Act 1-1

Narration By:

Beatrix Brehme (The potential soon-to-be widow)

Starring:

Jürgen Bernhard (A main character from birth)

Featuring:

Irisdina Bernhard (Still a good friend)

Setting:

1978

East Berlin, Beatrix Brehme's home.

"Ow- ooow! Be careful! You're hurting my hair!"

"Ahaha, maybe your hair is just sensitive."

"Anyone's hair will hurt if it gets yanked like mine!"

"…Huhu, then please accept my humble apology, dear princess."

The sweet words whispered into her ears sent a light shiver down her spine as he carefully bit her earlobe to redden her already crimson blush, the only thread keeping her feet glued to the ground was the fact that he could not see her face while sniffing through her polished hair.

Jürgen's hand was dreamily smooth as he caressed each strands of her dark locks, from time to time she would slightly jerk her head from the ticklish touch applied to her neck. But it wasn't uncomfortable, not even a little bit.

"Bea, I think you look just as wonderful when your hair is down like this, perhaps consider a simpler coiffure?"

"Do you think so? Isn't it a bit too long? And messy?" Beatrix studied her new look in a mirror, the tall ponytail she used to tie was unleashed for all of it to dangle freely by her sides. Jürgen was by no means the greatest beautician, but she didn't care about anyone else's opinion excluding his.

"Of course not! It gives you a… mature aura! Yes! Wear it this way from now on, if you don't mind." Again, Beatrix flustered a little red away from his vision.

"…I-if you insist…"

"And I do strongly! It looks great on you, Love!"

"O-okay! N-now stop rubbing my head like a child!" Jürgen laughed brightly, it was a smile Beatrix promised she would never forget.

"Like this is fine, my princess. It reminds me of the time when you returned as victors with Iris from your first TSF training, that was truly a stunning moment in my life. Hmmm… now where did we store those transparent sundresses?"

"What!? They weren't see-through! A-and I wore the blac—" The grin splitting across Jürgen's mouth declared his intention plainly.

"Hihihi, have you not yet learned, have you."

"…Y-you… yo-you shyster! I cannot beli—"

"I love you, Beatrix Brehme."

"Ah…" To that simple phrase, she replied nothing.

Beatrix found herself frozen in place, it wasn't even the first time he used the magical words to pause her retort. But what he said, it was too effective, and too valuable for her to ever contemplate discarding.

"A-a-and I do as well… Jürgen… Bernhard…" Beatrix mustered her courage to formally reply the answer she always knew was true; it served to deepen their relationship and win her the argument at the same time.

"Bea… let us be on our way then, I don't want to waste a second of my valuable leave without you. Our reservation is soon, after all." She too, missed his dearly when he departed for the front lines.

"I would have gladly cooked your favourite dishes at home."

"I know that, but this time it's a treat from me."

Happily, Beatrix nodded and took Jürgen's hand as they went to enjoy an elegant supper.

Act 1-1 End

Act 1-2

Narration by:

Beatrix Brehme (The potential soon-to-be widow)

Starring:

Jürgen Bernhard (A main character from birth)

Featuring:

Irisdina Bernhard (Still a good friend)

Mercedes (Bernhard?) (Redeemable mother in the eyes of some)

Joseph Bernhard (Eleven years' worth of travel)

Abel Brehme (Recently deceased)

Setting:

1978

A restaurant somewhere in East Berlin

"…What? But you just returned from the front!"

"And I'm glad to be given such an opportunity, many were not allowed getaway at all." Jürgen's statement turned Beatrix's frown to a worrying gloom.

"How could they do this!? Weren't you promised standard vacation time!? They can't force you to go back so quickly! It hasn't been a week yet!" The lie spread by the NVA brought further upset to her.

"The situation is worsening at a rapid phase, a new Hive has formed in Kazakhstan recently, this being the sixth one in total and the second one this year."

"That's—!" Beatrix's reaction was paused when her partner brought his index finger to her pink lips, indicating his unwillingness to continue their discussion.

"We'll talk about this later, Love. Wouldn't want this food to go cold." Beatrix looked down, it would ruin the night if she chose to stress the world's dilemma over their expensive meal.

Beatrix was graceful with the schnitzel sensibly arranged on her plate, it must had taken exquisite work from the chef to serve this fine dish, that should be delightful… if it wasn't for the fact this was the only restaurant left in East Berlin which still offered cuisine enjoyed by the West.

Her gaze switched over to Jürgen, he looked as handsome as her memory recalled. The nimble manner of how he savoured his meal was the role model for a gentleman in Beatrix's heart, he was truly the most important person to ever exist in her life; and a part of her always knew, she wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her lover.

"Jürgen… is the food not to your liking? You are eating quite slowly." The pace his fork worked wasn't on par with a regular man's rate.

"I… it's nothing, I have something on my mind, that's all."

"Is it about Iris?" By the shock way Jürgen reacted to her guess, Beatrix was right on.

"How did you… is it that obvious?"

"The only thing you ever worry about is me, Iris and our country. And I'm sure you have worried for our country for long enough." It was too long in Beatrix's opinion.

"Bea… that's…"

"Remember, Jürgen. I know every last bit about you, my precious. You can always be honest with me." The look on her face displayed no hint for her statement to be taken as a mockery, Beatrix even pointed a fork at him to emphasize her earnest desire.

"…Alright, you deserve to know, Bea. I didn't visit Iris the last time I returned, and have yet to do so this time." That truth came a little hard for the brunette to understand.

"What? But why? You don't have to feel obligated to always be with me."

"I don't, I choose to be with you, Beatrix. This is a fault on me alone, I have shunned her due to my narrow-mindedness." Jürgen's sorrow sigh pained her as much as it did to him.

"Is it because of your mother?" After a moment of silence, he tilted his head the tiniest degree.

It was no secret Jürgen never had a good relationship with his mother since youth, after she divorced and subsequently ruined the life of the boy's respected father, he saw her as his mother no more. In a way, Jürgen's determination was highly regarded by Beatrix, who only wished she carried that same strength.

"I cannot understand what Iris is thinking, reuniting with that wench… I just- I cannot see what Irisdina saw when she willingly agreed to meet her." Unconsciously, Jürgen gripped the knife he had been twirling around for fun. The man's aspect presented anger, hurt and a light dose of regret.

"Jürgen…" Beatrix only called his name, whatever hatred he stored for his parent she could probably relate.

"Perhaps I am simply too stubborn to see, too rigid to forgive her… even now, Iris is safe from poverty only thanks to her support. But that money she gives us is only earned by enthralling her new husband from the Ministerium!" His self-control stopped the knife handle from smashing into their dining table, but the pain was left clearly on display above his features.

"Jürgen… do you still hate your mother?" Beatrix reached out, her hands warmly embracing the fists of her lover as he calmed the accumulating rage.

"I honestly don't know. I am indebted to her for giving me this life, for allowing me to meet you. However, at the same time I cannot forgive her for the sin she committed against my father, she betrayed him so easily like second nature. I'm conflicted… Bea, I don't know what to believe."

"If you are to consider my opinion, I don't think this matter is that complicated, Dear. Whatever debt you owed her, you also owe it to your father, yes? In other words, you gratitude is aimed towards your family; the family that she had destroyed. So that debt which you think must be repaid is gone, along with your father."

Her words were not meant to comfort the distressed soldier, it was for purpose of releasing him from the burden he chained himself to. Beatrix believed no good would come from false solace, to accept the truth weighing down on one's shoulders and to firmly confront that liability was the paramount decision.

"Bea…you say the most unexpected things." Lifting his head, Jürgen finally shined her a smile, however small it may be. Also there were his eyes, watching her with a light of admiration.

"To speak the truth, all I felt when my father died was relief. I was freed from the cage locked by his key, he no longer ruled me, and I was given sanctuary by the Brehme family. What traps me now is our State, a State that loses me in its pursuit for self-interest. However, my struggle here is together with you, as one."

"You truly are my precious, Bea. I am thankful to our world for giving you to me, my life would never be the same with you." Even during a serious discussion, Beatrix flustered effortlessly to his charm.

"Jürgen… i-it's embarrassing." Avoiding his gaze, the young girl twisted her neck to look elsewhere away from his sapphire irises. But her bail was cut off when the hands she held overpowered her and cupped her cheeks to demand attention.

"I promise to forever be your ally, Beatrix Brehme, be the one who will never abandon you. No matter what our uncertain future has in place, you are the only one in my sight, the only one I'll ever love. My dream; for your sake, I will see for it to become reality."

Feeling herself burning with shyness and excitement, Beatrix attempted to and failed at diverting Jürgen's undivided focus. Nevertheless, the blonde man was not fazed at all by her awkward gestures, he was resolved on hearing her answer and she understood there was no escape.

Beatrix took one long breath, then she was ready.

"I too, cannot imagine a life without you by my side, Jürgen… Bernhard. And for our future together, I promise to be your support as you fulfill your beautiful dream."

The air stopped flowing for the two bounded together by fate as they stared affectionately into one another's eye; one another's soul. There was little use left in speaking now, the spouses already understood each other better than anyone, words were not necessary to continue their conversation of love.

It was Jürgen, or maybe Beatrix who leaned forward first, it didn't matter. All the girl remembered was how sweet his lips tasted coated in mushroom sauce and lemon juice.

Act 1-2 End

Act 1-3

Narration by:

Beatrix Brehme (The potential soon-to-be widow)

Starring:

Jürgen Bernhard (A main character from birth)

Featuring:

Abel Brehme (Recently deceased)

Irisdina Bernhard (Still a good friend)

Alfred Strachwitz (Never far from his daughter's picture)

Ursula Strachwitz (To be following a perfect dream)

Heinz Axmann (Ketchup on fries)

Erich Schmidt (What is KGB)

Setting:

1978

On the roof of a restaurant somewhere in East Berlin

"What a view… you can almost see over the wall from here."

"Indeed, the shining lights over there are much brighter than ours."

A chilly wind blew by Beatrix's legs, faintly tipping up the corner of her dress. The night's sky was dark as always, stars hid behind a thick smog covering everything above the atmosphere. Together with Jürgen, they stood on the roof of the restaurant where they dined earlier, enjoying the last moment of a peaceful evening.

"Don't you think this is beautiful, Bea? What civilization has brought us, even in our grim state of affairs, people still linger to live on…" Jürgen leaned against the railing on the edge, his golden hair was dancing wildly to the tune of the night's breeze. Beatrix couldn't see his expression from where she stood behind him, so she naturally hugged him tightly around the waist.

"Humanity's strength is tremendous, I know that to be the truth. Isn't that what you believe? If we can come together and work toward a common goal, we can defeat the BETA." To Beatrix, Jürgen's ideal was flawless and brilliant.

"Yet we continue to fall… why is that we are unable to overcome our enemies…?"

"Jürgen… that's—" She had so many things to say, but he wanted his thoughts to be public first.

"-How long do you think Poland has left? A year? Perhaps two? I don't think it can survive to the next decade. When Poland succumbs to the relentless BETA- and we both know it will, Germany will be next, on the Oder-Neisse line. This war will soon be fought on our land… and we'll have to die for it someday."

"Is that… our inevitable future?"

"I've seen the front… it never changes, we never advance… the soldiers are all too taxed to fight on. After the outcome of Palaiologos, our morale has plummeted as low as it can go." The young man took another lament, his troubles were seen by Beatrix as her own.

"At a time like this… I'm afraid I'm too feeble to aid you…" Being only still a cadet, what stabbed her heart the most was her own impotence.

"You're not the only one, Bea. I too… must seek for power. If I am to ever save humanity… if I am to ever protect you and Iris from our fate, I must climb higher." The true definition of his words didn't need to be spelled out.

"…Have you… is there something on your mind?"

"War does not determine who is right, only who is left.' …Do you know who said that?"

"Bertrand Russell." Jürgen nodded once, agreeing to her answer.

"And I'll be the one who's left, I definitely won't lose in this war. Be it the BETA or humans, I cannot back down before the end."

"…'Only the dead have seen the end of war.' …" There was actually a slight reaction from Jürgen for her wise riposte, Beatrix wished he would keep it at heart.

"Huum… that's Plato, correct?"

"Ja."

"Hahaha… you got me there… I can't think of a good quote to counter that." Then silence, what he didn't continue to say worried the girl more.

"Jürgen… whatever you're planning… it may not work the wa—"

"-Herr. Brehme was not the greatest father, that I understand perfectly. But as a politician, he served his role as within the Party to a certain degree of excellence. And- well, what I've learned from him about his profession was… informative. There is an opportunity to exploit, I'll make it so."

That was it, Beatrix felt a needle jamming into the very depth of her soul. Her hands wrapped around Jürgen's belly lost all their strength in an instant. The legs carrying her weight up to that point grew incredibly weak, almost like her strings were all cut in one swift shear.

"Jürgen! You cannot be serious—!" Interrupted, again.

"-The Party lost all influence by the time BETA first made landfall. Following the U.S.S.R, we also declared a state of emergency, moving all assets into the NVA and disbanding the Luftstreitkräfte. During the early period of war, the NVA grew strong thanks to Soviet's assistance. However, that didn't last long…"

"You don't need to lecture me about our history, what make you think I don't know anything!?" Albeit repressed, Beatrix still leaked a bit of her anger.

"Then you sure know how the army is weakening every year since then due to their constant failure! Laserjagd, the MiG-21PF, and even the MiG-23 prototype… none of this tactics or equipment are any good if its operators are too weak!" In frustration, Jürgen's fist almost slammed the railings again.

"But this isn't your fault! You shouldn't blame yourself for the NVA's losses!"

"In good conscience, I don't care much about the army structure… what I want to protect are the people of Germany, the people of our world. Nonetheless, as difficult as a decision this shall be, you and Iris take priority over even the world. I can't give that up, absolutely not."

Ever so gently, Jürgen muttered his final wish, and it was too common of a desire for any man; to protect what one deemed as irreplaceable, to keep their loved ones and family safe from harm.

"Jürgen… if you go down that path, it will be the start of an entirely unknown world…"

"I'm prepared for that, of course. There's not much I have left undone, anyway." There was a concealed implication under the tone of his words.

"Have you…?"

"…She was injured too badly, there was no chance of getting out… I did what I must." Beatrix didn't need a further explanation after that.

"It must have hurt… I'm sorry for your loss, Dear."

"And I wish to cease that pain… the quickest solution to that is power. Who do you think holds the most authority in this nation right now?" It was almost a rhetorical question.

"You don't have to avoid being direct with your words, you want what they have… what the Stasi have."

"Indeed I do, and it is lucky I have a better means of gaining it than most. I want to believe I can do it, I can alter the system from within. I know I'm capable, do you have faith in me?" Throughout Jürgen's time spent away from home, he had formed connections wild and far. He had acquired friends and foe alike, now it was the time to put that link to the test.

"As your only beloved partner, I won't doubt you."

Quietly, Jürgen laughed merely once. His expression was still obscured to Beatrix's eyes, it wasn't confirmed or denied whether her conviction in his abilities was seen as genuine by the young man.

"…Oh, this reminded me of another topic. Generalleutnant Alfred Strachwitz was recently executed by the Stasi, he and a couple of other Generals attempted a coup d'etat on the State. There was a purge… they've all died. "

"…What!? Are you in any way in danger!?" The German ace pilot wasn't the most helpful of the State's informants.

"Fortunately no, the Ministerium failed to link me as a possible accomplice… for now. Unfortunately, there're men after this trail, thankfully they are nowhere close. However… only few know about this incident, me being the fewer ones. The Moonlit Night Purge, that's what it's called now."

"Goodness… it must have been terrible."

"Yes… it was unfortunate, I liked Herr. Strachwitz, actually. He always showed me pictures of her daughter, I wonder if the poor child survived the MfS's extermination… although he did mention about sending her to the West, hopefully she'll find refuge there." The conversation all of a sudden turned strange, Beatrix couldn't keep up with the melancholic soldier's pace.

"Why are you talking about this? I don't understand."

"The NVA lost yet another figure of their sovereignty, they are still bound to act as the State's puppet. It is truthfully frightening how efficient the Stasi is at its operation without the liability of mortality. That supremacy to grasp what one yearns… I am mortified to admit that is what I desire."

"There is no shame in seeking to gain authority. If greed is a sin borne by all men, then he who controls the masses owns true rule." His aspiration, no matter how sinister it may be, Beatrix accepted it all.

"My ideal… is the salvation of civilization, but I will achieve that goal with my feet planted in this earth. There is no room for naivety for the sake of mankind's salvation; I am prepared to pay the price, even it means staining my hands in blood. Can you understand me, Bea?"

"…To reach one's intent, some sacrifices are unavoidable… and a man's humanity can be discarded when a situations calls for it." The end justified the means, that was her truth.

"Every advantage in the past is judged in the light of the final issue.' …"

"Demosthenes." It was a quote Beatrix was somewhat familiar with, her father often mentioned it following what he believed.

"Correct. I'm glad we see eye to eye on this issue, you never cease to amaze, Bea. I apologize, for the troubles I might cause you."

"Jürgen… if I may be candid, I'm quite scared of the unknown. The future of our nation, the aim of the Stasi; and right now, I'm fearful for the plan you wish to set in motion. Nevertheless, it is all thanks to you that I can still be here… so no matter what, I'm ready to be by your side."

It didn't take a fiery argument against herself to settle on this final decision, Beatrix never once hesitated to accompany Jürgen on the journey he had set out to undertake.

"…No, this is my own pursuit. It is my objective to eventually control the MfS, I'm doing this to protect you, what is the purpose in that if you are endangered along the way?"

"Love, you see me as a mere sheep incapable of achieving anything?" It was a tiny bit spiteful, the way Beatrix stated her claim.

"What- I would never!"

"Then I don't think any debate is necessary, if the Stasi is your end-goal, I'm much better fitted to replace you. You know my name, its only usage will be here if at all." Ironically, the father which she hated and the family which she detested was only now serving its role.

"Bea…! These sets of intentions are mine to reach! I can't let you rob me of my standing!"

"Jürgen… whatnot knowledge my father had leaked you, I know so much more. It was I, who he trapped in the Stasi's cage, don't you dare ever forget that." The determination in her voice shook him, her grave order came once a blue moon.

"You don't know what you're getting into! Letting you join the Ministerium is equal to delivering a cub to a wolf den!"

"Jürgen, I will not forgive you if you insult me again." Her remark caused visible reaction on Jürgen in the form of shudders going over his body.

"But Bea… you know how dangerous it is."

"And you don't? There is no difference which one of us journeys into hell, so let me- the experienced one take the lead. I know what there is to deal with, The Berlin Sect, the Moscow Sect; Heinz Axmann, Erich Schmidt. They're people you only met, but I studied."

"Still, they only see you as nothing more than Abel's daughter! However, I have made a name for myself and a reason for them to take interest!" Jürgen's protective tendencies were normal charming, right now they were only annoying.

"They've only taken an interest in your death! Why is this simple logic so difficult for you to understand, you narrow-minded fool! The fact is I am more suited to infiltrate the Ministerium and act out your will!"

The blonde man could imagine nothing to answer her unbreakable justification, he sighed so extremely wearily Beatrix felt the fatigue escaping from his mouth attacking her. Jürgen's crestfallen sight was nothing she claimed to be responsible for, yet the remorse of causing him grieve wouldn't die.

"…Hahaha… did you reverse my strategy against me, Bea? That was skillful, no doubt. There is another expertise of yours I do not own, I commend you for it."

"I'm sorry, Jürgen. It was not my intention to harm you."

"No, no. Of course I understand that… It's only- I thought I will be a hero this time around, I can be the one who protects you this time." On that front, he was very so wrong.

"You already have, my Jürgen. You have done nothing except for protecting me as far as I can remember, so let me repay that debt now, let me be the one who serves your purpose."

"…If you insist on acting as my substitute, what am I to do when you risk your life?" From the melody of his voice, Jürgen seemed to be lost on the next step.

"Put your great ambition to the opposite side, Struggle to climb atop the NVA instead. They need your talent, Jürgen; there lies the perfect opportunity for manipulation. Like you said, the army right now is weak, they require you to sustain their operations. And besides, whoever finds your intention will be none the wiser."

"…Back in the NVA, huh? That'll return me to the starting line. What is there to do I haven't done so already? To rise through the ranks now sounds a tad bit too late." He obviously wasn't too satisfied with going back to the old way of life.

"No, it'll be different from before. I can help you in any way possible; perhaps not so overwhelmingly at first, but in due time. Together, I know we can achieve nothing but the wildest dreams."

"You seem so confident, Bea. Where did you discover this new-found courage?"

"Not courage, but a hunger I embedded in myself. Just imagine, Dear; if you were to control the army and I the Stasi, this entire nation will come under your influence. Nothing can oppose you, no man can topple you. That shall be the time we turn all our strength against the BETA, and you shall earn Germany its victory over the BETA."

"I… you're expanding my desire, Princess. I would have never fantasized with governing a whole country." If there was indeed hesitation dwelling in Jürgen's heart, she would erase his agitation without fail.

"All it takes to change the future of people is the commitment of a single man. In our dying world, none are given equal prospect of surviving or protecting. I don't want you to give up anything, Jürgen. If there is greatness awaiting men, we should endeavour to grasp it."

Still untold of his expression, Beatrix tightened the hug once more. As the clock ticked on and minutes passed, not a whisper was emitted from Jürgen's mouth. However, she found that to be no cause for concern, seeing how the only man she treasured always was the quietest when deep in thought.

"…Honestly, it's a bit embarrassing that I required a reminder to my dream. Maybe the coward in me has yet to perish, I apologize for that indecisiveness, Love."

"Then you agree?"

"Of course, you and Iris are still my absolute priority. But if our nation needs a hand to save it from itself, well- I just happen to have two." That was a joke on Irisdina's level of terrible.

"Jürgen… you worry me."

"~Ahahaha! Hopefully soon that won't be the case!"

When Jürgen turned himself around, Beatrix was greeted by the wonderful sight of another radiant smile she came to know and love. His usual cheerful mood had finally returned to brighten their depressing discussion at long last, and the hand he reached out to her was the perfect bonus.

"Oh my, professional now, are we?" The usually shy girl smirked deceitfully, her mouth bent up ever so slightly and her red pupils displayed a look of superiority. Reading Jürgen's appearance, he was surprisingly entertained by her new mien.

"It'll be business afterwards, everything will be business." She knew perfectly what that implied.

"I'll do what it takes to accomplish your goal, that is my vow to you."

"I don't have much left to teach you, Bea, my princess. However if I must say, this should be the norm on this path we agreed to travel. Assume nothing, doubt everything; trust no one… not even yourself…" The two stared on for a while, no words were exchanged.

"How long did you wait to say that?"

"…It feels good." To his goofy reply, Beatrix laughed.

"~Fufufufu… Jürgen… what can I say. You'll never change, really."

"I like your new smile though, Bea. It's a good boost to your poise, I can tell. You should keep that up, a smile can hide more tales than anything."

"Understood, I will keep that in mind."

"If that is that, I look forward to working with you."

"Huhu…and I as well."

Their palms connected firstly, quickly followed by interlocking fingers, and lastly escalated to another kiss as Jürgen pulled Beatrix right before his lips.

Act 1 End

Author's note

Just a random Schwarz fic I suddenly thought I might write, having access to the LN and a bit of BiS and all that. Inspired by /a/ of 4chan, believe it or not, there were some good discussions beyond the usual shitposts.

Might write more it this receives well (probably not gonna), call me out on mistakes if you don't mind and thanks for reading.

BETA done by chad001