LAURA MULLER
Anasazja and Laura walked out of the eerie basement with a couple of boxes. As expected there were several old film reels and VHS tapes but there were some odd items as well. Flash drives and DVDs and Blue-ray disks were also tucked away in storage hoping to be forgotten.
"Have you been down there a lot?" asked Laura.
"No. The last person was Bianka after the Internationals."
"That long ago. You don't have practice matches against other nearby teams?"
"Not often. We've had matches against Hungary, Romania and the rest of the Eastern Bloc but only Pravda gives us a challenge," Becky withdrew for a moment, "You can probably figure out the results though."
"That bad huh?"
The girls went across the campus to the A/V Club and requested to borrow their room. Becky set up the laptop while Laura handled the projectors. The lights dimmed and the projector flickered.
"Today in the world," said a female anchor, "Ukraine continues to struggle with separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk. The ceasefire agreed upon in the Minsk Agreement has been completely broken as artillery and rocket fire fell. Both sides have accused each other of the first major violation and have been bringing heavy weapons back to the front. In other news North Korea claims to have successfully tested a hydrogen bomb though experts are skeptical…"
"Sorry, it looks like the Press was working with the A/V Club before we got here. There we go. We're all set up. Which did you want to start with?"
"Oldest one first I suppose," said Laura fitting the canister, "This one's from 1960."
The projector flickered and opened the show. Large text in Polish appeared beneath the Bonple insignia.
"The Strength of Bonple's Armour," Becky translated, "A production of Bonple Tankery Team and Bonple Press."
"Have you seen any of these?"
"Never, we only watch the videos of Kuromorimine, Pravda, and other successful schools to learn from them."
The film showcased the lineup of Bonple armour which at the time was mostly light tanks. Their small cannons blared and the tanks jumped over small hills and trenches. The team laid ambushes and struck against tanks much stronger than their own. White flags popped out of Panthers and T-34s. Happy tankers popped out of turrets and called on their peers to join them.
"Very enthusiastic despite never winning a title," Laura covered her mouth, "Sorry I didn't mean it like that."
"Not a problem," Anasazja handed her the next reel, "This one is from 1975."
This reel didn't showcase the tanks at all but focused on the life and camaraderie of the team. Tankers enjoying large meals and relaxing in the recreation room. It was all smiles and laughing. Several minutes later they began showing the daily activities of the team ranging from tactical briefings, to maintenance, and target practice. The film ended with a message from the team leader inviting those interested to join.
"Not useful," said Anasazja picked a DVD, "Perhaps this one."
"2000, this should be better."
This film was slightly better as it showed actual footage from tournaments but kept the same upbeat tone of the previous films. While they showed a few of the Bonple tanks being knocked out it quickly transitioned to the crew pouring over notes and maps and speaking about their new tactics. There was also a voice over that spoke highly of the team and regularly compared them to the famed Winged Hussars. There was nothing to be gained here other. There were no full recordings of matches or maps detailing actual movements. Only planned attacks were shown and their results were hidden.
"Show me the most recent one," said Laura.
Anasajza plugged in a flash drive and opened the most recent video file. The video was crisp and clear and of the highest production quality. The film showed footage from the recent International Tournament. Bonple's light tanks drove circles around Waffle Academy and the guns tore through the light armour of BC Free Academy. Images of Winged Hussars were likened to the armour of the school. Proud charges against impossible odds and coming out victorious. Bianca herself had some speaking time encouraging more to join and that the team was on its way to win tournaments, At the end the Bonple flag flew with the patriotic Hussar's March playing in the background.
"Propaganda," said Laura, "It's all propaganda."
"Now I understand why Bianca said this wouldn't be useful," said Becky turning off the laptop, "What do we do, Laura?"
"Suspend practice tomorrow. I need to talk to Bianca."
The next day after breakfast Laura went to see Bianca in her office. Several letters, manifests, and supply lists were signed and stamped and ready to depart from the outbox. She had drawn out a route from Poland to Germany on a large map. Laura shut the door behind her and closed the blinds.
"Hello Laura, what can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if we could talk. And I'm sorry for cancelling practice today."
"No problem at all, actually it was quite beneficial. All the paperwork and planning for the trip Germany is almost done now. I've also managed to get a hold of Maginot to organize a practice match in one week."
"That's good. Wait, a practice match with Maginot? So soon?"
"Yes. Elodie Clarisse De Jure was very eager to arrange something," said Bianca, "They had actually left a message yesterday. I hope you don't mind joining us on the trip to Germany."
"Not at all, actually it'll save me the train fare back home."
"That's good to hear. So what did you want to talk about?"
"The tankery films."
"They're over here. All the major competitors are represented and we also the recording from when Ooarai won against you. I've reviewed them several times but perhaps you'll see something I missed."
"Not those ones. I want to talk about the Bonple reels."
Bianca looked up coldly at Laura. Her face turned neutral and her body shrank slightly.
"And what about them?"
"How I put this," Laura fidgeted, "Why are they, well…"
"Propaganda? You can say it, I won't be offended," Bianca sighed, "Now you know why I didn't want you to watch them. They are stain on our school."
"Then why?"
"In order to preserve the honor and integrity of our school," Bianca grimaced at those words, "It's a directive from the Student Council for all clubs. They restrict negative messages from club authorities."
"But what about the matches and tournaments? Everyone knows about those."
"They don't censor that, they don't have the means to. But their PR Department and our Press are very good at minimizing the impact."
"But why are they doing this?"
"Laura, what is your school known for?"
"Our tankery team of course," she replied without hesitation, "Our mechanical department also."
"What about Pravda?"
"Their second to us in tankery and I supposed their also famous for their winter sports teams."
"And St. Glorianna has its team, its tea gardens, and its Naval Department. Saunders its American Football team and the ungodly number of products they seem to conjure from thin air to sell us," Bianca tapped her desk, "Maginot and Anzio are known for their culinary expertise, Maple High School has its hockey team… Even Wu Wei Shu has some renown. And what of Bonple? What about us? What can we take pride in?"
Laura was silent. Not because she couldn't find the words but because those words would only come across as pity. She remembered the vibrant image of the hussars and their glorious charge. Then came the images of the centuries after. Poland, a proud and rich nation, suffered under the occupation of Germany and the Soviet Union. It had been tucked behind and iron curtain for half a century. Even today it is a shadow of its once great power. But even then the people were proud. A flash shot across Laura's mind. Despite its defeats and depressions, the Polish stood strong against the storm.
"Resilience. Bonple and Poland are known for its resilience."
"Resilience," Bianca nodded, "Resilience… I've thought of that a thousand times and it's starting to sound like a lie. We can stand against the storm, resist adversity, and try to rise again and again but eventually, like all things, it will break. Then what? We will have nothing left to have pride in, we'll have no honor left. Nothing we can claim as our own."
"So you'll copy the successful? How can you take pride in that when all you've done is just copy someone else?"
"Then what would you have us do? Charge across the battlefield waving banners and flashing sabres like Winged Hussars? Just like how the propaganda tell us? No. We need victory. Even if it's on the back of someone else's work it's still a victory."
"Commander Bianca, the meeting is starting soon. I'm here to collect you."
A tall girl dressed in a feminine suit with a red badge on her chest walked into the room. She held a small briefcase and silver pen.
"Right, let's going madam treasurer," Bianca rose, "Excuse me, Laura. I have a budget meeting with the Student Council and other clubs. If you need anything Anasazja, Jadzia, and Izolda will more than happy to help."
Laura left the room with a heavier heart and a flurry of thoughts running through her mind. Half a mind wanted her to rush into the Student Council and demand they free the press. The other half was holding her back saying it wasn't her place to interfere with their school.
But I'm here to help.
"Are you alright, Laura?" asked Izolda.
"Hmm? Yeah, I'm totally fine."
"Okay, because you've been pacing for a while now. There's almost a grove in the floor."
"What?"
Luckily there was no grove in the floor but the hands on her watch had advanced significantly since she last glanced. Laura stood in the center of the main hall. The students gave her a wide birth and walked around her with a slightly puzzled look. Izolda and Jadzia had kept an eye on her just in case her waking sleep walk took her somewhere dangerous.
""Something on your mind?" asked Jadzia.
"No… well… yes… no…," Laura stammered for a moment, "Well it won't hurt to ask. What do you guys think of your team?"
"We love it!" they said together, "It's so much fun to drive tanks and everyone is great! And –"
Laura waved her hands to calm them down, "Yeah, I know what you mean. But I was talking more about like how do you see your team? Are you proud of it?"
The girls' smiles flattened when they looked at each other. They had a silent conversation noticed only by the little changes in their expressions. Neither wanted to take the first word.
"Well… umm…"
"They are proud of our team," said Anasazja, walking down the hall, "But they wish we had more achievements. Isn't that correct?"
"Yeah, that's it. And you're going to help us do that right?"
"Of course."
"Anyway, are you girls ready to go?" asked Anasazja.
"Yeah!"
"Go, where?"
Izolda grabbed Laura's hand, "You'll see. Just come on. You'll need to get changed though."
The group hopped into a car with the assistance of the chauffeur. They drove into the city of Warsaw. The wide roads and snaked around towers and sky scrapers. The driver stopped at a large complex. It had a large semi-circular complex surrounding a shopping mall. The mall was beneath a glass dome with many ripples and waves like water. Behind the complex was a high rise tower with a sprawling pavilion around it. It seemed like a palace in the middle of the city with its beige stone walls, Roman pillars, and clock tower peak.
"Zlote Tarasy," said Anasazja, "This is a very popular commercial centre in Warsaw. And that building behind it is the Palace of Culture and Science."
"That's amazing. But why are we here?"
"Duh, it's still summer," said Izolda, "We aren't going to spend it only at school you know."
"Yeah, we get time off too," said Jadzia, "So we thought we'd spend it with you."
"But what about Bianca?"
"Her days off are next week," said Anasazja, "But let that hold you back. I'm sure she's making plans with you for those days. So, let's go shopping eh?"
"Let's go!"
Izolda and Jadzia led the way running into the mall. The mall was an amazing place with brands from across Europe and North America. Prada bags, and Gucci fashions tempted passersby through clear windows. Women pulled their husbands and boyfriends into the shops. After disappearing into the changing rooms they would come out and hand their men bags and bags to carry about.
Luckily, Hugo Boss, who infamously made the Waffen SS uniforms, and Amani stood across the way giving the men opportunity to do the same to their wives and girlfriends. The prices were exorbitant taking months, if not years of pay from their part time jobs to buy a single article.
Jadzia joked that for those prices they could buy another vintage car for their tankery team and still have enough left for spare parts.
"Might as well move on to the next shop I suppose," said Anasazja, "Maybe there'll be something in our price range there."
Laura grabbed her hand.
"It's expensive to buy, but free to try on," Laura winked and grinned.
The group of girls undertook the age old pastime shared by women around the world. From shoes, to dresses, to cardigans and shirts, to trousers and accessories, they tried on everything and anything. Being stuffed in a hot iron tank and sweating in a sweltering thick uniform and helmet can make a girl forget themselves. Donning fine, bright coloured fabrics and stunning leathers was a pleasant reminder of the feminine charms. Of course there were the few awkward moments when the staff came out with tapes to take their measurements while they browsed. The time flew by and when they had finally finished their imaginary shopping spree the stars were starting to come out.
"That was fun," said Izolda, "We'll have to do it again some time."
"Yeah, but I think the staff was a little peeved to keep helping us when we wouldn't buy anything."
"We'll go to a different mall then."
Anasazja glanced at her watch, "We should hurry or we'll miss our reservation."
"Reservation? What restaurant?"
The driver took them back to Barth Park. Lamps lit the paths as they walked in the calm serene park. The soft sound of the rippling pond and running stream mingled with the rustling leaves. They followed the stone path to a long building with an arched roof. Outside several tables were prepared with a view of the garden. The staff went about the tables with professionalism and warm smiles. Sweet and savoury scents followed the silver trays they carried.
"Welcome to the Belvedere," said the host, "Do you have a reservation?"
The next few days came as usual with breakfast being served directly to her room. Izolda and Jadzia joined her today and made the morning much more exciting. After morning classes, which meant Laura was just wandering around for a while, the team was called to practice. It continued as usual with Bonple practicing gunnery and maneuvers as if they were still turreted tanks. Laura tried to get Bianca to change her strategy but she would have none of it.
"If we are to be successful we must emulate those who succeeded," she echoed over and over.
Roughly one week had passed and the team was gathered for another practice. The tanks were arranged in a circle with the guns pointed outward. In the circle Bianca laid a map of Europe across a large table and held it in place with stones. Several cities were marked with flags and an itinerary was scribbled on different page. Members of the automotive club and other support-style clubs were also present. And standing beside Bianca was the Student Council Vice President and a member of the press.
Bianca cleared her throat, "In two days we'll be making our way to Germany and meeting with Maginot. We will pass by Lodz, Poznan then straight to Germany. Ensure all your papers are in order."
"How are we going to get the tanks there? And what time's the train?"
"We will not be taking a train but driving our tanks straight into Germany," said Bianca, "Along the way we'll be doing some small practices. I've already made preparations with the local towns. Maginot will meet us Berlin."
"So what is practice for today?"
"These is none. Use this time to get prepared and plan a little vacation for yourselves."
The Bonple team clapped and started chatting about what they could do.
"What do you think your chances are against Maginot?" asked the press.
"Very good," said Bianca, "Our armour is much more advanced and capable of punching through at any range. And with the guidance of Laura Muller we've also adapted some tactics from Kuromorimine."
"Laura Muller, do you think Bonple has improved since you arrived?"
The sudden questioning caught her a little off guard.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah."
"Do you think Bonple is more than a match for Maginot?"
"Yes, with your new self-propelled guns the advantage Maginot held has pretty much been taken out."
"Will you be looking to face Kuromorimine as well?"
Laura paused and glanced at Bianca.
Bianca straightened her posture, "If they will have us, absolutely. Actually, Laura, would you be able to arrange it?"
"Are you serious? We're the number one team in the world," said Laura.
"I am serious, maybe we can do a two versus one. Maginot and Bonple against Kuromorimine," said Bianca trying to soften the impact of the questioning.
The press raised her pencil, "Are you suggesting Bonple cannot compete without aid?"
"No, we can stand on our own," said Bianca, "But as we have a grand match against Anzio and St. Glorianna this would be in our best interest to test unit cohesion with Maginot and to learn of Kuromorimine's tactics."
"Still Kuromorimine is ranked number one," said the press, "Maginot was knocked out by Anzio last year, and Bonple was beaten descisively by Pravda. If memory serves Bonple failed to knock out a single tank."
"Back then we had weaker equipment. Our new cannons can do much more than our older 45mm cannon."
"But without turrets it seems old tactical doctrine is obsolete. And a lack of experience with the tanks would definitely give Kuromorimine wouldn't you agree?"
"Well there –"
"That's enough questions," said the Vice President, "Our team has much to prepare for and I don't want to keep them any longer. I expect to see the article on my desk this week before publishing. Okay everyone, the show's over."
The group dispersed to their various tasks, duties, or pushed forward whatever plans they had made. Bianca let out a heavy sigh of relief now that the press was done asking questions. Even she knew that taking on the top school was a near impossible task but it was important to keep up images.
"So… Road trip!" cheered Laura.
Bianca smiled, "Euro trip! Looks like the next few days will be quite eventful. I'm sorry I couldn't join you earlier this week as you saw I had some things to deal with."
"No problem," said Laura, "When we get to Germany I'll show you around on your days off."
"I'll hold you to that. After our practices of course. And would you arrange the practice match with your school? I'll call Maginot with the details later."
Laura checked the time and pulled out her cell phone. Maho's number glowed intimidatingly at her. If she called Maho would accept and the challenge would be taken to the highest degree. Panthers and Tigers, and King Tigers, oh my! Even with their new guns the heavy armour could easily bounce the rounds. Éclair had spirit and Bianca had determination but it wouldn't be enough. Ooarai got lucky that day and replicating success would be impossible. Even if they outnumbered them, even if they had better tanks, even if everything fell into place, Maho's experience and Erika's steel will could easily overcome the odds.
You can't learn much from a decisive defeat, but you can't learn from an easy victory either. There has to be a fair fight.
The phone rang and rang. Her heart was beating a little bit faster. She reached out to someone she could trust and someone Maho and Erika would take… less seriously. Perhaps this way a challenge could be made without dragging in the high command.
"Hallo?"
"Hallo, Carla? It's me, Laura."
"Oh, hey Jagdpanther-chan! What's up? How's Poland?"
"Don't call me that, please," she whined, "It's great here by the way. Hey, uh, I was hoping you could help me with something."