What's your name, recruit?"

"Hektor Schneider, sir."

"A Schneider? About time we got another one of you... alright, get over to simulators. We'll get you set up."

"But sir, doesn't regulation state that-"

"Hektor, to hell with regulation. You already know everything, you said it yourself."

"Sir, isn't the glory of the Kriegsmarine and Rheinland as a whole dependent on-"

"Its dependent on good pilots. Stop arguing and get over to the simulators. That's an order!"

"Yes, sir."

---

[sovereign]

796 A.S.
Stuttgart System
-------------------

"Alright people, you're finally in space. Good work. Now, keep your fingers away from the trigger, we'll need to get you adjusted to the real Valkyries before we do practice runs. Alright, you know the drill, form up and start formation maneuvers."

A chorus of "Yessir"s echoed through the comms. The recruit group stumbled through the same drills for almost an hour, and most were doing their maneuvers as tightly as they had in the simulators.

"This is Freiburg Station to all available ships! We are under attack by Hessian forces and need assistance! Repeat, under attack by Hessian forces!"

"This is the cruiser RNC Aachen to Freiburg Station. We're moving in. All other vessels are to remain clear until the Hessians are driven off."

"You heard the man, head back to base. We'll launch again when the area is clear."

"Sir, the Aachen is on the other side of the system. The station will take a pounding before it arrives, but we can get there inside of two minutes. Do we move in?"

"Negative. You guys may feel confidant but you'll get slaughtered against them. Head back to base."

"With all due respect sir, I can't just let those people die. I'm going in, who's with me?"

Almost all of the fighters broke off the main group and headed for Freiburg, leaving only Hektor and the instructor still on course.

"Dammit! You'll all get killed! Get back here! That's an order!"

The Valkyries didn't stop.

"RNC Aachen, how far are you from the station?"

"We will be there within ten minutes. Hang on."

"Ten minutes, they'll never survive that..."

"Sir, what should we do?"

"I'll try and get them to turn around. You get Freiburg to send us the visual so we know what's going on out there."

"Yessir."

Hektor finished his task quickly, and after sending the frequency along to his instructor he turned to view the battle.

Hektor's eyes widened, and he could not suppress a gasp of horror. Eighteen fighters had gone in, but currently there were only six Valkyries flying. Wreckage floated lifelessly in space, and none of it looked like Hessian ships.

"My god... they're dropping like flies."

Another Valkyrie exploded, and the Hessians turned with ruthless efficiency toward their next prey.

"Dammit... Hektor, how long until the Aachen gets there?"

"Four minutes, sir."

"They're all dead."

"Sir? Orders?"

"Stay on autopilot to fly in. There's nothing we can do for them. If only they'd listened... they're just recruits, they don't know what they're doing..."

"I listened, sir."

"Thank god for that."

There were now only three Military fighters still flying.

"How long until the Aachen gets in range?"

"Two minutes."

A missile slammed into a Valkyrie, tearing it to pieces. The remaining two fighters were no longer trying to fight off the Hessians, but only dodging awkwardly. It didn't help, and another one was cut down by the Hessian lasers.

"Come on, just another thirty seconds and they'll have to flee..."

The lone Valkyrie twisted and turned, keeping the Hessians from drawing a bead on it. After what seemed like an eternity, the RNC Aachen got close enough to rain fire into the Hessian fighters. They began retreating, and the lone fighter formed up with the cruiser to pursue the fleeing Hessians. The cruiser's missiles tore through their ships, and the solitary Valkyrie rushed forward to engage.

"Oh no, not now..."

"Sir?"

"Those missiles don't distinguish friend from foe..."

The comms flared. The remaining fighter pilot refused to return, wanting vengeance for his fallen comrades. Within a minute a stray missile had shredded the already damaged Valkyrie.

"Why do they never listen... they don't know what they're doing, they think they do but they don't..."

---

[sovereign]

797 A.S.
Stuttgart System
Planet Stuttgart
Kriegsmarine Training Facility
Internal Memo
----------------

... and he should be fine after his arm heals.

The next recruit of note is Hektor Schneider, another shining example of his family's proud military tradition. He is the finest in his group, fiercely loyal, always on time, and a rather good pilot too. He knows the regulations and training books better than I do it seems, I hear the boys discussing how he's never playing cards and always reading our various pamphlets, again and again. My only real concern with him is that he'd loosen up a bit, while its all well and good to have someone who you can trust to not move a toe out of line, in tactics discussions he seems to distrust anything that the great admirals of days past haven't done. He even takes offense sometimes when the others engage in general friendly rough-housing, while its good to stay above such things they certainly aren't "examples of the savagery of the evils we fight," if I remember his words correctly. Despite these minor reservations, his perfect obedience has served him well in the simulators and is the only reason he's still alive after the rest of his squad went off to make themselves heroes. Speaking of such, he didn't take that too well, and I don't blame him. Losing an entire flightgroup wasn't fun on any side, but he was rather attached to them despite chewing them out on their less orthodox behavior. I sent the chaplain down to talk to him and he seems to be making a nice recovery, but he doesn't have quite the bounce in his step he did when he came here. Nevertheless, he has maintained his performance in the simulators and in the field tests, and will be a fine addition to the ranks.

Another interesting subject is...

---

[sovereign]

798 A.S.
Stuttgart System
Battleship Jormungund
--------------------------


"Attention on deck!"

The pilots stood up quickly from their seats and saluted as Colonel Mayer entered the room.

"At ease. I'd like to take the opportunity to congratulate you all on your recent mission; you are the sword by which the enemies of Rheinland fall, and let none say that the pilots aboard Battleship Jormungund are anything less than the best!"

At this there was chanting and clapping from all in the room.

"In honor of such a smashing victory, I have arranged for the other crews to take up patrol duty for tomorrow. In addition, I believe a few promotions are in order. First, all privates who flew on today's engagement are hereby promoted to private first class, and in similar fashion all private first class are hereby promoted to lance corporal, and the two lance corporals among you promoted to corporal. Now, of special valor, we have Hektor Schneider, valiantly risking himself to successfully save his comrades from what seemed certain doom, and earning no less than seven kills in the operation. Congratulations, Sergeant Schneider, on this day you have earned the respect of all of Rheinland."

The room cheered loudly, and one by one the pilots walked up to receive their medals.








"Permission to speak freely sir?"

"Go ahead."

"Congratulations on your promotion, Hektor."

"Thanks. You too."

"Sure is a bit weird to be calling you 'sir' though. Never thought I'd see the day."

"Pah, don't worry about it. Not like I'll be getting too far away, now that I lead the squadron rather than fly in it."

"Yeah, I suppose. Anyway, some of the guys rigged up something to do with our day off. You interested?"

"Sorry, I have to do a few meetings to arrange patrols and the like. Comes with the job."

"Maybe I don't envy you. Have fun at your meetings."

"Thanks."

---