Hello everyone, Bucue here and I have a lot I have to share with my readers after all this time.

First I want to take a moment to apologize for the lack of updates and the general silence on my end for so long: after taking a job working Security my time has been filled quite a bit, and due to work hours taking my focus and so much time not spent writing my writing skills and creative juices aren't quite like they used to be so it will likely take me a bit longer due to these factors to get things written out. Though as it was the fact my laptop was damaged and had to go into repair at Geek squad for over six months didn't help either... my laptop was only supposed to be given some maintenance for a few technical issues but after getting it back a mere three day's later it became damaged after merely opening it and the screen broke since the left hinge was loose after it was initially worked on; and a replacement screen had to be ordered from China where they have the only remaining parts left for it so it took time to get it fixed again.

What's more due to several other writing projects I'm working on, as well as the desire to try and get the Forsaken Daughter finished since events in this story will carry some heavy plot points and relevance to my crossover WR141; WR141 will likely have to take some extended hiatus before I finish both the Forsaken Daughter as well as the next chapter of WR141. I will also be rewriting a few chapters in WR141 so plotlines will better fit and make sense for the vision and direction I now want to take the story; nothing too major mind, but enough to influence how some events and plot lines of WR141 will be explored and worked out and for some serve to overall improve the story a bit; which will in turn add to the time that WR141 will be on hiatus. I apologize for this, especially given that harrowing cliff hanger that I personally don't want to leave the story on as an ending up till this point; once I get my affairs with my writing projects in order and when I am not working I do my best to continue the story of WR141: I still have a lot in that story I want to write and do and I wont quit it now; especially on that kind of a cliff hanger. I promise I'll keep you all posted on updates for WR141 when they come up or are due to come up.

It's been a long time, and I'm sorry again for keeping my readers waiting like this; it's been too long and I realize many of you have been exercising exceptional patience waiting for an update to WR141 or even any of my work period. I am eternally grateful to you and I hope I can continue to deliver my stories and written works to you in a more timely manner and with as much vigor and quality as i used to. I'm forever grateful for your support and patronage.

Once more unto the breach; the next story, the next chapter is Oscar Mike and their will be more to come. I thank you again and hope you enjoy at least this chapter to start with again after such a long time.

Stay frosty everyone... and thank you...


Nervous anticipation.

An emotion expected during patrol of the air, or so it seemed to now be apparent. Despite Ludwiga's earlier hope of finding some ease in performing her duties compared to her unnerving interaction with Hauptmann Von Braun mere two hours before, it seemed that in reality that air patrol duties were only marginally better; there was something to be said for the nervousness that the young witch felt at trying to canvas the sky's she flew and the ground bellow for any sort of enemy presence.

She in fact had yet to come face to face personally with mankind's most dreaded, bitter and hated enemy. What's more, she knew she had yet to test herself against an actual Rätsel, though recently people have begun to slowly call the enemy "Neruoi"; a name inspired from a mythical tribe called Neruoi that lived along at the Southern Bug river in black sea region, being that the aliens presence and appearance were made in this region; spreading outward from the region like a plague... and humanity seemed inclined to place that moniker upon the supernatural aliens who have made recurrent emergences coming from that place of antiquity. But despite this she forced herself to not allow anxiety to dictate her actions. She looked to her unit commander, leading her and her new comrades forward, her eyes scanning the horizon in vigilance; embodying everything that Ludwiga believed a military witch should strive for: discipline, courage, focus, exceptional deportment, refined demeanor, modern training, well maintained equipment and the beauty of a warrior maiden of the Father land.

There was some consolation though: Ah, if only my dear princess were to see me now: she would think me so brave and so fetching. Her brave, flying soldier on patrol for monsters to hunt; to defend her and the people from the maws of humanities most bitter enemy. I'll fight for you, our people, my love." She took solace in the thought that her yet to be met princess would one day find her and fall head over heels in love for her; enamored with the young witches bravery and foreseen daring... or at least that was the fantasy that the little witch held and hoped to live up to.

Ludwiga had flown beside Ivvone in formation earlier; because both girls knew each other they felt more comfortable being together in formation, but the Oberstleutnant firmly ordered the two girls to pair up in a Rotte[1]. The reasoning, or so Ludwiga was told, was in order to become used to her new squad mates and to learn how to work well with them in the field. It was a fact that neither she nor Ivvone could refute, and it was an order from their unit commander so in the end, as they were soldiers; they had to comply, even despite being outside their normal state of comfort. Ludwiga hoped that at the very least that perhaps she could befriend some of these new comrades.

But as of the moment it seemed to be apparent to her that this would be a difficult accomplishment. Avis's eyes looked back at Ludwiga while in flight. "Hey, Krupke: keep up! You're supposed to be my wingman here; this isn't a redneck army ya know!" she snapped.

"Y-yes, Oberleutnant, I understand." Ludwiga looked to her weapon momentarily with unease, but she looked back up to Avis while trying to keep pace with her Rotte leader. The fact that her Rotte leader was the ever grouchy Avis was to her a sign of tribulations to come for her in the immediate future. Though as it was, having Zita in her bag on her back gave her at least some comfort and ease of mind. Without her it might not have been as easy to endure Avis's chastisements.

Avis huffed impatiently but kept maintaining flight speed. She rolled onto her back while cruising in the air, arms folded behind her head and looking disgruntled "I'm dragging along a kid who's only worthy contribution is her cute looks... not like that will be of any help against Rätsel... or Neruoi, or whatever we're calling the damn things now..." She muttered.

Juliane chuckled. "Well, I guess you would know a lot about cute things: don't you Avis. Normally You'd fawn over them; I'm surprised that you aren't giving your subordinate a cuddle because of how cute she is." She cast a warm, knowing look to Ludwiga, which Ludwiga could feel her face heat up in embarrassment at hearing Juliane say something like that.

"S-shut up!" Avis's face took an annoyed look and a light blush as she stuttered. "My older brother and sister are both in the military too so if I ever hope to keep up with them than I need to pull my weight: therefore I have to make sure that this adorable little girl doesn't hold anyone back, especially me...wait..." realisation overtook her face as she realized what she just said, he face darkening into a deeper shade of red. "Nien, I mean this little, um... little... this little so and so!"

Juliane speaks over the radio with amusement. "If it were anyone else, normally you'd say something very mean Avis. Are you holding back because of that soft spot you have for cute things like the little feldwebel? How kind hearted of you to be so considerate."

"Oh butt out you street urchin!" Avis growled in frustration. It had soon become very clear to Ludwiga that the young woman that she was to play the role of wingman for was of short temperament.

"Oh, that's a bit harsh, don't you think?" Juliane seemed to deflect the supposed insult from Avis and continued. "It's okay, I know you don't really mean it, you're just embarrassed is all."

Ludwiga could hear the sounds of Avis's teeth grinding together in frustration but she felt that it would be best to not make her voice known very much in such instances. She had come to learn some of her new squad members and how long they have served together and the things they accomplished as air infantry witches, but she knew barley a fraction of who they were and what lives they had before becoming military witches.

Oberstleutnant Liusadh's voice rolled forth with a firm, commanding presence: "Achtung![2] That's quite enough: keep your eyes scanning the horizon and the sky's for any hostile forces. We are elite air infantry of the Fatherland; we must maintain vigilance against our old enemy. Shore yourselves and act like professionals already. Schell![3]"

"Understood mamm." Avis responded reproachfully and falling silent.

Further along in the formation Hildireth had Ivvone serving as her wingman. The younger girl was trying to keep pace with the older air infantry sniper in the flight formation, and to her credit she was certainly flying with some degree of competency. Ludwiga was able to keep up as well, having learned what she needed in basic training as an air infantry witch. She realized the importance of maintaining cruising speeds while in flight, ensuring that she was able to keep up with her flight while also ensuring consumption of her stamina and magical reserves did not exceed their thresholds unnecessarily unless contact with the enemy was made, which in turn facilitated the need to approach combat speeds and manuvers, and thus demanded a bit more expenditure of magical energy which precipitated expending her stamina magically: she learned that object lesson during mock battles in basic training.

Up ahead of her, Ludwiga could see Bathild flying alongside Allyson. Bathild hummed softly as she smoked her cigarette while in flight. "It's quiet so far... though I get the feeling that might change, I can feel it in my bones. It's only a matter of time before the enemy show's themselves. They always do." Bathild drew another puff in her cigarette. It was a habit that Ludwiga didn't like all that much: people who smoked often had a very harsh, unpleasant ashen and tar smell that pierced her nostrils. She tried earlier to tell Bathild that such a habit was beneath the Hauptmann but the older girl simply stated that it was a way for her to ease her nerves and take solace in, and it was a vice she wasn't about to give up so it seemed.

Allyson shook her head in bemusement, a confident smile on her face. "Aren't you far too young to be this cynical Hauptmann? Where's your glowing smile and idealism, finding that silver lining in life?"

"Not here, obviously." Bathild's response was dryly delivered. Clearly it seemed she was one who held a less than glowing outlook on life. "Life is a struggle Allyson, tribulation and pain: the Neruoi are proof enough of that; they are oft a source of it. And it's our job to deal with it, such as it is." Ludwiga couldn't help but find Bathulds dour, jaded outlook to be very depressing.

Allyson however didn't seem fazed by the Hauptmann's rather spirit dampening statements, if anything it made her more confident. "How very cynical of you, that's no good at all, holding onto those kinds of thoughts like that. What you need is a nice, strong, decisive man to hold you in his arms and whisper sweet nothing's into your ear and warm your heart. It would help make you much more happy dear Bathuld. I know I would sure like to have a strong young man to boost my morale."

"I'm sure you would." came Bathild's flat reply. To say the least Ludwiga was at a bit of a loss at seeing herself how her squad mates interacted with each other; in truth it wasn't at all what she would have expected veteran military witches of the fatherland to behave. Then again, she reasoned that they had to have been exceptional soldiers in battle for them to hold the claim of being a veteran mechanized air infantry unit. What's more she had hoped to help her unit any way she could: she had asked her unit shortly after takeoff from her father's base about what became of the two witches that she and Ivvone were meant to replace.

As it turned out from the other girl's explanations was that one of their old members was an older girl than the rest of her unit, and due to this older girl not only being in several aggressive raids in the inter war years and even being tasked to test a few newer striker unit's that were untested models... combined with her exceptionally old age for a young woman in mechanized air infantry; she wound up expending her magical fidelity to the point where her magic shield was no longer able to provide any protection for herself. Because of this she had to retire from active, frontline duty; forced to move on to other work in the military or having to face the potential reality of returning to civilian life.

The second girl meanwhile has seriously injured in an accident; the witch in question was known for very brave and masterful but risky air combat manoeuvre's including flying dangerously close or even between tree lines while in combat. Such tactics were high risk but high reward against enemy Rätsel, or as the old enemy was now being called; "Neruoi", air unit's but her last battle had pushed past the girls limits and luck, resulting in a serious crash that involved herself and two neuroi air unit's that ended when the trio crashed into trees mid battle; with the two neuroi killed and the young witch nearly joining them. Ludwiga feared that this squad mate she and Ivvone were replacing had joined her enemy in death, but she was told that she barely survived the crash... but her wounds were much too severe and didn't heal properly since it took time for her unit to find a medical witch. It was thanks to those debilitating wounds and the time it took until a witch medic could be found to heal her that she would no longer be able to fly the sky's as air infantry; though Ludwiga was glad to hear that the girl survived, she did feel saddened by the fact this girl, whom she never met, could no longer fly. She knew the wonderful feeling of being able to fly the sky's upon steel wings pushed by her magic: the thought of no longer being able to fly the beautiful blue skies as one of the chosen witches was one that disheartened her. Even now it was a concern to her that weighed on her mind, wondering what threats or potential injury she and the other girls would have to face in their patrol.

Such thoughts were interrupted at sound of Geli speaking calmly. "Oberstleutnant, I sense an enemy presence". Though her voice sounded quite tired, there was an undertone of severity in the voice of the Nachthexen. Looking to the girl Ludwiga could see the night fighting witches familiar's ear's and tail give the occasional brief twitch.

Much like the rest of her squad Ludwiga's body stiffened at the report: her squad was close to making contact with the enemy. Her eye's cast down to her weapon: she gave her Kar98k a quick one over in preparation for the upcoming fight, providing they could pinpoint the enemy's location. This would be her first trial through fire, her first combat. She hoped she would be able to meet the enemy and defeat them. Zita was on her back and in her bag, giving her quiet support while unseen. This is it, the enemy has finally shown themselves... it my chance to prove myself.

"How many have we made contact with Geli?" Liusadh asked the unit's night witch, pulling back the charging handle of her MG30[4]. "If you're able, can you tell me their exact location?"

There was a moment's pause as the older girl seemed to try and focus herself calmly, trying to focus her power and detect exactly where the enemy was. Ludwiga could see Geli close her eye's so she can focus and calm her senses... no easy feat for witches to detect Neuroi. "Hmm... several. I'm unsure of the exact number but... I sense a presence, several in fact: I'm sure of that much. Three, four... maybe even five, or at least I think."

Avis sighed. "Are you sure that that's all there is?"

The ears and tail of her familiar twitched as she tried to detect the enemy's presence further, but an uncertain look rested upon her face."I can't say for sure. I'm sorry." came Geli's meek reply.

Bathild grunted, preparing her MG08/15. "It was only a matter of time, looks like another fight on our hands."

Ivvone looked to the older girls in the fifth staffel with a bewildered look. "W-what do we do now?" she asked, her voice somewhat shaky.

Allyson simply smiled. "Why we fight of course, we are soldier's after all, and the fatherland's finest; so to meet and engage the enemy is the order of the day."

"I-I'll do my best!" Ludwiga declared with as much bravery as she could muster. Though despite her words Ludwiga couldn't help but compare both herself and her weapon to Hildireth and her own. The size of the Panzerbüchse35 [5] in Hildireth's hands would have been heavy enough for a normal man to struggle with carrying: but in the hands of a witch, the large anti-armor rifle was no more heavier than a conventional bolt action rifle. But more importantly a weapon of such prodigious size was itself able to implement the use of a equally large round; which meant more magic mass outputted and energy focused into the round and in turn meant more penetrating, destructive power against Neruoi air units. ... though as it was Ludwiga's Karbiner98k was the weapon she was assigned. Despite her training she still felt unsure of the Karbiner 98k in her grasp... but perhaps against the approaching enemy she could prove herself able to wield her rifle well. She didn't know why... but not even Zita's presence in her kit bag was bringing her ease of mind now that the enemy was now soon to show themselves with ill intent.

Liusadh turned to her squad while on the wing, her eye's cautioning Ludwiga and the other girls of her unit. "Watch yourselves ladies: keep your eyes open for those metal wretches."

The Fifth staffle scanned the sky's for the enemy, eyes shifted left, right, up to the heavens and down to the ground, gazes occasionally lingering on the occasional cloud in case the vile aliens were using them for cover. Seconds ticked by. Than a minute had come and gone. Than another minute had passed. Time wore on and Ludwiga could feel her nervousness and unease grow. Where are they? We know they are out here but where? They ARE out here... aren't they? But where, where could they be?! No matter how hard she tried to look or where she looked Ludwiga couldn't seem to find them.

After another minute passes however Hildireth 's voice rings out. "Their! Contact two- o-clock high. Looks like five Moth[6] class scout fighters, five Laro's and two Rallo's mixed in with a couple dozen drones."

Ludwiga could finally see the enemy air units in the distance, the Moth's classes in particular were easy to identify; twin winged air unit's that moved at a fairly modest pace were flying in a very loose yet synchronized formation. They were flanked by a pair of Rallo's; light fighter class neuroi and both these neuroi were joined by the tubular sleeker Laro's and surrounded by a few drones of some kind, mostly consisting of sphere shaped drone unit's. They had considerable numbers, but they were not very formidable unit's in a fight, at least not against your average witch unit. Against an elite unit filled primarily with veteran witches these particular aliens would serve no more of a threat than that of a simple fly.

Liusadh's voice spoke a commanding tone of an experienced officer of the Karlsland Luftwaffe. "So they finally have showed themselves. Fifth Staffel: Alpha formation, adopt full combat speed and prepare to engage when ready. Let us drive these curs out of our airspace. Los![7]"

With a unified response in the affirmative to their unit commander, Ludwiga surged towards the enemy alongside her comrades. They begun adopting Alpha formation while in flight to their enemy, a basic unit tactic that Ludwiga was very familiar with back in training: allied witches with machine guns, automatic rifles and other close range weapons moved to assault and flank the enemy from multiple directions, often time in ever increasing waves of air infantry that struck quickly and passed the enemy with another witch taking the place of the previous attacking allies and attacking in turn, while air infantry snipers and long range support hung back, ascending or descending to get good acquisition of targets and striking the enemy from afar, supporting the assaulters and flankers. As she was technically a sniper given the sort of weapon she used, Ludwiga halted her advance, ascended about thirty feet, holding back in the formation and acquiring a target: a mere Moth that was a bit on the edge of the enemies formation from the others; it was flying about 100 yards from her position, six o-clock low.

She debated taking the shot now, but thanks to her uncertainly she reconsidered, waiting for the assaulting members of her unit to catch the enemy flatfoot, hit their numbers hard and allow her to pick off the rest as they were sent reeling from the attack of her allies.

Once the Oberstleutnant's weapon came to life, the weapons of the rest of the Fifth Staffel did the same, the assaulting witches raked the formation with weapons fire. A few of the drones were destroyed very easily, and at the destruction of half the drones the rest of their kin bleated and scattered, trying it seemed to retaliate. Incoming enemy fire spat at the 5th Staffel but shields raised and the few errant, blackened bullets and the odd beam of the Neruoi air unit's were blocked, though the beams did surprise her: neruoi hadn't really used beams until relatively recently.

Ludwiga's crosshairs followed the Moth that she had targeted. The Moth's were well known for being a plodding, slow, and fragile air unit to fight. Matter of fact they were known for going off in flames upon being shot most of the time, so she figured it would be an easy kill. She maintained her sight picture, aimed at her target despite shaky hands due to nerves of her first combat, not helped at all by the fact the Moth was now apparently alert of it's surroundings. Despite her sweaty, shaky hands she fired.

But her shot didn't strike true.

The Moth banked hard, avoiding the shot with turning radius Ludwiga didn't expect. She cycled the bolt firmly as she could and tried to make another shot, looking down the scope of her rifle to sight her target. The shot went wide once a second time, this time her finger jerked back on the trigger instead of squeezing it, fouling her aim. "Ah!" She tried another shot, trying to aim down the scope but she missed once more.

She stole a quick glance at the battle occurring around her and saw that the rest of the 5th Staffel were far ahead of her in performance: Liusadh had destroyed a couple more drones and a Rallo's, and Avis shot down three more drones and the other Rallo's while their wingmen kept them covered from neuroi flanking attacks.

What's wrong with me?! I have to do better than this! I'm a soldier of the fatherland; I can't afford to be fighting at such a disgraceful level. She tried to fire her Karbiner 98k again... but again, it was another miss... it seemed that her unsteady hands made trying to attack at such range next to impossible to land a solid hit on the enemy. The Moth jukes and turns around so it now had the chance to retaliate Ludwiga's attempts to destroy it.

She shakily aims her weapon again and fires quickly, but again she misses. Trying to snipe while flying is proving to be a daunting task for the young witch, despite her best efforts. As she's trying to take aim again however the alien explodes in a rain of shards while it was in the middle of its turn. Ivvone fly's into view, cheering in a combination of excitement and surprise at having scored her first kill in combat.

"I've got it: I shot it down!" Ivvone called out to the girls.

"Not bad, but there's still more of them to deal with: it looks like these things are trying to make a run from the battlefield; let's finish them off before they try and escape." Geli cautioned, pursuing a cluster of three drones trying to escape her.

Ludwiga tried to scan her surroundings to find another target. What good would she be as a military witch if she couldn't even shoot a single alien, and mere drones and a simple Moth at that. If they escaped than these aliens would harass and hurt people; civilians and soldier alike She couldn't afford to sink into incompetence. Their! Another Moth! I have to destroy it! I have to do better than this; people are counting on me! She focused again on her target, then fired. She saw the Moth class's form jolt and wobble, making a surprised, yet warped vocalisation: her shot was barely even a graze. She was about to fire again, but before she pulled the trigger she realized she had fired off five rounds: her weapon was empty. "Ah! My weapon, I have to reload it!" She glanced to her combat webbing, drawing a stripper clip of five rounds from one of her pouches.

Just as she was starting to reload she heard a voice ring out! "Watch it above you, rookie! " Juliane cried out.

"Huh!?" Ludwiga looked skyward and saw a flight of drones descending upon her from high above her. She wasn't even aware of them. The red space on the sides facing her glowed a angry red: they were about to attack her! She bleated as they fired a barrage of beam light at her: deadly glowing red light that arced from her enemy to try and scorch her small body. She brought up her shield on reflex, the Neruoi beams smacking into her protective magical barrier. She had heard that some of the Neruoi were developing newer tactics and weapons; the energy beams were a newer development the past two years. It was harrowing, hearing how deadly "heat rays" would scorch and burn all that it touched, and cleaving through men and vehicles like a hot knife through butter.

But these Neruoi beams hit a bit hard at her shield. A sudden jolt from a hit to her shield shook her hard enough that she felt her stripper clip of ammo fall from her hand, tumbling to the ground below. "No!" She was helpless without her rifle, and the enemy still descended upon her to either fly past her to intimidate her, which was already working as her heart was beating quickly in a tempo of stark fear , or even to try and crash into her; an even more frightening thought. She remembered her pistol, but though she tried to draw it to take the enemy at close range her hands were shaking so much she couldn't find herself drawing it easily from her holster.

Just as the drones were a mere twenty feet from her automatic gunfire raked into the drones metal hides, the alien's forms sent into a death spin and then exploding into a shower of glowing white shards. "What in the name of the gods are you doing you stupid kid?" Avis demanded passing Ludwiga as the barrel of her MG34 was glowing red and smoking at having destroyed the enemy that Ludwiga was previously at the mercy of. "This isn't a training exercise! Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" she demanded, then continued on towards a pack of Laro's.

"I...I dropped my clip. I'm sorry."

"Ugh! Useless!" Avis spat in disgust, firing at the new wing of enemies, felling three more of the enemy aliens, and flying with exceptional skill.

"Are you okay, Ludwiga? You aren't hurt, are you?" Ivvone asked worriedly, such concern from her friend was at least small comfort to her, but only just.

"N-no, I'm not hurt." But her thoughts were plaguing her. How is it that I can be so useless. I've drilled with my rifle since basic and yet I haven't improved... why do I struggle so? This shouldn't be so hard: I'm one of the chosen! Why can't I perform my duties?! These beams... they were a recent development of the enemies technological abilities to wage war against mankind. Some men and witches have already had to face such a terrifying new alien weapon; though for Ludwiga it was now her first time facing it. And as it was she was performing inadequately: not acceptable standard at all.

Allyson managed to kill some of the Laro's flying high, though the rest were trying to break engagement. "Looks like they're running. Come on short stuff, we need you in this fight."

Even Bathild 's voice spoke coldly over the radio. "Come on then, as pitiful as it is, you can either be a cog crushing steel or meat for the grinder to chew up. So choose Fieldwebel: are you a cog or are you meat?"

Those words bit into her harshly, and alas she felt even worse now. She reached again for a stripper clip of ammunition from a one of her pockets on her tunic. She shakily loaded her rifle, the sounds of battle continued but they were starting to wane a little. The occasional sounds of Neruoi bursting into shards as they were killed continued to fill her ears. She found the Moth class again, aiming and firing at the flying alien to destroy it, but her jangled nerves, her haste in firing and the fact she struggled to stay in stable, level hovering flight meant that her bullet missed, again and again. The Moth was flying evasively as it seemed to be trying to escape, but it's maneuver's in evasion were seemingly quite relaxed, and it had gained a great deal of distance, becoming little more than an ever shrinking speck against the tree line.

Even our enemy mocks me and my failings! To Ludwiga such behaviour from her supernatural foe was like rubbing salt in a wound. How can I possibly be a Karsland knight if I can't even inspire fear in our enemy?

Ludwiga was about to fire another shot but a strong hand pushed down her weapon. It was Liusadh. "Cease firing. This fight is over, we destroyed most of them; the rest are in full retreat. At that range and with them being so close to their lines there's no point wasting ammo to shoot them down or expend energy to chase them." She looked from Ludwiga to the ever shrinking silhouettes of the enemy units into the distance. "Let them return to the Miasma; if they return; we will catch them."

Ludwiga's heart grew heavy, filling with a heavy guilt. "B-but..." She felt herself crumple emotionally as her squad gathered around her and her unit commander. She wanted a chance to redeem herself, to try again. Even though her hands still shook... but even she knew, despite hope to the contrary, that such pleadings would be futile.

"But that was a Moth class: next to Rallo's those are one of the easiest Neruoi to shoot down!" Avis interrupted and cast an admonishing glare at the young Fieldwebile, chastising her with every word. "And yet you couldn't even damage it, much less kill it; what kind of weak rookie did they send us?! Even your friend managed to kill one or two of those things: much more of a contribution than I could say for you! And damn it your the daughter of a general AND from a supposedly big wig military family, are you not?! How the hell is it you're even here?! How can you be so useless?!"

Geli and Allyson both sighed heavily, while Bathild merely shook her head in disappointment, watching as the Moth class eventually disappeared over the horizon. "To let small fry like that get away... I don't think the muddy, bloody life of a soldier is for you kid... if you couldn't handle a mere Moth; there would be zero chance for you to survive against enemy's bigger, stronger units. They will kill you, with ease and without even batting an eye, if they had any to begin with." she stated simply.

"I can sense them getting further away... back to their lines." Hildireth stated. "Maybe they were scouting the region. No doubt they got something to report back on to their kin. Shame we couldn't get them all..."

Ludwiga looked to Liusadh who seemed more disappointed than annoyed or even angry. Somehow that made the young witch of the Krupke line feel even worse. "I...I'm sorry..." Ludwiga apologized pathetically. She had failed to assist and support her squad, and her performance would reflect both on her military and her family name. I don't understand... I've been given the best training the Fatherland has to offer...why then am I so weak... why am I so useless?!

Juliane flew up closer to Ludwiga, trying to put on an encouraging face. "H-hey now, there will be another day, who knows; maybe if you cross paths with that Moth again you will be able to take it down next time?"

Liusadh scratched the back of her head and then looked to the 5th Staffel, giving her orders. "Alright, continue patrol but keep your senses sharp: they may return and we may find enemy infiltrators besides the remnants of those weaker air class Neuroi. Don't let your guards down ladies; move out and follow me... we have a patrol to finish." Despite her orders she gave a look to Ludwiga that was unreadable yet somehow disquieting.

At that the girls gave a response in the affirmative and followed their commander, but Ludwiga hovered idly, with Ivvone hovering close beside her. "Are you okay?" Ivvone's voice rang of concern for her, but Ludwiga said nothing, she couldn't bear to speak after such a shameful display of ineptitude in combat. Ivvone reached out a hand to her, which Ludwiga considered for a moment until she found it in herself to finally take it, her eye's still cast shamefully to the ground bellow. "It'll be okay...come on, let's go." Ivvone was trying to consol her... but Ludwiga couldn't help but feel shame. She was a soldier duty bound to destroy humanities most dangerous enemy and yet she lost precious ammunition, couldn't even shoot down one of the Neruoi's weakest units, and worst of all she failed to provide proper support for her comrades. Though she flew hand in hand with Ivvone for most of the patrol, it gave her little comfort; her thoughts the rest of the flight were of the fight and her shameful performance.

The thought of if her princess of fantasy and dreams were to see her now... was the most crushing shame yet of all.


"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

"Nuh, uh."

"It's okay... it was our first battle after all... I was only able to kill two myself. You don't need to keep it bottled up to yourself... if you need someone to talk to I'd be happy to listen."

Ludwiga simply sat in her chair, her eye's cast down on her meal; Goulash, Karlsland issue bread made by the bases bread baking company staff, some fruit and a glass of water. She took occasional spoonful of her Goulash, though it usually eased her emotions; her favorite food and normally effective comfort food was not helping her like it normally would. She felt too guilt ridden at her failings in battle to find comfort. Despite Ivvone's attempts non of her words of encouragement were lifting Ludwiga's spirits.

Dietrich was at the table with them, having heard of the events of the battle and Ludwiga's difficulty in her first fight. He looked to Ludwiga with a look of reassurance. "Ludwiga, there is no shame in fear; every soldier has felt afraid when in battle. If it's any consolation even I have felt afraid trying to fight against the Neruoi, especially when I was thrown into my first battle. I could barely keep my hands from shaking. That was a terrifying experience, so it's only natural." He said consolingly. "Take heart: I know you tried your best today."

"I know, but... my unit still needed me to help support them in the battle... the enemy were air unit's that should have been easy to manage. Even the Moths, the weakest of the Neruoi's scouts should be the easiest of prey for a witch to take." Ludwiga shook her head, a grim and sullen look on her face. "And yet I couldn't even destroy one of the weakest of the enemies air units... how could I look my comrades or my family in the eye knowing that? How can I expect to bring honor to the name of witch with such a display?" Ludwiga scooped a few slow spoonfuls of her Goulash, than timidly reaching for and taking a bite of her bread.

"But your being too hard on yourself." Ivvone countered. "It was only a single battle, and it's far too early for you to lose heart now; you'll get better and become more confident eventually. You only need a little time." Ludwiga wanted to believe those words, but she held doubt in herself and the truth of the matter. She didn't reply, merely continued to solemnly eat her meal. Ivvone and Dietrich both gave each other a concerned look that Ludwiga only barely noticed but didn't respond to. They too continued to eat their meals in silence.

The mess hall was busy and bustling with soldiers of all kinds, getting their meals, eating their assorted meals or finishing up; each man a well vaunted fighting man of the fatherland, ready to face the alien menace. The 5th Staffel sat two tables away: eating their own meals; lavish and bountiful compared to the meals that many of the men ate. Ludwiga recalled one theory that was passed by some of the men in the ranks that due to the many sacrifices, threats, dangerous and demands of their roles as mechanized air infantry and mechanized armored infantry fighting against a threat of the Neruoi and the risks of serious injury or even death that the young maidens of magic deserved to eat the best food possible is one up to debate and at best conjecture. Or at least it is a theory that could be partially valid. The truth that she was told by her instructors back in basic was officially, and more accurately, a twofold reason. In part the reasoning for witches to eat such better quality of food was that witches, being humanities vital trump card, was that they needed the best creature comforts that could be provided to ensure their comfort and enforce positive mental and emotional states between sorties, but primarily it was also to ensure that the dietary needs of the witches were properly met to the greatest capacity possible: given that a witches expenditure of energy and expenditure of magic and the drain on a witches stamina it caused during battle or rigorous training excursuses, it meant the energy for a witches body that was expended had to be replenished; and a witch could expend a lot of energy during battle, even more so when liberally using their magic abilities. Though conventional MRE's could reasonably satiate a witches hunger, they might not necessarily satisfy a witches nutritional needs and as a result may not completely replenish a witches expended stamina fast enough.

But more importantly in Ludwiga's mind the 5th Staffel were veteran mechanized air infantry. They were witches who had not only been well trained and disciplined but were above all seasoned combat veterans with as many as several dozen or even a hundred battles, skirmishes, missions and combat encounters under their belts. Individually they were exceptional, and could accomplish great feats of aerial combat, endure troublesome enemies single handily and could endure a greater period of time in a combat compared to lesser combat witches. Together as a unit these girls that Ludwiga so greatly idolized could accomplish the infeasible, or almost even beat the borderline impossible odds; capable of destroying massive, singular alien air units that would otherwise lay waste to whole cities and army companies designated to defending them, or even the destruction of an entire fleet of warships in but mere moments. They could brave entire waves of drones without easily succumbing to fatigue and they were able to hold the line and inspire the men with heroic acts of courage and valor; enough to make some of the soldiers think they can endure anything the enemy brought to bear against them, so long as the Luft frau[8] and Panzer frau stood beside them on the firing line.

But even Ludwiga knew that to accomplish such feats a unit's witches had to be at their best; and a weakness of one of the witches meant a weakness in the whole unit's combat capabilities. A deficit in one of its members meant a deficit in all, and thus meant that it's missions likelihood of success was lowered and the survival of individuals and of unit were in ever increasing jeopardy. Ludwiga studied enough of military life and of military stratagem and tactics to know this to be an inescapable truth.

And worse still; she was the squad member in deficit. Deep in the core of her being she felt Wächter trying to comfort her when these thoughts and concerns entered her mind but she felt that ignoring and disregarding these facts would be akin to foolish negligence and denial to herself. Though she appreciated her familiars attempts, she didn't feel that she was deserving of having her guilt so easily absolved.

Suddenly, a look of realisation crosses Dietrich's features, he looked down to his wrist that carried a beige faced wrist watch with brown leather strap and the Karlsland iron cross displayed on the face. "Ah, that's right: I'll have to take care of the 5th Staffel's requisitions and supply orders. My CO's have been giving me so many duties to take care of I've almost lost track. It's been much overdue for your unit to receive the supplies and equipment that you need." His eyes shift to his food tray. "Well, I'm finished eating now, no time like the present to take care of that very important errand."

Ludwiga noticed Ivvone look to her as Deitrich stood up from the table with food tray in hand. She had a sudden look of thought, which quickly turned into a suspicious grin that Ludwiga found difficult to gauge. "Ah Deitrich, you did say that the 5th Staffel tried to get their supplies before, correct?"

Detrich pondered that question momentarily before nodding. "Yes, they did make requests and filled out requisitions orders, but they never seemed to get what they needed, or even any help to begin with save some trifling bare essentials. I heard a few times that the supply officer may have even outright refused to even help them, which to me sounds troubling if it's true... though I don't know why any supply officer would act in such a way to a witch unit but I intend to change that no matter the reason. You Luft Frau need and are deserving of proper supply if your to continue to perform properly, anything less is shameful."

Ivvone turned to Ludwiga, her grin widening into a smile. "Perhaps you can take Ludwiga with you; maybe hearing a request from the daughter of the 3rd Assault Corps Commander would be enough to light a fire under their feet to get what we need."

Ludwiga looked to Ivvone in shock and desperately shakes her head in panic. "Nien! Nien! I'd only get in Dietrich's way! I've already been burdensome for our unit; I can't burden our liaison with my incompetence!"

Dietrich however wore a hopeful smile at Ivvones suggestion. "Actually, maybe that could help us. I can't really imagine anyone refusing the General's daughter. I'm sure if you came along it could help warm their hearts and convince them of the importance of those supplies."

Ludwiga looked to the young liaison with an uneasy look, she could feel reservation at the prospect of accompanying Dietrich in his errand. Ivvone looked to her with an look of urging encouragement and patted her on the back. "It's a great idea. Well... go along than, this isn't the time for cold feet after all." She than leaned close to Ludwiga's ear and whispered silently. "Besides; I'm sure if you find your princess that she will become smitten at seeing how brave and dutiful you are."

Ludwiga blushed, she looked first to Ivvones encouraging smile and then to Dietrichs.

She was about to consider wither or not she really should go but she than heard the voice of her familiar echo in her mind, a voice like that of a noble, honorable knight of old. "Fear not, there is no task too great for you to overcome." Wächter's voice was heard infrequently, and when he did speak it usually was short. Yet her familiars voice was strong, proud and self-assured; the Karsland Sheppard spirit possessing a very strong, commanding presence that made himself known... even for a familiar spirit. But besides that; he was Ludwiga's partner and silent support; the bridge that strengthened her connection to the ether and easily assured the ease of access to the raw magical energies of the world. Most of all: he was her friend, bound to her until either death of either herself or him or the waning and eventual ending of her body's ability to draw on either from the world around her. Having heard Wächter's words of encouragement; it helped ease some of the self doubt in her heart, not all of it, but it dispelled enough to help her stand from her seat and go to Deitrich's side.

Dietrich seemed to be very happy at seeing Ludwiga join him, much to her surprise. Ivvone waved to the two of them as they both made their way through the hall, passing various soldiers and base personnel as they did so. Some of the men passed were fairly busy with their own affairs in the hustle and bustle but Ludwiga barely paid much mind. As she walked through the halls of the base with her unit's liaison her thoughts wandered to her father and the 3rd Assault. Her father's base and the 3rd Assault corps was her father's sacred pride, they were the end result of her father's long, illustrious and hard earned accomplishments in his career. She recalled stories from her mother and the servants to her family of her father's service as a mere enlisted soldier in his youth; eventually accomplishing non-commissioned ranks, becoming skilled in both tactics and leadership and even achieving a commission and seasoned service as an officer before at last becoming a general. She remembered her father's words that which he spoke of his accomplishments, his Corps and even his men whom he considered most of them to be akin to that like his own flesh and blood Falk and Denis; much like his own sons. She had also heard of how her father was very much a career soldier like that of his own father before him. What struck her as curious however was that despite hearing this much about her grandfather, her family otherwise spoke little of him, which struck her as being rather strange.

But such thoughts soon passed and she found herself thinking of Dietrich. She considered him for a moment as they walked together. He seemed a very good man of decent morals and commendable character. Though Ludiwga had always sought to find a beautiful princess to one day call her own, to love, to cherish, to protect... she found herself finding the young liaison to be very handsome. Yet she had yet to know much about him. Someone as handsome, kind and noble as him... she couldn't help but wonder if he was of noble birth. Her curiosity only grew with each passing moment, till at last she timidly found it in herself to ask him.

"Dietrich... um... I was wondering if I can ask about... um... are you a man of nobility? Someone like you surely must be a noble prince."

Dietrich turned in surprise to the suggestion Ludwiga presented him, than he laughed with embarrassment. "A-a prince? I'm flattered that heer Frau Krupke thinks I'm a man of noble birth, b-but truthfully; I'm afraid I'm little more than a mere commoner."

It was Ludwiga's turn to be surprised. "R-really Dietrich? T-then, may I ask about your life... y-your... family? That is... if it's okay for me to ask..."

Dietrich nodded. "Well, I'm not sure that it would really be all that interesting to you, heer Frau Krupke... being the daughter of the General and all...but... I suppose since you asked; I was born in the Bavarian country side, my father the son of a long line of farmers and merchants, and my mother an avid baker. My Mother, she makes her own bread, using her own baking method and recipes with her own baking oven. And father always tilled the land, mostly growing crops though we also had a few livestock that we took care of. I always tried to help mother with baking and father with the crops growing up. Both my parents, they are salt of the earth people... " A moments look of hesitation came across Dietrich's face, but such a look didn't last for long and he returned to a smiling face. "I know that it isn't at all exciting or prestigious... but they are hard working and very friendly people, my parents. My mother would always greet guests with lovely meals and her well cooked breads, pretzels, pies and cakes. And father often enjoyed flavorful dinners, song and wine. My parents knew well the importance and meaning of hospitality. To welcome guests into your home was to welcome them into the family, to share our lives with them and to share with them a warm meal, a warm room and a warm heart. It's to welcome them into our lives as someone whom we can share lives and bonds with. It was something that both mother and father had taught me, even as a small boy; and even now, as silly as I know it must seem... I still believe it to be true."

Ludwiga couldn't help but smile. To hear of Dietrich's family and the kind of people they were, part of her felt that it would be nice to meet them. The life that Dietrich once lived back at home with his family sounded like a very busy and difficult life in its own right, but still... she couldn't help but feel that it sounded nice all the same. Such a life sounded... so much simpler...

It wasn't much longer until both Ludwiga and Dietrich arrived at the supplies and requisitions office. They both approached the supply officer, a Hauptmann[9], who seemed to be taking inventory of supplies with the aid of a Obergefreiter[10]. The Hauptmann, a rather gruff looking and monotone sounding man, was shifting through boxes and shelves of various supplies while his eyes remained steadfast on the various supplies and the shelves and containers they resided in, listing them off while the young Obergefreiter hastily confirmed items on the list in the clipboard in his hands with a check mark.

The supply officer had finished rattling off the total quantity of field stoves, blankets and tongue depressors when Dietrich greeted both men warmly. "Ah, Hauptmann! Obergefreiter. I'm glad that you are both here; I'm sorry to trouble you but I need your help with supplies procurement and requisition."

"102 Entrenching tools..."The Obergefreiter dutifully checked off the item and it's quantity, then turned to both Deitrich and Ludwiga; the look on his face light up a bit but the smile settled into an uneasy look as his eyes shifted back to the Hauptmann. How strange . Ludwiga thought silently. Without turning to look to Dietrich the supply officer spoke in a stiff monotone, moving towards one a box on one of the shelves. "May I ask who exactly you might be, soldier? The Obergefreiter and I am quite busy as you can quite see."

Dietrich continued. "Ah, yes; I am Soldat Dietrich Wiess, Strumtruppen of the-

"Ah, a Strumtruppen, quite interesting indeed. What would you need solder? Toothpaste perhaps?"A tone of mild amusement laced its way into the Hauptmann 's voice but Ludwiga couldn't be sure that his tone was genuine sincerity, light ribbing or merely mocking.

"No sir..." Dietrich replied uneasily. "I was actually here to make a requisition for-"

"Bed linen's: 209." The supply officer interrupted again , moved to another shelf and tapping a box with a studious look. "24 helmets and only 12 gloves; we're short; we need to get restocked on helmets and gloves. I swear, how we can have such a deficit in gloves is beyond me." The man than continued speaking as he moved to a nearby crate with the Corporal making a note in the clip board. Ludwiga was finding the supply officer to be very rude, and the more he disregarded Dietrich the ruder he seemed to come across. "If you, a friend or your unit are in need of supplies it will have to depend on for who and what you want. If you need necessities I'll try and supply the party in need with what we have providing we have it; if we haven't what we need in our supply stock I can try and scrounge something from another unit or requisition it from command but there will be a wait period to find it and get it shipped. If it's luxuries you're after than I can't guarantee you'll get it; though if you have anything worth trading I can see what I can dig up. As for Contraband, well..."

Despite not being looked at Dietrich shook his head. "N-no sir, it's nothing like that; I'm here regarding unit requisitions for essentials, equipment, and munitions." To Ludwiga's confusion the Obergefreiter gives a nervous look and shakes his head; a reaction that Ludwiga found mystifying. Dietrich takes a deep breath. "I'm the Liaison-"

The Hauptman's head snapped up from one of the boxes on the shelf to Dietrich quite suddenly. "A Liaison? Liaison for who-" The Hauptman's eye's shifted from Dietrich to Ludwiga in surprised realisation. Realisation than turned to ire for reasons Ludwiga didn't understand; it was a similar look that her father had frequently given her. "Liaison to the witch unit?!" he demanded incredulously, his accusatorily tone making her flinch reflexively.

Dietrich, seemingly just as perplexed at the man's reaction as Ludwiga was, continued despite the apparent sour look and even more sour words of the supply officer. "That's correct; I'm the Liaison for the 5th Staffle . They are desperately in serious need of essentials: they require new equipment and maintenance tools and parts for basic weapon upkeep, live munitions and training rounds, new striker components as well as some basic enmities for health, hygiene and general comfort. Is it possible to get what they need from supply, or at least requisitioned if they aren't in storage supply and armory storage? Our Frauline need to be at their best to meet the enemy in battle."

The Hauptman scoffed and spoke with mild condescension. "Oh, I'm sure that they need their makeup, their infernal fashion magazines and their dollies as well soldat? Surely those girls can make do with what they already have; or are they simply too delicate to be separated from their creature comforts for a few days?"

Ludwiga felt her mouth promptly drop in complete shock at what the man had just said. I... I thought people loved the witches... why would he say something like that?! Dietrich must have been just as shocked because she heard him stutter, flabbergasted at the vitriolic torrent the man sent towards him. The younger clerk behind the Hauptman could only cringe, a look of clear discomfort at the older man's veiled ire.

Dietrich tried to regain his nerve. "B-but, Hauptman that is an unfair and cruel thing to say: they are our witches! Our comrades! Our frauline of magic! They need us to support them as much as we need them to support us!" he countered.

The Haumptman's face turned a bit firmer and his voice more serious. "Listen Soldat, the silly girls have no real place fighting upon the field; even with their magic a women is still a tender creature at heart; how much nerve do you think they can really muster." He then turned to Ludwiga "Hell, most of them are children to boot, and she is by far the youngest child I have seen yet. A mere child in uniform; ridiculous. Did command become so desperate for witches that they drew her from an elementary school playground?! She'd be likely to lose the equipment and gear we assign her or even damage it. And don't get me started on performance in battle. What can one little girl really do against the enemy?"

Though the latter accusation bit deep into her heart, having remembered the loss of a clip of ammo in her first combat encounter, Ludwiga still couldn't believe what she was hearing; but to the stinging of her ears at hearing such a thing it appeared so. A fellow soldier, a comrade, was telling her and Dietrich that she and the other girls; were not worthy to stand on the battlefield? Such a thing was inconceivable to the young witch; she had grown up on the tales and stories of witches before her. How they fought valiantly and bravely for mankind against monsters and demons of malevolent steel in eras long past. How they stood beside the conventional hero's of history and as the power that leaders oft relied on in carving out destinies. How they protected the world they loved and the people they cherished so deeply. To hear a man in uniform, a man who she thought would see her as comrade deriding and ridiculing humanities chosen maidens of magic was disquieting to her. Worse...it felt of stinging, bitter betrayal.

She looked to Dietrich, wondering what he thought of what the man just said to them both. But she sees the young solder's astonished face straighten into that of firmness, but there is a look behind his eyes that Ludwiga couldn't quite place. "With respect sir; I don't believe that you give our fräulein enough credit, credit they are just as deserving of as any man in uniform who performs his duty with valor. Our witches may be young women and even young girls; but that doesn't detract from their strength or their bravery or how competent they are or can be. They are our fräulein of magic after all; they have fought those aliens admirably, and their forbearers have done the same since times far gone into history; why would our modern Valkurie in uniform perform any less than their very best? There is nothing our beautiful angels cannot do!" His voice at first wavered for a moment but soon strengthened as he responded to the Haumptmens words, speaking with brave, firm conviction... perhaps even pride. To hear the young soldat defend the witches with such words of devotion and solidarity filled Ludwiga's heart with relief... she would almost dare say even warmth.

She saw the Haumptmen turn back to Dietrich with annoyance on his face. "So the propaganda and papers say soldat. It may be nice hearing the exploits of the "glorious witches"... but the common dog faces such as us are but mere foot notes, if we are made mention of at all. Even you, a Strumtruppen; your also as overlooked when placed beside the witches." He spoke over his shoulder to the company clerk. "Isn't that right Alwin?" The younger company clerk fumbled and stuttered hesitantly; not wanting to stand in support of his superiors thoughts and opinions but too nervous to speak counter to it either. The older man looked to his company clerk, lightly shaking his head, a groan of impatient derision escaping him as he turned back to Dietrich firmly."You can't honestly say your satisfied with that, being overshadowed by the bloomers of witches, mere women and children, even if they are the vaunted "chosen" of mankind? To be treated in such a way that is so insulting and thankless? That doesn't frustrate you in the slightest, soldat? I personally would find it at least somewhat irksome."

Dietrich shook his head. "We all have parts to play in this struggle against the Neruoi, herr Haumptmen; and each of us is vital in this mission of survival of our species wither it be a mere bread maker of the company bakery, the farmers plowing the fields, mechanics repairing vehicles, we soldiers holding the line or even our witches standing beside us as humanities ultimate shield and sword. To hold such petty grudges and divide ourselves over such trivial things is foolish; and only makes our true enemy stronger. You should know that we must stand together or fall alone before the maws of monsters that hound us at our gates." Dietrich took a breath, his face shifting to an urging expression. "So I must ask sir, please will you help me ensure that the 5th Staffle receives what they need. Wither it be equipment, weapons and striker parts, food or even any luxuries they may need to perform their duties and make their lives comfortable? They are fellow soldiers and thus they need as much support from us as we need of them".

"Even if that were the case, Soldat Weiss; do you realize the ends required to supply a witch unit of such things, even if given priority?" The Hauptman scathingly asked. "Especially for those lavish foods and luxuries that the witches units are known to partake in? It's a chore and a headache at times to try and get such creature comforts shipped in to begin with. We need to conserve resources and supplies should we ever find ourselves in a deficit of some kind. As far as I see it if the rest of us have to make do with what we have; it's time that those dainty little girls and children playing soldier do the same." He then waved off Dietrich dismissively. "If that is all soldat than I'd prefer being left to finish my work."

The entire time that little Ludwiga stood quietly, after hearing all that the Hauptman had said, how he clearly didn't want to help the 5th Staffle, her unit, her comrades, how he dismissed them, her and all of witch kind was not only inconceivable, but insulting. And even if he were an officer he couldn't speak in such a way to Dietrich, the Liason of the 5th Staffle; it was grossly unprofessional, undisciplined; the very antithesis of what it meant to embody as the very essence of a soldier of Karlsland. Having heard Dietrich's words and his fortitude at making his case to a superior officer who had forgotten himself... she could feel something deep in her heart; something that she never felt before; a feeling that was uncharacteristic of her... she felt moved and touched deeply by Dietrich's example... and she felt a scathing feeling fill the very core of her being; directed at this supply officer: a man who's rank sat far above that of her own but who's attitude and behaviour was beneath that of even a bore.

How could this man be so callous?! Dietrich is right; we are all in this together; we are comrades... all of us together fighting the Neruoi! What's the point of foolishly begrudging our brothers and sisters for such petty reasons. He's an officer: he should know better! How does he expect us to fight the enemy and protect everyone if we haven't what we need to do so?! How can he simply dismiss us and in doing so betray what it means to be a disciplined solider of Karsland worthy of the name? If my father knew of such insubordination and how this would reflect on his corps-!" It was than an idea; a moment of inspiration came to Ludwiga. Father... of course! This man is supposed to be one of my father's professional soldiers! A man of the 3rd Assault. It was then that Ludwiga felt something new awaken in her; a courage she never knew she had. As she craned her neck she looked up to the Hauptman's face, her eyes narrowing sharply like that of a hawk who found wild game to run down. She squared her shoulders, standing straight, tall and proud. Even though she didn't at all stand very tall in the slightest; she stood as disciplined as a soldier many years older than the child she actually was: as a soldier of the fatherland. The young Sergeant, despite her age, rank and the nervous chill that despite her new found courage still danced up and down her spine, found her voice and spoke commandingly. "Hauptman: I realize I am but a Sergeant and that heer Dietrich is but a soldat: however I must simply protest! The 5th Staffle's supplies and equipment are in dire need of replenishment; without which my unit cannot fight effectively or efficiently; the same would stand for any other military unit, much less a witch unit. In addition we require certain amenities and a small number of basic luxuries; we need such things to help recover ourselves between sorties and ensure our effectiveness as military witches; as a supply officer you know that a witch unit's upkeep and care of its mechanized air infantry and mechanized armored infantry is paramount to ensuring efficiency and success of the military unit in battle. And you also know that a witch needs to receive proper quantities and quality of food in order to replenish her strength, the stamina of her magic between missions and sorties fully and sufficiently; without thought to the plow than a soldier will fall to such a little thing as lacking even a single bite of bread and a sip of water. A witches dietary and nutritional needs must be met properly. It is your duty to ensure all the soldiers are taken care of and properly given proper supplies in food and equipment in order to perform to standard as the fatherlands proudest and most disciplined soldiers. Even more so if it's is us soldiers of magic. Do you not consider your duties to be important?"

The Hauptmann's eyes than shifted to Ludwiga. He only took a moment to look at her up and down before responding to her."A little ankle biter who's too big for her fancy bloomers than?" The man sneered derisively."Sergeant, do you really have the audacity to speak like that to a superior officer? Who do you really think you are, child? Who do think you talking to here?! I have half a mind to have you written up for insubordination towards a superior officer!"

"And do YOU realize who it is YOU'RE speaking to, heer Hauptmann?" Little Ludwiga countered with righteous indignation, than came to attention, her back straightened and spoke with firm authority. "I am Feldwebel Ludwiga Krupke of the Fifth Staffle; daughter of General Ekkard Krupke of the 3rd Assault Corps." She saw the older man's hostility falter completely at hearing her name revealed, immediately replaced with confusion, and a hint of fear as he began to stutter. She capitalized on this change in his emotion swiftly. "My father prides himself on the 3rd Assault and the men who serve in his corps. He takes great pride in the deportment of his men, and ensures they do their duties, to pull their weight and show utmost professionalism and bring honor to the name of both his corps and to the fatherland." The little witches voice than turned surprisingly ice cold and sharp like the blade of a knife forged in the frigged waters of the Antarctic, were Ludwiga not committing her focus to the task of speaking to the Hauptmann; she likely would have surprised herself at taking a tone she otherwise wouldn't even imagine taking to anyone, much less an officer who outranked her."Am I to understand that you would disregard your duties and responsibilities and besmirch the image, the very name of this corps and the men you call your brothers. It's one thing to say that to ensure a witch units requirements to being maintained and supplied is difficult; but it's quite another to deny such supply to begin with and not bothering to attempt the effort. I thought a Hauptmann would understand the importance of unit supply, but to hear you saying such foolish things and showing such a flagrant lack of both discipline and due diligence. It's to be derelict as a soldier of the 3rd Assault. As a ranked officer of the Karlsland military, you're to uphold your duty: how dare you shirk it! I can only imagine what my father would have to think and say at hearing that one of his men, men he would consider his own sons; was to dishonor and shame to his corps and our fatherland."

The supply officer stuttered in shock, a few beads of sweat forming on his brow. "N-n-nonsense! You're not the daughter of The General-"

"Actually sir..." Dietrich interrupted in a rather pointed, matter of fact tone. "I can confirm that Fieldwebel Krupke is who she says she is; giving that I was the one who personally picked up heer Fieldwebel from her father's estate and delivered her to be trained as a military witch; under orders of the General himself."

"If you still doubt my lineage than I have proof; my dogtags: a soldiers means of identification of herself." With a motion of confidence; Ludwiga reached to her uniforms neckline and under her tunic to produce her dogtags, producing them for the older man to see her name, rank and other identifying information stamped clearly on the metal tag. "This should be proof enough to confirm my family Lineage. I am the daughter of the Krupke line, and of mien father; the commander of the 3rd assault: your commander. So once more, I'll ask: how would you think father would react hearing how you undermined the good name of his corps and his command?"

At that official proof the supply officer's face turned as white as a sheet. "T-t-the General's daughter?! Ah, n-nien, nien. We needn't trouble the general with this... um... momentary lapse of judgment." The supply officers posture bent into one of submissive apology, his voice trying to hide his nervousness but failing. The thought of undermining the image of the 3rd Assault Corps and falling into the bad graces of the General seems something that he wanted desperately to avoid.

Ludwiga spoke firmly. "Are you sure I shouldn't let my father know about your unbecoming behavior and how poorly it reflects on his corps?" She asked in a way that sounded innocent but carried a not un-noticeable veiled threat. "Knowing father this would be something he would likely wish to have brought to his attention, given that it's a matter that concerns the image of his corps."

The Obergefreiter shook his head and made a dissuading gesture with his hands briskly, his eye's nearly budging out of his sockets. "Nien, nien; I promise it's not necessary; I-I'll do what I can to get the supplies heer frauline and her unit needs. The rest of the inventory of these supplies can be dealt with later: getting the 5th Staffle their required supplies is of more pressing issue. Alwin!" The Obergefreiter's head snapped to his subordinate and motioned hastily at him from where he stood to a desk at the far right side of the supply room. "Take down everything that the 5th Staffle needs and be quick about it; we can't keep them waiting otherwise the General himself will have our asses! Schnell!"

It didn't take very long for both Ludwiga and Deitrich to outline everything that the 5th Staffle needed, they listed every conceivable item that the veteran witch unit needed to maintain proper upkeep, performance and even a measure of comfort. And the Obergefeiter had the younger company clerk take down every item requested while also giving hasty assurances that he would get what the witch unit needed. Both Ludwiga and Dietrich thanked the supply officer while his company clerk gave small smiles, relieved and encouraging of the young Sergeant's display to the higher ranked officer. Though the older supply officer looked frightfully drained, the younger company clerk seemed to have a subtle glow to him; waving in farewell to Ludwiga and her unit's dutiful Liasion.

As they departed the supply office walking side by side Ludwiga could only look back at her actions in what could only be described as awe mixed with bewilderment. I can't believe it; I was insubordinate to an officer! If my father or my unit commander saw such a display I would have received a severe reprimand... I might have even faced even worse punishments! Yet... I have never felt such a feeling of courage... I mean... I managed to do something... I guess it was helpful to my unit. If only my future princess could have seen me speak with such commanding presence and tone, I'm sure it would make her feel proud, surely. Oh, would that be okay though; using my family name as a means of getting what I and my unit need, feels... almost wrong. B-but if I didn't: than he likely wouldn't have even bothered to provide us with supplies. To say nothing of what he said about myself and the other withes; he wasn't in the right to say such horrid things...but why would he say them to begin with? Why is it he derides us witches so? As she thought back to the older man's words she remembered what he said: about how the men were treated, or at least so he stated. Could... could it really be true? Are the men that we witches fight beside... are they really treated so poorly compared to us? Are they really treated as thanklessly as the Hauptmann so claims? But if that's true... She looks over to Dietrich a worrying feeling entering her chest. Does that mean that Dietrich is treated so thanklessly? I-i-it can't really be true can it? But... what if it is true? He fought adamantly against the Neruoi before... but he had to be saved by military witches in a desperate battle. Even despite his outward disposition, would his heart feel some secret resentment at having to be saved by young women and children; even though they are witches?

"Feldwebel, I must say that is by far the most impressive act of courage I have seen since the first engagement I've faced against the Neruoi." Dietrich's voice had broken Ludwiga out of her thoughts. "It's thanks to that courage you've helped secure the supplies that the 5th Staffle needs."

Ludwiga sheepishly responds. "D-do you really think so Dietrich? I-I mean; I don't know if using my family name to gain favor from someone is really some grand accomplishment." She cast her eyes to the floor in guilt. "If anything I feel selfish to use my family name to get things done... isn't that unfair in a way?"

Dietrich hummed evenly. "Well, if you hadn't taken a stand and told him that you were in fact the General's daughter and how his actions would reflect on him and his corps: I feel that he might not have bothered to listen to anything I'd have to say or help the 5th Staffle get what they need, if what his words and attitude were any indication..."

"But I... I feel like I was usurping you're duty as Liaison... not to mention that, even if what he said wasn't agreeable: I was insubordinate to a commanding officer who outranked me!"

Dietrich gave a light laugh. "You'd be surprised how that occasionally happens: I've oft heard and at least once seen witches close to your rank reprimand officers that outranked them. Mind you even I don't think it's something to make a chronic habit of... but sometimes it's a necessary necessity, especially when the officers in question think and act like that. Most men would be unable to speak their minds so freely even if what was said was sensible to all but the senior ranked officer or NCO; but you young hexen are sometimes able to speak sense where most men would have had to bear it in silence." He then turned to her warmly. "And dear Frauline, please don't worry about thinking that you're aid had anyway diminished my duties; if anything it's thanks to your help I was able to fulfill them."

Ludwiga however, shook her head. "But Dietrich your are deserving of better treatment than what you are given. If I had overstepped a boundary flagrantly...and made you feel any less a soldier or a man for it... than please will you forgive me; the last thing I want is for you to feel that I...that I was stealing away your recognition..." she trailed off in remorse and shame, unable to continue speaking.

"What's wrong Fieldwebel, I don't understand why your-" Dietrich voice of concern was cut off, Ludwiga turned to Dietrich and to her concerned eyes saw realisation grow on the young liaisons face. "Is it because of what that man had said before? Is it that...do you think that I may harbor ill will and resentment for you and the other girls?" he asked.

Ludwiga could feel the guilt in her heart grow and an anguished fear of the possibility that her kind liaison could have been slighted by her and the other witches. She feared that the kind face of this young man who had done nothing but help her... may have been hurt by her actions or that of her witch sisters in arms. She held a hallowed honor and pride in being a witch, and oft remembered the deeds, actions and history of the chosen maidens of magic. But for the first time, she wondered, and feared, how brave men like Dietrich might have felt being eclipsed the might of the witches... "Dietrich... if I or my sisters of magic had done anything to wound you heart... than please will you forgive me, forgive us for whatever transgression we may have inflicted-"

Dietrich turned and took the young witch tenderly by the hands, a gentle, loving, yet melancholy look flowed across his face. At this simple action Ludwiga's words were lost, trapped in her throat as her unit's liaison looked into her eyes with a look in his own eyes more compassionate and gentle than she could recall that of her own flesh and blood brothers. "Ludwiga... I swear to you... I promise you that what that man said; it does not reflect the feelings of all of the soldiers that stand beside you wonderful young maidens. I assure you, neither you or the other fräulein have inflicted any such wounds upon my heart or my ego. And I promise: I can never, nor would I ever; feel as that pitiable man feels." The kindly young man took a deep breath, his eyes and voice speaking with deep reverence and solemnly to her, the young child of magic. "I can never feel resentment for you or your comrade witches; nor will I ever turn on you or the other girls, never in a million years or even beyond. So pay no mind to that Hauptmann's words: his and those like him are but a small minority not worth fretting over. Myself and all the other men: are grateful, honored and glad to call you our beloved sisters in arms. And like them: you were brave, you were courageous, you were firm, you were commanding, and you were splendid; in every sense of the word."

Ludwiga dared to feel a momentary rush of hope and relief, feeling touched by the young liaison's kind words but she wanted to be sure that this was the truth. Even if he meant what he said, she still feared that he may hold low self esteem for himself, and she couldn't bear the thought of the kindly man fretting secretly to himself over any perceived failings. "A-are you sure, heer Dietrich? Do you... really mean it? I don't want you to hold in anything just on my account. If something is causing you any form of distress than please let me ease it."

Dietrich merely smiled, in a way much like how an older brother smiled to his little sister to ease her fretting heart."It's alright, really, my feelings are only of joy and gratitude for you and the other witches of our fatherland, and of mankind. So fret not over the words of a sour man who feels that you young maidens denied him recognition; that's his ego and pettiness talking, not so much fact." For but a moment, his face than turned dour with disappointment. "Besides, it's his job to ensure unit's on base receive their needed supplies. The fact he wasn't willing to fulfill that duty is gross negligence. Sure, you witches may be well known and recognized, but it isn't like the men or myself aren't acknowledged for our contributions in the service." He gave off a nervous laugh of embarrassment. "Truth be told... I'm not all that comfortable in the lime light anyways: I feel as though ants were in my pants and... I never felt very comfortable having such things as fame and glory hoisted upon me. It wasn't why I wanted to serve in the Karlsland Military to begin with so I'd rather just do my best at fulfilling my duty."

Ludwiga considered Dietrich's words, and after such consideration she couldn't help but feel that maybe the young liaison's words spoke true, without any apparent reservation it seemed. "I guess that I'm glad to hear that... Dietrich... thank you, for your kindness." She smiled, relieved and comforted by the kindly liaison.

Dietrich smiled compassionately and patted her head gently, his touch, to her surprise, was warm, and comforting. "Think nothing of it, dear Feldwebel. I was merely fulfilling the duties of my station... but even if I were not honor bound to fulfill such duties as a soldier of the fatherland: I'd still do so anyway. And I'd so with humble honor and pride." Ever since becoming a military witch Ludwiga had experienced a very dethatched, professional and even hard environment. Discipline was demanded and expected, orders were to be followed without question, team work was a requirement, vigilance was a necessity, and she had heard from older girls and many of the men that pain, tribulation, death and sacrifice were the struggle and lot of a soldier. Even before becoming a military witch; she knew that this was true, if a soldier was expected to survive the field of battle. And yet, Dietrich's smile, his kind, soothing words and the feeling of his hand stroking her head made Ludwiga feel safe, it made her feel warmth, and it made her feel accepted. It was a familiar any yet alien feeling in the center of her heart; like wandering into an old friend who had aged and was found in a place you would never expect... and yet you embraced them regardless.

It was presently that she heard the echo of familiar voice sound inside of her mind. It was of her familiar: Watcher, speaking to her again once more: a rarity for her usually silent companion. "He has a good scent around him". The tone of his voice seemed to hold a kind of approval, but Ludwiga didn't understand just what her familiar meant by his words.

So thus, she asked him, silently from one mind to the other; both bound by the link and connection they shared with the familiars compact with its witch. "What do you mean by that Watcher? What sort of scent are you talking about?" she asked innocently.

"He has an aura of warmth, kindness and benevolence around him. It's a good scent, one who is capable but kind." he explained to his little witch simply, as if such an thing were natural. She than sensed that her familiar began to display an emotion she had only occasionally seen and sensed from her familiar; that of a happy smile. "This young man, is a good soldier; a worthy comrade of your trust."

"D-do you really think so, Watcher?" the young witch asked inquisitively.

" I do: this young soldier is a heart most pure. I approve of him." While strange and from nowhere, such an assessment from Watcher, to young Ludwiga, felt like it rang true.

She couldn't quite place the exact word for it but this young man, who while a professional Strumtruppen of the fatherland and a brave soldier, was also humble, kind and gentle in his actions, his words and his intent. He almost felt like... A brother. Yes. She thought to herself. A brother. He is a man with the disposition of a caring brother. He's the sort of man that... I'd be honored... happy, in my service... to call my brother. My... big brother... perhaps? She felt her face heat up at that thought.

Dietrich however noticed both Ludwiga's expression and the fact that he was still absently petting Ludwiga's head. It was then that Ludwiga saw a most surprising, yet amusing and adorable look upon Dietrich's face: his eyes widened in both surprise and realisation. His face began to turn a very deep red as he started to stammer nervously. His hand shot away from her head as if he had touched a scalding hot fire. "Ah! U-u-uh f-forgive me heer Feldwebel! I was touching you so casually without your consent! F-forgive me my transgression! I-I have no right to act in such an informal and rude way to the General's Daughter, heir to a family who's station is above that of my own."

"I-It's okay Dietrich. Really." She was also blushing she smiled a reluctant smile as she spoke to her unit's kind Liaison. "To be honest, it made me happy to hear all those kind things you said, and to know that I was able to be of help to someone... the last thing I'd want to do is to burden my comrades... it makes me happy to know that I was able to help you, Deitrich... "

Dietrich smiled in return and gave a nod of affirmation. "I'm glad I was able to help lift your spirits, Frau Fieldwebel Krupke. I am forever at your humble service and that of your sisters in arms."

"I-it's okay of heer Deitrich to call me by my first name, if you... want to." Ludwiga felt her face heat up even more as she felt embarrassment welling in her. "Please Dietrich: is it okay if... I can call you my big brother?" she asked shyly.

The reddened look on Dietrich's face only deepened at such a request. It seemed that the young man was embarrassed by her request. "W-well I... I don't really know if it's really appropriate... I was expecting to merely be addressed as a comrade." He looked to her questionable and ventured a question. "I mean, you have brothers of your own, yes...Ludwiga?"

She conceded a nod in agreement, a feeling of warmth overtaking her heart at hearing Dietrich say her first name. "Y-yes I do have sisters and even brothers." She paused and considered Deitrich a moment before at least finding the words to speak to him. "But my older brothers aren't exactly the warmest... I love my brothers of course... but I wish they were more warm and approachable and... said such kind things like you do."

Despite his blushing deepening further, the young liaison smiled widely and warmly. "I see... I'm flattered that you would think so highly of me...I guess in that case, I suppose it's alright; if it makes you happy. If you wish me to be a big brother figure to you: than I shall do my best to fulfill that role. As a brother upon the battlefield."

Ludwiga smile grew at the warm feeling filling her heart. "Does that mean: I can be your little sister, Dietrich?" she asked.

He gave a light, glowing laugh at her question, looking to her with a look of joy mixed with embarrassment; his face looked as red as a beat now. "It seems so... it's strange, I never had any siblings, much less acted as a sibling to a young one. I don't know if I'd be any good at being anyones big brother"

Ludwiga took Dietrich's hand, holding it as gently as Dietrich did with hers earlier. "In the time I have had to meet you and have known you: you've only ever have helped me, and have been kind to me. I am honored to be able to call you my big brother."

At hearing such sincere words Dietrich appeared to become less nervous and more humbled "Danke, my little sister, I'm honored to serve by your side."

They spent some time after such an exchange together, and talking to each other, after which it was a short time later that they both had to momentarily part ways: they both had to return to their respective unit's for their duties and Dietrich also needed to fill out Liaison reports. But young Ludwiga could feel in her heart a great degree of comfort in the kindly comrade who had helped lift her spirits as much as she had helped lift his. It was a short time for both young soldiers to know each other, but even so: Ludwiga Krupke had grown quickly to like Dietrich: he was the sort of person who to Ludwiga was one most people would grow to like very quickly. Ludwiga's thoughts were much more hopeful, instead of the gloom and nightmare filled sleep that she had come to know recently. Her thoughts grew to consider what it would be like if her beloved princess of her dreams were to meet with this kindly big brother she had helped and who in turn helped her. "I'm sure my princess would like big brother Dietrich as much as I would. He's a good man, a kind man; and a true gentlemen" She giggled quietly to herself. I'm sure that he would like my princess if I was able to find her one day. Yes: all of us would be very good friends.

Or so was her hope... but even that hope was enough to give her peace of mind. Maybe with a dream to protect and a hope to fight for; it would help motivate her growth as mechanized air infantry. She was still nervous about meeting with her witch comrades face to face, but at least now the new courage she found in herself would help her overcome adversity from without and from within.


Upon parting with the kind liaison Ludwiga managed to eventually find several of the members of her unit, standing idly in the hall and conversing amongst themselves about several subjects, most of which ranged from their supply situation, the battle or, much to Ludwiga's perplexity: the 5th's Liaison. After approaching them she managed to see that the members in question Liusadh, Allyson , Avis and Hildireth.

She approached to tell them what had happened. "Ah, Mien comrades! I have good news to tell." She turned to her unit commander and came to attention and saluted Liusadh crisply.

The salute was returned but it was clear that Liusadh was concerned about something. "Yes Krupke, what is it that you want? We are still trying to work out our re-supply issues given that we are down to our last supplies: unless we can get what we need from that stubborn supply officer than we may need to rely on scrounging to outright acquisition; and frankly neither option sits very well with me in the slightest."

Avis groaned. "Liusadh, are you really going to bother keeping her in the unit? I mean, even if she's the general's daughter we need people who are useful in our unit: we can't have some inept load dragging us down you know: that'll just make the Neruoi's jobs all the easier. Just send her on her way and find someone who's more experienced and elite material. For our sake and hers it would be for the best. "

Ludwiga's heart felt wounded at the disparaging remark but Allyson countered her bitter comrades dismissal of the young witch. "Oh come now Avis: you don't have to keep playing the bully here; we are all squad mates. Yes, the little Fieldwebel didn't do so well in the battle but it's her first combat; she'll get better over time. You can't expect everyone to be born a prodigy now can you?"

"No, but I expect at least enough competence to be of use or something. If she isn't able to do so much as-"

"That is enough Avis: at ease!" Liusadh snapped. "Her performance may have been less than ideal but constantly undermining her morale and cutting her down does not help her grow or our unit become effective together. So unless you start providing something constructive: stow that nonsense effective immediately: I'm I clear?!" Avis's mouth quickly snapped shut and reproachfully she fell silent. Ludwiga had expected to have been verbally torn down by her more dour comrades and the others pitying her or being embarrassed of her; but though Avis tried to make her thoughts on her known: the other girls that were currently present were at least forgiving; even Liusadh was willing to give little Ludwiga another chance: such a thing in Ludwiga's mind didn't seem to have been possible to happen. It was a relief that even the serious and disciplined commander of the 5th Staffel wouldn't be so quick to dismiss and write off Ludwiga. At least, not yet. Liusadh looked to the little witch of the Krupke bloodline and spoke with passive command and expectancy. "You may speak freely Fieldwebel."

Ludwiga nods in gratitude. "Thank you mamm. Our Liaison, Dietrich, and myself; went to the supply office to requisition the supplies that our unit needed from the supply officer."

Liusadh stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Ah, that's right; the Liaison did say that he was going to try to get the supplies that we needed." She hummed lightly as she seemed to ponder. "I admit I was skeptical that he was telling the truth; I tried myself to approach the supply officer to see if I could get the supplies the 5th Staffle needs to remain operational, but I was rather tactlessly dismissed, and it seemed that some other members of the 3rd assault were... less than helpful, unfortunately. I'm glad that at least this liaison is true to his word and half way decent enough to at least try to fulfill his duty in assisting us... but..." the corner of her mouth hooked into an uneasy frown. "I worry that even he was rebuffed by the supply officer. It's hard to get help from someone who feels like the supply officer does towards witches. I had the misfortune to meet at least a few of such men in my service."

Allyson grimaced. "It's unfortunate, but sadly true. Some men just feel that threatened by having us serve alongside them... I wonder if our forbearers before us had to deal with such a problem?"

Avis sighed. "Probably." she replied simply, shifting her weight from one foot to the next. "I can't really tell though if it's because we are girls... or maybe because some of us are still children in their eyes?"

Hildireth hummed lightly. "Maybe both?" she ventured.

"Maybe" Avis replied.

Hildireth nodded and, with eyes that seemed to be a bit scrutinising and unapproachable, looked to Ludwiga. "So... what happened? Were you also dismissed without help?"

Ludwiga shook her head, a little twinge of nervousness coming to her at seeing Hildireth's eyes seemingly judging her. "Our Liaison and I have managed to convince the supply officer to get us the supplies we need."

Her squad mate's eyes widened in surprise, even her unit commander raised a bemused eyebrow. "Really?" they asked in unison.

"Yes, we really did!" Ludwiga replied with confidence and pride but it soon ebbed when she began to explain the full truth behind what exactly occurred. "Though... I admit he wouldn't have otherwise until I told the supply officer that what he was doing was to shirk his responsibilities... but even than he only conceded when I... told him I was the daughter of the General of the 3rd Assault." The unit commander seemed to consider that fact, while the growing excitement and awe of Avis and Allyson wound up becoming somewhat dampened. Hildireth still was quiet and held an even look. Ludwiga shrank a little and her heart sank. "I...I'm sorry... I had to use my family name to get something done; I wish I was able to do more without relying on the Krupke name as a crutch."

"Ah that's a shame, and here I thought that you finally managed to pull some weight and be of use." Avis said with disappointment.

Allyson folded her arms and shook her head. "On the one hand she got our supplies, which we so desperately needed... but she did so by pulling favours using her father; I don't know how I feel about that; I'd rather accomplish tasks like that using my own standing and reputation; not because my daddy was able to swing lumber and make someone fall in line. Doesn't exactly feel right to me."

Though Avis and Allyson seemed disappointed and Ludwiga's feelings began to become dour at her comrades disappointment; Liusadh merely waved it off. "Well it's needed sometimes to use the connections you have to get the job done; it can be helpful, and invaluable in cases like this. It's just as important to rely on who you know as much as what you know. It's a valuable asset in the case of logistics and politics." She sighed however and continued with a tone that was cautioning. "That said, that alone is only a component part; after all, we are an elite combat unit; and thus tactical knowledge, strategic intuition and combat experience are vital and performance in those areas is a requirement for us frontline soldiers. You will need to come into your own in that regard, young Fieldwebel, and soon; for your sake as much as our own."

"Y-yes! I understand mamm. I promise I will do my best in my next sortie; I swear on my life!"

"Be sure you do so. The enemy we face may not be nearly as weak as those we faced before, and they will not be forgiving."

Avis gave a nod in agreement. "That's right, the Neruoi are fierce and relentless, but that's why we do what we do to stop them." She than looked over to Allyson with an un-amused look. "Not that you take it any way seriously; all you ever think about is men. And for you that is always ever a distraction; not to mention it's against regulations for witches to engage in romantic fraternization with conventional troops of any rank."

Allyson meanwhile dismissed Avis's attempts to rain on her parade with a mere wave of her hand and adopted a confident stance. "Oh, ever the stuffy regular army girl you are, as always Avis. Sometimes a girl in uniform needs a distraction every now and then; and a nice, strong man is one way to find one." Allyson's body was slim but she did appear fairly boyish for a maiden of the fatherland. But such a fact didn't deter her, Ludwiga had oft heard of Allyson mention her dreams of becoming a well-known actor the world over; an ambitious dream to be sure. And despite her boyish appearance; she had an attraction for strong, decisive men, as Ludwiga's knowledge and interaction with her had come to discover. "Besides I've noticed that we may have gotten lucky as a unit; you remember what I said before about our liaison, yes?"

"I remember, but you do recall the regulations, do you not?" Avis asked in a tone of caution, her hands resting on her hips. "He's handsome, sure, but is it really worth risking getting reprimanded or even facing being confined to quarters, at best?"

"A fetching young man like that? I wouldn't mind even risking whatever punishment they decide to throw upon me."

Ludwiga didn't really understand or follow just what it is that both girls were talking about, but so far as to her it seemed they were talking about Dietrich. The question than was why were they talking about him to begin with. Curiosity overcame her and she felt compelled to inquire for an explanation. "I'm not sure I understand: what exactly are you both talking about?"

Allyson smiled in a sort of knowing way and explained. "Ah, quite simple, actually... tell me: do you know exactly what a Liaison's role and duties are?"

Ludwiga actually remembered this sort of question back when she was in basic, so her response was fairly quick and regimented, having remembered and memorized such information from back in training. "Y-yes...the duties of a Liaison officer, generally known as the Liaison, generally consist of acting as an intermediary to provide communication between two or more groups of military unit's in between services, branches and command staff and ensure co-operation, clarity and distribution of information, and ensure smooth interaction between units. In addition they provide a means of acting as the intermediary and aid for the unit they are attached to Liaise to. For a Witch Unit Liaison: this means that it's their duty to ensure that the witches unit's supplies requests are noted and processed in a timely, efficient manner, that concerns of the unit's members are heard and made apparent to the chain of command and other branches when the commander or her subordinate officers are unable to do so personally so such issues can be resolved, and providing messages, information and standing orders to the witch unit commander to pass down to her subordinates. They may also coordinate activities to protect both witch units and conventional units working together in the field from collateral damage and work to achieve mutual understanding or unity of effort among disparate groups of any kind ranging from Military, governmental or civilian."

Liusadh seemed impressed by Ludwiga's explanation, and momentarily gave a smile. "Ah, very good. Well, that is the official definition and duties of the Liasion." she cleared her throat however and seemed to Ludwiga to be a bit uneasy, looking over to Allyson expectantly.

"Well true enough at least officially. Thooooough~ those aren't the... only duties of a Liaison". Allyson alluded mischievously. She, with a coy air around her she rolled her eyes to the ceiling, as if trying to convey that she was trying to beat around the bush for amusement of contrived and self-constructed mystery.

Ludwiga merely blinked, confused at both Allyson's reactions and finding it hard to divine her insinuations. "Really? What more is it that a Liaison does that is outside of the official duties?"

Avis looked to Allyson, Hildireth and Liusadh questioningly. "Should I tell her?"

Liusadh shook her head with a sigh. "Nien, I should probably do so." came a foreboding, yet resigned response.

"Oh no please, let me tell her ma'am." Allyson pleaded. "I'm the one who was hinting at it anyways, it's only fitting I get to reveal the "truth" as it were." Liusdah considered for a moment before, reservedly with a sigh, conceding to Allyson, whose smile grew to be very broad as she with excitement explained. "Well you see, it's really quite simple. While, yes, it's true that those are many of a liaisons official roles and duties: that's not all they do. They also have a sort of " officially, unofficial role" if you will that you won't find in the official book of military regulations. As it is there is a usual pattern with most Liaisons; they basically are tasked with seeing to all of the witches needs. And I do mean ALL of the witches needs."

Ludwiga cocked her head in confusion as she tried to understand just what Allyson was trying to explain. "All the witches' needs?" she repeated questioningly, feeling as though she were missing something.

"That's true, and that includes emotional, and sometimes, even..." Allyson's eyes narrowed seductively and leaned to Ludwiga closely, as if revealing a deep dark secret. "...sexual needs. If a witch needs the comfort of a nice strong young man to ease her ailing heart and fulfill her needs for physical contact and "pleasure" than he must do his best to do exactly that."

Ludwiga blinked, the sudden feeling of shock and surprise had begun to overwhelm her. She felt her face warming up and panic at hearing such a surprisingly scandalous thing. Such a revelation was too outlandish to be actually true, especially given what she knew about military protocol and regulations. "W-what?!" she exclaimed. "B-but, that really can't be the case. It's unprofessional, and most of all it's a violation of military protocol! Such fraternization between military witches and military personnel, of any rank or branch of service: is a violation of regulations and would mean potential warranting of official reprimand or even punishments!"

Avis crossed her arms and explained. "Well there is truth to that: on paper such interaction could land you and any of the guys you do the deed with in hot water. In practice, though it's... complicated. Or so I've heard!" She clarified.

The young witch of the Krupke line, with embarrassment, looked to her commander imploringly. "Ma'am, is this... really true?! Are liaisons really expected to fulfill such a duty?"

Liusadh cleared her throat and spoke to Ludwiga matter of fact. "Well yes and no; I would say that liaisons are not officially supposed to do such things, but such as it is, while not exactly common; it's not rare or unheard of either for members of a witch unit to engage in such levels of fraternization despite the regulations with a witch unit's Liaison. Officially such regulations are to ensure the following: that underage witches aren't subjected to illicit, unwanted, inappropriate advances, to ensure that there is no risk of the witches becoming... "with child"... as a result of a romantic relationship with a soldier of the opposite sex, and to prevent a witches emotions and judgment from being undermined in the field, and thus causing her to put herself, comrades and the mission at unnecessary risk and ensure professional state of interaction between witches and conventional personal and to, at times, minimize the feelings of loss of comrades. By most Karlsland units and their commanders enforcement of the protocols prohibiting fraternization of witches is fairly strict: such interactions between members of the witch unit and their Liaison is strongly discouraged, if not in fact completely forbidden." She stroked her chin and continued thoughtfully. "Although even despite that some witches do end up finding "companionship" with the young liaisons attached to their unit, usually under clandestine means. Many other nations have similar regulations but I can't say for certain that they are often enforced to the same degree as most of our fatherland's unit's and enforcement of protocol are concerned; if my time in Ostmark were any indication." Liusadh explained to a shocked Ludwiga, in her head she heard her familiar chuckle at her growing embarrassment. Just then Allyson chimed in.

"Oh I know for a fact that other nations aren't as strict as Karlsland is when it comes to fraternization. One of my friends is a Romagna witch and her unit is assigned a liaison. From what she tells me…" Allyson leaned into the group with a sly grin "He doesn't even have a room, because every night he is bedding a different witch in the unit. Fufufu." Allyson laughed; Ludwiga gasped in surprise and saw as Avis shook her head and Liusadh softly laughed.

"Yes, I have heard stories like that, I would say that even in Karlsland how strict the enforcement of such rules is dependent on the unit. Although just remember there are dangers to lying with a man. You remember what happened to that Fuso volunteer squadron in Britannia?" Liusadh warned Allyson who rolled her eyes.

"Yes, yes the Squadron commander and two of the junior members ended up pregnant, and now the liaison is living in Fuso trying his best to learn Fusoan." Allyson stated to Liusadh, then Avis spoke.

"Didn't he end up marrying the commander or something?" Avis inquired of Liusadh

"Yes, he forsook his Britannian citizenship and became a citizen of the Fuso Empire when he married Captain Kanname. I hear the two of them and the two younger witches are all living together in a nice home somewhere on Hokkaido." Liusadh explained. Ludwiga's head was spinning shocked by the revelations she was hearing. Watcher chuckled and spoke to her telepathically. Well young miss. Is this too much for you to handle, the idea of your nation's Panzer Frauline engaging in coitus? Ludwiga's blush deepened.

Hildireth nodded in understanding and hummed. "It's almost... romantic in a way: almost like out of a romantic story book..." She mused thoughtfully.

"Indeed, though I have also heard that there are number of female liaisons attached to witch units; usually they are around the same ages as those young men in liaison roles and that at times they also have young mechanized air and armored infantry falling for them." Avis added. "And I heard theirs even maybe the occasional older man as a liaison... but those older men I heard are kind of rare and usually act as father figures... unless you're one of those types with a thing for older men; but frankly most of them are old enough to be my father: I don't really see the appeal myself honestly."

Ludwiga looked hesitantly to her older comrades; still unsure of validity of this big revelation. "But, it's merely rumors, ja? A liaison's duties are strictly professional, they don't really engage in such activity in contradiction to regulations? I mean... they don't try to do such lewd and unbecoming things in mind, do they?"

"Oh come now my innocent little comrade. Why do you think most of the Liaisons are fetching, handsome young men close to the Oberstleutnant's age?" Allyson replied cheekily, causing the small witch to balk in shock. Allyson than nodded in what seemed like a sage like agreement. "That's true though: overall, on average most of the Liaisons are fetching young men. Not that I'm at all complaining of course. Some girls may have an attraction for other girls and that's fine, but it's not where my personal attractions for intimacy usually lay." Realization than crossed Allyson's face, her eyes lighting up in excitement. "Actually our Liaison is a very handsome man himself, in that cute, boyish kind of way. I wonder if that fresh, youthful face has deceptively strong arms to hold you with."

Avis scoffed. "Yeah, he looks pretty young for his age. Ma'am, is he supposed to be, what? Seventeen years old?"

"Twenty one actually." Liusadh corrected. "But he is a decent enough soldier... and a decent, dutiful man of principle and integrity; which puts my mind at ease enough to trust him in his position and duties as our liaison."

Ludwiga saw a sudden look enter Allyson's eyes... a look of lust as she seemed to fantasize about the 5th Staffle's liaison. "I wouldn't mind sharing a cold evening and a warm bed with him... perhaps I should try my hand with him then?" Liusadh looked to Allyson with a smile;

"I approve, just promise to use protection when you have sex alright Allyson?" Liusadh stated to Allyson who pouted.

"Oh come on it doesn't feel as good that way!" Allyson protested. Liusadh sighed and closed her eyes.

"Well I suppose if I forbid you to have unprotected sex you would just ignore me again wouldn't you?" Liusadh inquired to Allyson who nodded her head intently. "Well then promise me you will either have him pull out and finish on your chest or restrict yourself to oral, on dangerous days." Liusadh stated to Allyson. "And be sure to use discretion: if someone were to discover you and the Liasion in a compromising position and decided to report it to the chain of command than unfortunately I'll have to ensure that protocol is followed and enforced. I'd rather avoid being placed in such a position as much as you would."

"Yes, yes I'll be sure to keep it between the four walls mamm." Allyson promised, though it was clear that she was distracted with thoughts and fantasies of a most lewd nature.

Aside from an embarrassed blush, Ludwiga felt something inside her feel rejection at this idea of Allyson trying to take advantage of her new older brother and comrade in arms. She would get him in trouble and such a thought was not acceptable to the little witch. Dietrich was now her "big brother"; so she felt within her duties a responsibility to protect him, and to ensure Allyson didn't do anything reckless to her station, regardless of the difference in age and experience. "NEIN! You cannot, you'll get yourself and Dietrich in trouble! What would happen if you were both found out?!"" she demanded firmly.

Though Avis and Liusadh expressed surprised reactions to Ludwiga's sudden outburst; Allyson seemed... almost amused. "Oh you don't have to worry about that: I can keep such an encounter under wraps you know. Besides, there's something to be said for the thrill of experiencing the risk of getting caught-"

"Nein! Nein! That isn't acceptable!" Ludwiga interrupted in admonishment. Such a reckless, cavalier attitude Allyson has! That's too much trouble for her and Dietrich! "If you end up getting caught and getting Dietrich in trouble I will be very cross with you Allyson!"

She saw Allyson blink in mild surprise and perplexity. She almost felt a moment of hesitation at the older girl's reaction, and hoped that maybe she would understand. But after a moment's pause a strange smile overcame Allyson's features. "Ah I see how it is, how quaint and cute..." Confusion came to Ludwiga, which Allyson surely noticed as she chuckled heartily. "After all this time, it seems that you have already beat me to our Liasion. Am I to understand that you managed to have a little... "adult play" with him by chance?"

Liusadh's eyes snapped first to Allyson and then to Ludwiga with varying degrees of alarm. "Now hold on Allyson; just what do think you're going around insinuating that a minor is doing such things with a man twice her age?!" Liusadh demanded.

Avis looked to Ludwiga with a bemused, and almost expectant look. "So... did you two, uh, really do it? I mean, I'm not sure how given that, well, damn you're still a kid. But... well, did you?" she asked hesitantly.

"A-ah!" Ludwiga's face began to heat up at such an insinuation: the idea of engaging in such behavior with her unit's liaison, her "big brother"... was beyond scandalous, and even a bit embarrassing to Ludwiga. "N-no, no that's not at all w-what happened! I promise my interaction with Dietrich was wholly professional!"

Avis and Allyson looked skeptical, Allyson more so than Avis. "Are you sure about that?" they both asked in unison, although Allyson seemed to put more insinuating emphasis on her question than Avis, a Cheshire cats smile upon her face.

"Y-yes, I'm sure! Dietrich and I never did anything like that! We merely did our duties getting supplies and requisitions and only talking!"

Allyson chuckled. "Oh? Are you sure? After spending such a long time together I do have doubt that you two didn't at least try to do anything naughty. Are you sure you both aren't lovers now? Is he not your boyfriend? Did you both at least kiss, if nothing else?" She was clearly content with making Ludwiga as flustered as possible with her teasing.

"No! Dietrich and I-" she paused as she considered just how to explain to her squad mates just how she saw Dietrich. Quickly came the obvious response to her, the one that was also to her the most truthful. "He's... he's my big brother." She replied innocently, a mere hint of embarrassment in her voice. The three older witches were all taken aback and became silent for a moment. At first Ludwiga was afraid that she had stated something wrong but then Liusadh spoke with a glowing grin on her face.

"My, my, I didn't expect things to move this fast and this far. It appears that our little Sergeant has beat you to the punch so to say." She purred looking in Allyson's direction who was absolutely glowing at Ludwiga. "I think you will have to back off unless Ludwiga is willing to share him with you."

"Oh I don't mind, I think they are going to make a cute couple together, you just promise me Ludwiga that as soon as the Neuroi go away you are going to get right to making little babies with our dear liaison." Allyson grinned at Ludwiga who was nearly as red in the face as her Dietrich.

"I think we may need to get her a wedding dress, she is on the small size but I am sure we can find something for her." Hildireth mused.

"What, wait no I don't love big brother that way, I love him as a big brother!" Ludwiga protested. Liusadh pawed her hand in Ludwiga's direction.

"Oh stop, you can be honest with us girls we won't tell anyone of your union with your… "big brother" little Krupke." For reasons beyond her Ludwiga's mind was flooded with lewd images of herself and Dietrich; what was originally fantasy's of her and her beautiful princess, in each other's arms lovingly and intimately, were suddenly supplemented with Dietrich appearing to Ludwiga's mind as a handsome, charming prince, kissing her and whispering loving words to her while engaging in intimate acts. Watcher laughed inside Ludwiga's head… I approve of these events little one!

Allyson then chimed in again placing her hands on Ludwiga's hips and then moving one to her stomach and moving it under her shirt. "Besides even if you are small, I think these hips show us that you are more than ready for… what is that Fuso word… oh yes Onii-Chan!" Allyson goaded Ludwiga.

Liusadh's glowing smile faltered a moment at hearing Allyson's jibbing remark. "Hey, slow down now: I think it's far too early for talk of the Fieldwebel having children, especially when she is, legally speaking: one herself; she is still 9 years old." she cautioned evenly. "That would be something she might be considering when she gets older."

"Well consider it a plan for the future when she get's around your age mamm. I get the feeling she'll grow up to be a real catch for our Liasion if her cuteness now is any indication." Allyson countered while still fondling Ludwiga's small frame.

"What, no! I don't even like men, I like girls: I want to find and marry a princess!" Ludwiga protested, just then a familiar voice cut in over the laughter.

"That is because you have never been with a real man yet… little doll." Ludwiga turned down the hallway to see a striking and imposing man in a black dress uniform smiling menacingly at the witches. Eric Von Braun. He approached the group and leaned against the wall. Ludwiga was able to feel the tension appear in the air around her. The other girls of her unit seemed to tense or grown to become on edge themselves at his presence. Allyson's hand's snapped away from Ludwiga's body and she seemed to become uneasy, though Eric Von Braun only disregarded her reaction and continued.."You see, you witches like to play around with those pretty boy liaisons you like to hire as your servants, little more than maids to your whims. What you really need is a good strong man to take charge… isn't that right… little doll?" Eric stated at Ludwiga his brown eyes bored into her own. She stuttered and was unable to speak, then Liusadh stepped in between them.

"What do you want Eric?" She spat with pure disgust in her voice. The amount of contempt she loaded into the question Ludwiga could swear was powerful enough to kill a Neuroi. Though some of the unease of her subordinates was eased somewhat, they still seemed hesitant.

Eric grinned and shrugged. "Oh nothing at all, I just mean to converse with my comrade witches, I see no reason that I should be barred from doing so, we are comrades after all." Eric stated with a shrug.

"Perhaps, but you are not welcome among us, and we would kindly ask you to leave our unit in peace… and if you don't…" Liusadh's familiar appeared and her body glowed blue, a wind began to swirl around her and the concrete beneath her feet cracked; her magical energy was flocculating and churning around her body: magical mass increased and being barely controlled around her as what appeared to be barely controlled aggression affected Liusadh's magical control and her magic cracked the concrete floor beneath her feet like a thin sheet of ice and even depressed as though a giant's foot came down on the floor. Eric smirked, unimpressed by the display. Most men would have been cowed or at least given pause by such a display of a witches magical power... but Eric Von Braun seemed hardly phased.

"My, my aren't you the scary one, and here I was merely trying to be amicable… I will leave you Mein speilzeug[11]… I grow bored of you anyway…" He walked past Liusadh and stopped right beside Ludwiga, "I will see you around… my little doll." He stated as he left, while the eyes of the commander of the 5th Staffle glared a look into the back of the Captain that would have slain the Moth class Neruoi Ludwiga tried to shoot down earlier.

Watcher spoke to Ludwiga again, his voice silent, but imploring. Be careful of him little one… He warned her, she mentally spoke to him, Why what is wrong with him Watcher? She inquired, he paused for a moment before replying: He has the scent of women and fear on his body. Ludwiga gasped. That statement from her familiar was ominous.

The air and unstable magic stopped swirling and Liusadh calmed down, her familiar's features retracting. Avis put her hand on her commander shoulder. "Are you aright mamm?" Liusadh gave a glance momentarily to her subordinate... she only exhaled evenly and gave a light shallow nod. Avis scowled and turned back to the direction Von Braun took his leave. "I detest that wretched slime; masquerading as an officer." She muttered quietly, but with clear venom. There was an uneasy silence about them, the air heavy from Von Braun's oppressive, sickening presence. The silence lasted for what seemed like an eternity passed before someone spoke.

Hildireth however, despite her unnerving silence prior, spoke suddenly to Ludwiga with a surprising warmness. "But you did a good job in helping us in need; using what you have to your advantage is a good skill." Her words surprised Liudwiga, as it did Avis and Allyson, but it made her feel a bit more hopeful. Hildireth then, to Ludwiga's confusion: took a step towards her and studied her from head to toe studiously. "Do you like to read?" she ventured questioningly.

Ludwiga blinked, not expecting to be asked something like that out of the blue. "Y-yes, I do." she admitted.

"I have several books that I enjoy to read; each one is like a window into another world, and a chance to see into the lives of the people you read about. To read is to stir the heart and mind and to explore worlds of endless possibility and imagination. If I may ask: what kind of book do you like?"

"What book to I like?" Ludwiga considered the question, thinking of the many adventures she had with her little Zita: fighting monsters on faraway lands. "Well I really like adventure stories, ones with brave witches and beautiful princesses. Ones where the hero saves the ones she loves and uses her magic for the good of people everywhere!" Ludwiga informed Hildireth who thought for a moment and then had a realization.

"Ah I know just the thing! Wait here for a moment I shall return!" As if a sprinter at the starting line for the 100 meter dash Hildireth took off, leaving the other girls bemused and perplexed. About a minute later she returned with a large book in hand. The book was old, even Ludwiga could tell that: its dark brown leather hide was aged and frayed in areas, but despite this the title was still legible; A tale of roses and magic. "Here, I think this will be to your liking little one." Hildireth stated. Ludwiga took the book and thumbed through it.

"Thank you, Hildireth… if I may, what is the story about?" Ludwiga asked the elder witch who smiled.

"Why it is a love story of course. About a brave witch knight saving a prince and princess and falling in love with both of them, and it is about their quest alongside comrades dear to free the land from an evil king, his malevolent army legions and his wicked monsters!" Hildireth stated to Ludwiga who gushed, it sounded like everything she ever wanted but…

"Wait, so the witch falls in love with a prince and a princess… how is this possible, I thought you can only love one person at a time?" Ludwiga asked Allyson laughed her increasingly characteristic laugh Fufufu.

"Oh, well you will have to read and find out little one." Hildireth stated as she pushed the book into Ludwiga's hands. "Now go forth and read my comrade!" Hildireth stated as she then pushed on Ludwiga as if to hurry her back to her room. Ludwiga looked back to her comrads and said her goodbyes before heading towards her room. She thought about the days encounter with Eric and the girls, though she tried not to have her thoughts linger to long on Eric; as they were very unpleasant thoughts.

Liusadh was every bit the professional and firm commander that Ludwiga expected her, but it seemed that she had a scary side, a ferocious side ready to protect her witches when push comes to shove. And yet despite that... it seemed that she also has a side that was fair, and approachable, at least to Ludwiga and the other girls.

Allyson, seemed to be boy crazy and if where her hands landed on Ludwiga's body was any indication, she might not be a stranger to the bodies of girls either. Despite this she seemed decent enough.

Hildireth was a quiet but friendly bibliophile and seemed eager to share her hobby with Ludwiga, she could tell that in the near future they would be friends. She wondered what other kinds of books that the bookworm comrade enjoyed... and more importantly if there were other volumes to the book Ludwiga was now reading. As it was the premise of the story sounded lovely and Ludwiga so desperately wanted to read it.

Avis however, was still the stern and serious one, it seemed that Ludwiga still had a long way to go to earn her trust.

As she returned into her room she thought to herself that hopefully she might be able to eventually extend her usefulness to her squad beyond mere clout from family name to something more substantial and tangible, like being able to perform properly on the battlefield and aid her comrades. Ludwiga sat down on her bed and opened her new book and began to read. As night fell and dinner had long since passed she was still reading. It was very late into the evening until she found her eyes too heavy to keep open so it was with great reluctance that Ludwiga finally set the book down and find her sleep for the evening, with little Zita held snuggly in her arms.

In her dreams she was greeted by her lovely beautiful princess, having waited patiently for the young Karlsand knight to arrive as they may continue their journey. It was a dream Ludwiga frequently had... but there was a surprising addition: a kind, dutiful, brotherly prince also stood by her side. He served alongside Ludwiga and her Princess, protecting both of them from dangerous and perils on their adventure... and which in turn Ludwiga and her beloved, elegant Princess did the same for him. They shared each others burdens, spoke words of encouragement and adoration to each other and stood together though many trials and triumphs. In her dreams they became so very close and dear to each other, all three fighting together to save the kingdom. And as she dreamed such lovely dreams: Ludwiga wore a warm, contented smile.


[1]: Rotte: The basic fighting unit of the Karlsland Air force for both conventional fighter squadron and mechanized air infantry witch units; consisting of a leader and a wingman in terms of unit composition. The term Rotte translated to meaning "pack". While primarily a term deriving a Karlslandic origin, some nations and soldiers from other nations may occasionally use the term, though such use by non-Karlslander's is marginal.

[2]: Achtung!: Karlslandic word meaning "attention", usually in the context of telling others to pay attention or asking to have one's attention for something.

[3]: Schell!: Karlslandic word meaning for "haste", "now", "quickly", ect.

[4] MG30: A machine gun with origins from design license development from weapons manufacturing companies from both Ostmark and Helvetia. It saw use by both Karlsland and Ostmark, though eventually Karlsland would also modify the weapon for the Luftwaffe to create the MG15 and later the MG17. The machinegun is an air-cooled, recoil-operated design, firing standard 7.92×57mm Mauser ammunition fed from a slightly curved 30-round magazine inserted in the left side of the weapon. It uses a locking ring, which is located at the end of the barrel extension, to lock the bolt. Inside the locking ring, there are six sets of locking lugs, arranged as an interrupted thread, which mate with lugs cut at the rear of the bolt. Rotation of the ring, which locks and unlocks the bolt, is controlled by rollers mounted on the outside of the ring. Upon recoil, these rollers follow cam tracks cut into the receiver. The gun is of relatively simple design, with most parts having a round cross-section. The tubular receiver is an extension of the barrel jacket. The butt hosts a tube which contains the return spring and its guide. The MG 30 was designed to be fired both in semi-automatic and full automatic mode depending on how far the two-stage trigger is pulled which allowed for exceptional ammo conservation though also requiring a measure of mastery of trigger control, with a rate of fire between 600 and 800 rounds per minute in full-auto. It included a folding bipod attached two-thirds down the barrel although a complicated universal tripod was also offered. There were several variants produced and the weapon was used as both an infantry small arm and a light aircraft machinegun, although with the passage of time the weapons age, design limitations and expensive cost of manufacture saw it being mostly phased out in favor of better, more modern and affordable machinegun weapon systems by Karsland units.

[5] Los!: Karlslandish phrase for "go!" or "away". It also serves as the U-boat command to fire a torpedo ("Fire!") though it's use in the Neuroi war in U-boat warfare would be light at best given that the majority of Neruoi unit's are incapable of naval warfare and oftentimes avoid large bodies of water or crossing oceans unless the Neuroi in particular has a specific mission to fulfill, the traverse of water for the neuroi is momentary or at least a short time period or alternatively if the objective is a one way trip in a large scale invasion. The only real possibility of the phrase being used in U-boat warfare is for giving the command of firing of a Torpedo for the destruction of manmade or nueroi made navel fortifications on the shorelines or to scuttle allied ships that cannot be salvaged and to deny the Neruoi and those of their kin capable of assimilation of human technologies from assimilating the ship to use as an exceptionally powerful and durable ultra heavy class neuroi. In the context of non-naval warfare however it often meant to indicate a pressing order, command, urge or encouragement to allied units, either infantry, soldier, armored crew, aviation pilot to mechanized air and mechanized armored infantry in battle or training to move, wither from one position or location to another, to press an attack on an enemy opponent or in general to provide a form of motivation.

[6] Panzerbüchse 35: An anti-armor weapon of Karlsland design, designed and made in the far east of Karlsland as a new Anti-armor rifle prototype intended to replace the ever aging Mauser 1918: A Gewehr that was of moderate success during the first Neruoi war as the Mauser 1918 required it's rounds to be manually loaded into the chamber and had no method of reducing recoil and was at the point where firing by conventional troops broke the users collarbones and dislocated shoulders; even witches found the recoil of the weapon to be hard on their shoulders and even painful after a period of sustained use and firing; some accounts purport that some witches have even experience some busing in their shoulders when firing the weapon. The newer Panzerbüchse 35, a secretive new anti-armor prototype weapon prior to its official commission to service , was fed from a 4-round box magazine and was equipped with a muzzle brake to limit the recoil; the brake absorbed approximately 65% of the shot energy and the recoil was comparable to the standard Mauser rifle, even though the cartridge carried more than twice the amount of propellant. It had fitted iron sights fixed for a 300-meter range. An unusual feature of this rifle was that it lacked a pistol grip, which was commonly seen on contemporary anti-tank rifles, and instead resembled an infantry rifle. Unlike other anti-materiel rifles of the time, the Panzerbüchse 35 did not use an armour-piercing bullet with a hard core, but rather a lead core, full metal jacket bullet weighing 14.579 g; due to the high muzzle velocity this was effective even under shallow angles, as instead of ricocheting, the bullet would "stick" to the armour and punch a roughly 20 mm diameter hole which at times made in invaluable against Neruoi that possessed designs with sharp angles or those that had thicker armor. It was however somewhat complicated in both its construction and mechanics; eventually the weapon would be overshadowed by the much simpler in design Panzerbüchse 38 and Panzerbüchse 39.

[7] Moth class: a Neuroi scout-fighter unit that took the form of a black biplane looking aircraft. This type of alien combat platform that saw it's appearance in limited numbers during the end years of the First neuroi war but was a very common air unit between the early and mid 1930's and often times served in a scout and light fighter capacity for the Neuroi's ranks and was commonly found on the European front, primarily in Karlsland,Gallia, Orussia, Belgica, Moesia, Hispania, Ostmark, Romagna, Dacia, rare sightings near Brittania and a few other nations in Europe though some of these and a few "Moth-Kai" unit iterations were seen in some of the Asian theaters including the Fuso sea incident. Aside from its distinctive shape and well known for making peculiar, feeble noises and possessing a surprising nimbleness, high turning radius and manoeuvrability it is otherwise a straight forward and unremarkable unit. Moth class Neruoi were comparable to that of Rallo's class Neruoi that were found serving late in the First Neruoi war and interwar years and are considered to be a recent progression by the mid 1930's in Neruoi tactics and technology. While being slightly faster than Rallo's class units, it's top speeds were slightly higher than most Rallo's, but was still rather slow overall. Moth class unit's were also rather infamous for having armored shells so thin that even conventional allied fighters of the time could punch through their shells with a burst of gunfire and it was not all that uncommon to see Moth class Neruoi being set on fire from incoming gunfire; they were highly susceptible to incendiary bullets and tracers in particular. In the first Neruoi war they were vastly overshadowed by Rallo's as they were a new development in Neruoi weapon's technology and combat platforms though eventually their numbers would grow and while Rallo's were still the most Numerious until a little after the events of the Fuso sea incident, the Moth was fast becoming a more numerous scout and light air combat unit. Against witches Moth's fared little better than their Rallo's counter parts, some accounts argue that they may even slightly better than Rallos while others claimed them otherwise as being far worse than Rallo's and kill counts for Moth class Neruoi reached high numbers, much like was the case with Rallo's. By the early 1940's use of Moth class platforms by the Neruoi fell into sharp decline and by 1942 they have been nearly phased out completely; sightings of Moth class Neruoi after this point in time is rare and such sightings after 1942 are assumed to be old veteran Moth's that somehow, by some miracle, had avoided being shot down until that point or alternatively they have developed new techniques in stealth and evasion to increase their survivability, albeit over small margins. Against most witches however, even most recruits and rookie combat witches would find a Moth reasonably easy prey, so most Moth classes would find themselves easily destroyed unless they capitalized on their high mobility and turning radius to survive a combat encounter for any length of time. Moth class units fired Neruoi bullets from alien machineguns chiefly, though overtime these bullets were soon outpaced and outgunned by better developed allied conventional units and witch shields and weapons. The armament of Moth-Kai type Neruoi did see these weapons being supplemented by a single beamport on each wing and one beam port hex on the nose of the unit's body, but even for heat rays these Neruoi beams were considered rather feeble though still considered of at least marginal threat if one let their guard down. Moth-Kai were noticeably a bit faster and even more superior in maneuverability, mobility and turning radius and can even match some early war fighters in a dog fight over their basic Moth counterparts but it wasn't long until even Moth-Kai were out performed by new striker units and new witch tactics, even conventional fighter aircraft could have a better chance of going toe to toe with Moth class, though numbers and ambushes could still prove a serious, if not potentially fatal, hazard. Moth-Kai have seen slightly larger rate of sightings over the course of the war compared to the base line Moth class; but even these are very sparing and are considered outdated alien air platforms that are seemingly being used solely as reserve/auxiliary scout units and scout escort.

[8] Luftwaffe Fräulein /Luft Fräu: A term of endearment used by Karlsland soldiers when referring to Karlsland Mechanized Air infantry witches and units, with the term "Luft Fräu" being a diminutive of the phrase. Literally translated it means "Air force girl/ Air force lady/Air force woman ; depending on use of diminutive. It's a term for Mechanized Air Infantry that is comparable to the phrase "Panzer Fräu" (I.E. "Armor Girl" or "Tank Girl") which is used to endearingly refer to Karlsland Mechanized Armored Infantry witches and their units.

[9] Hauptmann; Karlsland Rank equivalent to a Captain from other nations: a commissioned officers rank typically held by either junior staff officers or company commanders. While initially used within the Karlsand Military and Ostmark Military before the 1940's, once the allied command was formed the use of Karsland rank designations was superseded by more standardized and international designations of "Captain" during joint operations with unit's from allied nations militaries.

[10] Obergefreiter: Karlsland Non-commissioned officers rank equivalent to a Liberion or Brittanian Corporal; the rank is a step above a Gefreiter (LanceCorporal).

[11] Speilzeug: Karlslandic phrase that means toy, or "plaything". While usually used innocuously to refer to the playthings of children; sometimes the terms finds it's use in less... flattering contexts. Unflatteringly it can be used as a rather crass and derogatory term by men who consider certain girls and young women to be their sexual playthings.