Present Day…
General Dimitri Hatake found himself swimming. Wave after wave of old, incomplete memories were trying to force him under. All around him, scenes from the past. The cold and dark Wein catacombs, the cozy living room with a burning fireplace in the Krupinski household, among others that raged pulling him out with the tide.
Every face passed by as he tread water desperately. There was Creina, Waltrud, Sanya, Fleet Commander Anderson, Mikhail, the Rose of Wein, the girls in the 501st. As he reached out for any of them, they simply disappeared.
While his steady sinking feeling began to subside, he heard all of their voices. He tried to scream but couldn't make a sound.
As if plucked from the open ocean, he landed roughly on a hard surface. As he fought to stand up, he realized things were beginning to materialize around him. He could make out beds, tables, chairs. His eyes cleared of haziness, he recognized the interior of a hospital. People appeared just as quickly as the inanimate objects and surrounded him.
At his side was Creina Krupinski. Dimitri tried to touch her, but his hands passed through her image. Her eyes were looking at him, though it seemed she saw directly through him. He cursed under his breath, before noticing Sanya Litvyak and Mikhail Breshnev standing in front of him. They were also looking straight at him.
None of the scarecrow-like people moved nor spoke. Instead of studying them further, he chose to look around, trying to make sense of this charade.
As he thought, he was in a hospital. The longer he took in details of the environment, the more he knew he recognized the location. It was the hospital in Berlin where he had assisted Creina for a couple of years. What could all of this mean?
Dimitri thought back to when he had been attempting to spark his forgotten memories with morphine. He had seen this, though it hadn't been this pristine. Why the hell were Mikhail and Sanya here? Before he could dwell on it further, it all disappeared. As he tried to run toward the fading images, he felt a firm flick to his forehead. The harmless gesture caught him off-guard and off balance, knocking him to the ground.
"Wake up, brat." Dimitri heard Captain Breshnev's voice as low light penetrated the darkness. His eyes snapped open quickly. He found Mikhail kneeling over him. "There you go. Come on. You're fine."
Dimitri's eyes lost the last remnants of red in his eyes, returning to their typical green.
"What the hell happened?" Dimitri blinked several times.
"I had to straighten your ass out." Mikhail smirked. He shook his head and pulled his pack of cigarettes out of his back pocket. "You didn't think I could handle you, did you?"
"I guess not. Where's Lynnette and Colonel Wilcke?" Dimitri took several deep breaths.
"I'm right here, General." Dimitri heard Sergeant Bishop's voice from behind Mikhail's wide body. "Minna is alright too. Are you okay?"
"I'm so sorry, Sergeant…" Dimitri put his hands over his eyes. He didn't see a way to ever try to make all of this right again. He knew that his previous thoughts of resignation would be the right thing to do. "I'm so sorry for hurting you and Major Sakamoto…"
"Demi, please…" Lynnette sounded much more compassionate than he deserved. "You have to let us help you. You can't keep trying to fight this alone."
"This isn't something anyone can really help with, Lynnette. I just want to make sure I never hurt any of you ever again. Even if it means resigning." Dimitri tried to sit up.
"I wouldn't go that far, General Hatake." Mikhail and Dimitri both reacted, recognizing the voice of Fleet Commander Anderson. The middle aged Orussian officer made his way down the hall. He gave Minna and Lynnette a short glance before stopping next to his two Orussian countryman. He kneeled beside the already squatting Captain. His next statement was conveyed in their native tongue, keeping the two witches from understanding him. "This is one hell of a mess you've made, General. We've got 4 young ladies that have seen and know too damn much. You're gonna have to do something about that."
"I can take care of them, sir, if you wish." Mikhail followed suit with his choice of language. Dimitri looked up at Mikhail in confusion. Mikhail noted his expression and continued. "No one would be any the wiser and I would have a couple of new toys for a day."
"I don't think so, Captain. I'm talking to Dimitri." Chiron shook his head, not surprised by Mikhail's offer.
"What do you mean, sir?" Dimitri's Orussian flowed easily. He took a sidelong glance at Lynnette who couldn't understand them.
"I mean erase their memories." Chiron could see Dimitri's hesitation. "Just like you did to Sanya when we brought her home with us."
"I can't do that, sir!" Dimitri exclaimed.
"What other choice do you really have?" Chiron's voice steady as if this was something he had been considering from the beginning. "Erase their memories, maybe even plant alternate memories that make things even easier for us. I believe alternate memories will be necessary to explain Major Sakamoto's injuries, unless you can heal her back to new with your magic."
"Like I said, I can always take care of them. Besides, I've been thinking about taking Sergeant Bishop for a ride since yesterday any—" Mikhail offered before being interrupted.
"Shut the fuck up!" Dimitri got to his feet. "Sir-"
"Dimitri!" Chiron stopped his protégé before saying anything else. "This is the only way we can keep moving toward our original goal! This is something only you can do! We need you, Dimitri."
Dimitri looked to the steel floor. Deep down, he knew it was what he had to do.
"Where are Yoshika and the Major?" Dimitri spoke in english.
"They're upstairs in the sick bay. They're alright." Chiron didn't go into any details as he followed Dimitri's lead in returning to English. "Mikhail, please go check on them. We'll be up in a minute."
"Sir, are you—" Mikhail began.
"Just go, Captain. We'll tend to these ladies." Chiron gripped Mikhail's muscular shoulder.
"You're the boss." Mikhail shrugged before lighting his cigarette and walking back down the hall to the lift.
"Dimitri, it'll be alright. I promise." Chiron turned back to the young man he had watched grow up through the years. "It's something that has to be done."
Dimitri did not respond, merely looking at Lynnette and then the still dazed Colonel. He averted his eyes from each of them and nodded solemnly.
"Alright…" Dimitri walked past the Fleet Commander and kneeled down in front of Lynnette. Even though her neck was still deeply bruised, and she was very weak, she smiled at him. He shook his head in frustration. "Sergeant…"
"Lynne." Lynnette reached out and placed her hand on his bruised cheek. She radiated warmth with her kind demeanor.
"Lynne… there's something I have to do… And I hope someday you will be able to forgive me for everything I've done to you." Dimitri put his hand over hers as he slowly allowed his eyes to change again. Though his eyes bore crimson irises, a tear escaped from his eyes.
"It's alright, Demi. You don't have to apologize. I think I understand what you're about to do." Lynnette still smiled as Dimitri's other hand came up to her forehead, his large palm covering the top of her head. "Just promise me something."
"What's that?" Dimitri's eyes never left hers.
"You've got to let us in… let us help you." Lynnette pulled him closer. She placed a kiss on his forehead and pulled back a few inches. "And if for some reason I won't be around anymore, let the rest of them do their best to help you. Even with everything you've done, I know they all still care about you."
"I have never done anything in my life to deserve any of what you girls have done for me…" Dimitri loosed a few more tears. He couldn't believe that she thought he might have to kill her, but still only worried for his sake. "I will do my best, Lynne. But don't worry, you'll still be here with me."
"Alright… That's all that I ask of you." Lynnette smiled one last time before Dimitri's energy channeled into her mind. Dimitri gently laid the Sergeant's hand on her lap and wiped his face with the back of his hand.
"Dimitri…" Chiron spoke up, having heard every word.
"Not now!" Dimitri spat. His crimson aura began to fluctuate, moving across Lynnette's skin.
"General, you may need to erase some other things while you're doing that." Chiron wiped sweat from his brow.
"You know I can't do this for long. It could destroy her psyche. She'd have a mental break and be completely incapable of recovering. Even I couldn't repair it. I told you that years ago when I did this to Sanya…" Dimitri barked. He started to apply his internal recovery magic to the bruising around Lynnette's throat while cycling through her memories. It quickly erased the dark markings he had inflicted upon her nearly as fast as he destroyed the memories she had accumulated through the early morning. After a few more seconds, he let go of her forehead. "She's fine. She won't remember a thing. She'll wake up in her bed in a couple hours as if she slept the entire night…"
"I know how you're feeling right now, Dimitri." Chiron tried to reason with his most prized subordinate.
"No, I really don't think you do. I'm not sure you ever have." Dimitri stood up and walked over to Minna. "Just be quiet right now."
Chiron ceased trying to speak to him. The Fleet Commander had the feeling that he had lost some of his hold on the Brigadier General. He grit his teeth, running several trains of thought at once trying to formulate a way to control Dimitri. He was right about these witches poisoning his mind but had noticed that Dimitri still followed his every command while in his full-blown 'Specter' state. Perhaps his state of mind in his berserk condition reverted to the mindset he had been conditioned with back when he still commanded the 666th. He was pulled out of thought as he saw Dimitri finished working on the former commanding officer of the 501st.
"I'm putting them to bed. After I finish here, we'll take care of the two upstairs." Dimitri carefully picked up Minna and walked her into her bedroom next to his own. The silver haired man emerged from her room and proceeded to cradle Lynnette in his arms and take her to her room. As he tucked the Britannian girl into bed, he whispered to her as if she were still capable of hearing him. "The next time I hurt you, is the day I'm leaving for good."
Meanwhile…
Orussian Lieutenant Sanya Litvyak had found it hard enough to sleep at night as she was normally the overnight patrol witch, but she had been feeling a terrible dread in her stomach since returning to the Mirage from the ball. It was the same feeling she knew came from Dimitri when he was engaging his powers. She could feel that demonic energy no matter where on the ship it went.
General Hatake had walked by her room a couple times during the early morning. She knew his nearly omniscient eyes could tell her and Eila were on board. She had made sure not to engage her familiar, as to not entice Dimitri to sink any further into his bloodthirsty alter ego. She made sure to lay on the side of the bed closest to the door to somewhat shield the sleeping Suoman she had shared the night with.
Sanya had heard the voices of the other female members of the Strike Witches as they had come out of their rooms in response to the General's presence. She pulled Eila closer to her, scared of what could be happening in the hallway. She prayed that her adoptive big brother could rein in the demonic presence he carried.
She began to shake slightly as she felt Dimitri's aura expanded, her magic thrashing about in her body. She hoped that Eila stayed asleep so she wouldn't endure this. The silver haired girl began to feel ashamed that she couldn't summon the courage to go out there to help Minna, Mio, Lynnette, and Yoshika face him.
Then came the sickening sound of bones breaking and Minna crying out. Sanya had put herself on top of Eila defensively while crying quietly. Lieutenant Juutilainen miraculously remained asleep as she heard a set of footsteps run by her door. As she continued to cower, another set of heavier steps came by and could hear Mikhail Breshnev's voice speaking to Dimitri.
"Mikhail…?" Sanya mouthed silently. What was he doing here at this early hour? Time went by and sounds of struggling and physical exertion came from the end of the hallway. Eventually, those sounds subsided and she heard Fleet Commander Chiron Anderson speak as he came down the hall. "What is going on?"
More silence as she couldn't hear their voices anymore. She felt Dimitri's aura disappear for a few minutes until it returned, and Mikhail could be heard walking back up the hallway. She had to find out what was really going on.
Sanya steadied her breathing and eased off of Eila. She got out of bed quietly, doing everything she could not to disturb her lover. She tiptoed without any audible noise to the door and placed her ear against the door.
"—destroy her psyche. She'd have a mental break and be completely incapable of recovering. Even I couldn't repair it. I told you that years ago when I did this to Sanya…" Dimitri's voice was just barely loud enough for her to fully understand. "She's fine. She won't remember a thing. She'll wake up in her bed in a couple hours as if she slept the entire night…"
Sanya gasped, her heart rate skyrocketing. Her mind reeled, too confused to make any sense of the shocking revelation. Her heart was pounding in her chest.
"…D-demi…?" Sanya had to brace herself against the threshold to keep herself from falling down. She lost track of time and couldn't fathom how long she had been leaning against the door frame before she heard two sets of feet moving by her door. The lighter stride kept moving while the heavier stopped in front of her bedroom door.
She tried to steady her racing heart as she held her breath, fearing for Eila's safety. She took a short step back trying not to make any noise.
Eventually, the presence outside her room moved on, heading toward the lift. After she heard the faint hum of the lift machinery, she collapsed to her knees and began sobbing. The Orussian girl put her hands over her face and tried to stop crying.
"….what…? What is going on? W-w-what did they do to me…?" Sanya tried to mute her sobbing to keep Eila from seeing her in this state. "…maybe… maybe Eila was right…"
Meanwhile…
Captain Waltrud Krupinski turned the key to unlock the deadbolt on the door that let her into the office she shared with Marshal Erin Rommella while either of them were in Copenhagen. She removed the key from the lock and threw the keys onto the desk closest to the door. After shutting the door, she let herself fall onto the couch across from the door.
She removed her side cap and uniform jacket. She leaned back and rested her head on the cushion behind her. She could see out the window that the sun had finally started climbing higher into the sky. The sun began to provide some warmth to the crisp December air.
Waltrud rubbed her forehead while letting herself relax for a moment. She knew the day would be busy as she thought about the afternoon conference that was to be held by the AF council. It would be then that they would decide their next plan of action.
The brown-haired Captain looked up at the clock for a few seconds. It was already after 9 o'clock. After a minute or two in silence, she heard the doorknob turn and the door start to open.
"Good morning, Captain." Field Marshal Rommella crossed the threshold and greeted her before letting the door shut. "How are you this morning?"
"I'm alright, ma'am. How about yourself?" Waltrud sprang to her feet and saluted the woman she had served under ever since her enlistment. For the past year or so, the Marshal had been in North Africa constantly, so it was very seldom they met face to face anymore. "Did you enjoy Mikhail's company last night?
"Of course. It was a wonderful evening." Rommella returned the salute and set her jacket on the closest piece of furniture. She went to her desk and sat down. She then looked at Waltrud while pulling some file folders from her desk. A toothless smile spread across her youthful face. "Though I was a little disappointed Mikhail left me a lot earlier than expected this morning. It just might hurt my feelings if he snuck off to see another woman."
"Well, I guess it wouldn't surprise me if he did." Waltrud shrugged, wishing she wouldn't ever have to see the Orussian Captain again. She sat back down on the couch. "What brings you in this morning so early?"
"I wouldn't say that it was early, dear. But I've got to get all of my reports and evaluations ready for General Howard this afternoon. I'm really not looking forward to this conference. I think our next assignments are not going to be very appealing." Erin started looking through the files in her hands.
"Why do you say that, ma'am?" Waltrud scooted down the couch until she reached the end closest to the Marshal.
"Because we're going to be teaming up with Chiron and the 501st." Erin referenced the Orussian Fleet Commander. After shuffling her papers, she began sorting them into different stacks. "It's not official just yet, but General Howard is going to make it official today."
"Well, I'm not sure what's wrong with that. If it's something that needs to be done, then we'll take care of it." Waltrud could understand Rommella's uneasiness, especially if she knew as much as Waltrud believed she did. "What will we be doing?"
"There's been intel gathering the past few weeks about a very large Neuroi hive over the Black Sea, or at least the surrounding area. This outburst of 8 heavy class crafts in such a small area only fuels the speculation. The 502nd and 31st will be joining the 501st aboard the Mirage for the trip through the Mediterranean Sea and Bosporus strait." Rommella still not looking away from her paperwork. "Pacific Fleet Commander Yamamoto will meet up with us along with part of the fleet from the Pacific after entering the Black Sea from the Strait of Mosen in the southeast. General Howard will bring the ships that can be spared from Liberion right behind us. We still need to determine how many men and vessels can be spared from other areas of conflict. We have to refrain from spreading ourselves too thin."
"Why are so many resources being allocated to this operation? I don't think we've ever had such a grand scale troop movement like this before." Waltrud tried to think about previous battles when Neuroi hives had been involved.
"Because the few initial reports out of the area have claimed this hive is the largest we've ever seen. One recon unit went so far as to say it's easily five to six times our previous record holder. While being large isn't necessarily so threatening, the report also says that it can crank out a heavy class Neuroi every 2 hours." Rommella finally looked up, seeing Waltrud's expression change from curiosity to disbelief. "Again, this is pure speculation at this point, but I have no reason to doubt our best reconnaissance teams. If it's true, one or two witch units won't be nearly enough. All the stops will be pulled out on this. We have been steadily decreasing their numbers, both hives and ships, throughout the world but this hive could push us to the brink. You know firsthand how long it takes to bring down a single craft. Now imagine in a day it might take you to get there, this thing has pumped out 10 to 12 of these bastards before you even engage the hive."
Waltrud was stunned at this information. Her gaze dropped from the Marshal and settled on the floor.
"If that's true, even a little bit, what can we even do?" Waltrud closed her eyes for several seconds. "Not even our three divisions combined could put a dent in them…"
"Unfortunately, that's kind of the conclusion I've come to." Rommella returned to her files. Before either of them could say anything else, a knock came at the door. "Please keep all of this to yourself until the news breaks later today. Come in!"
Colonel Anton Levos opened the door and stepped inside. He was carrying more file folders in his left hand.
"Good morning, Marshal." The Orussian Colonel saluted as he stepped to Erin's desk.
"No need for that, Anton. We're all friends in here." Rommella smiled warmly at her second in command. "Did you find what I asked for?"
"Yes, ma'am." Levos lowered his right arm and handed Erin the files he had been holding. "Is there anything else you might need or want, Marshal?"
"Not right now, dear. I do appreciate you tracking these down for me." Rommella began sorting the new stack of paper into the neat and orderly piles already covering her desk. "You're more than welcome to keep us company, Anton. You know I always enjoy your company and insight."
"That's very flattering, ma'am. I will be back after I go pick up Captain Marseille from the hospital. I left her there last night to stay with Lieutenant Hartmann." Anton bowed slightly. "Please let me know if you need anything else, ma'am."
"Of course, Colonel. If I don't see you before we leave for the conference, I will be disappointed." Erin winked at him as he turned and left the office. After the door shut, she looked to Waltrud. "I don't know where I would be without that man. He's gonna replace me in the near future, I'm sure."
"I wouldn't say that, ma'am. You're definitely a strong leader. Your knowledge and experience are invaluable to the Allied Forces. They couldn't replace you like that." Waltrud shook her head.
"Well, people don't realize just how intelligent and capable Anton is. I know he doesn't feel like he could be a leader, but he is definitely a strong candidate to be an AF council member in the future." Rommella licked her finger tips to gain more grip on the paper.
"If you say so, ma'am." Waltrud just let it go. She got up and started fiddling with the coffee pot. "Would you like a cup, Marshal?"
"Sure. Thank you." Erin finished her task and stood up. She leaned against the counter and watched Waltrud measure out some coffee to put in the pot. "The way I see it, this is a way for you to spend some more time with General Hatake."
Waltrud froze, nearly spilling the coffee pot in her hands.
"You, myself, the 502nd, and the 31st will be stationed aboard the Mirage until the operation is completed. That'll give you some more time with your silver haired beau."
"Uhh… yeah. It will." Waltrud set down the coffee onto the burner. "Though I feel I might just be in their way."
"Don't think like that. I'm sure he'll enjoy your company as well. I could tell how much he cares about you from the way his face lit up when he saw you last night." Erin assured her. She decided to see if Waltrud might be able to give her a little bit more information on the man once known as the 'Orussian Ghost.' "Tell me a bit about him. How did you two meet? How long have you known him?"
Waltrud grew uneasy as she contemplated the Marshal's words. She might end up pouring gas on the fire that was blazing atop the General's situation.
"Well, I guess I've known him about 8 years now. He just happened to land in our lives when I was younger. We met in a hospital in Berlin. To be honest, he's more like an older brother. He was in love with my older sister who happened to be a doctor at the hospital in which we met until she passed away. Then we kind of lost touch until just a couple days ago." Waltrud omitted certain aspects of her recollection. "I was very glad to see him, but it felt kind of bittersweet…"
"Alright, Captain. I'm sorry for bothering you about it." Rommella could tell things were being left out. They had to be. Once the coffee warmed up, Waltrud poured them both a cup. As Erin took a drink, she noticed the clock read ten minutes after 10 o'clock. "Thank you for the brew, but I've got to get going. I've got to get my uniform, get dressed, and get ready. We'll be meeting at noon so let's plan to meet back here for in-depth briefing at sixteen-hundred hours. Please pass that on to Captain Marseille."
"Yes ma'am. I will do that." Waltrud complied. "As Colonel Levos said, let us know if there's anything you may need."
"Of course." Marshal Rommella affirmed. She gathered her stacks of paper and took them with her as she left the room. She traversed the long hallway and turned the corner. "I can only imagine the clusterfuck we're walking into."
Meanwhile…
Major Mio Sakamoto bolted upright in bed, jolted from sleep like some kind of electric shock. Her heartrate was high but couldn't quite figure out why. After her initial spontaneous movement, she felt a sharp pain in her chest and side. She was forced to lay back down to ease the pain. She then realized that she wasn't wearing anything under the blanket other than the bandages she used to suppress her breasts.
"What the…?" The Fusoan major couldn't think of why she wasn't wearing her signature blue swimsuit that she wore nearly every day and slept in often. After a few seconds of confusion, she then started touching her side where the pain had originated. She found no marks, wounds, or bruises as she tried to identify the source of that staggering pain. "Why does this hurt?"
Mio lay her head back on her pillow while letting the blanket settle over her. She took a few deep breaths, not feeling the pain anymore. She went to roll over but found something in her way. She pulled the covers back again to find Colonel Wilcke curled up beside her. She was only wearing her typical night gown.
"What are you doing here?" The Major asked herself, trying not to wake her sleeping partner. She tried to remember what all happened the night before, but everything was hazy. She began working her way back through mentally. The ball, the car ride back to the ship, Minna's confession and warm lips against hers, coming to her room to continue the night's festivities with the red headed Colonel.
Minna stirred, her eyes slowly opening. She rubbed her eyes and looked up at the woman she loved more than anything else.
"Good morning, Mio." Minna raised herself and placed a kiss on Sakamoto's lips. "How are you?"
"I'm okay… I think." Mio replied after their lips parted. "I think I was having bad dreams."
"That's odd. I was thinking the same thing about myself." Minna pulled the covers down and started getting out of bed. After glancing at Mio's alarm clock, she stood up and went to the door. "It's almost 11. I can't believe we slept so long. I'm sure everyone else has already been up and around. We should get dressed and meet with the girls. I'm curious how the General would respond if I left your room dressed like this…"
"I doubt he would care, Colonel." Mio mimicked her lover and got out of bed. She started putting on her normal uniform as Minna opened the door. She looked out, wondering who might be around. As Major Sakamoto's room was at the end closest to the dining area, she could see the whole eating space. "You'll be fine, Minna. Just go ahead and get dressed."
"Alright, Mio. I love you." Minna walked out. She spotted General Hatake at the head of the long table, drinking coffee and going over files spread out around him. He wore his immaculate dress uniform and appeared to be concentrating on his work. "Good morning, General."
"Good morning, Colonel." Dimitri responded without looking up.
Minna took her opportunity to go to her room before she was caught in nightclothes. She opened her door and went to the bathroom linked to her room.
Major Sakamoto stepped out of her room fully dressed, swimsuit replaced underneath her uniform. She went toward Dimitri and stopped to pour herself a cup of coffee.
"How are you, General?" Mio greeted her commanding officer.
"I'm fine, Major." Dimitri's response was brief. He kept his attention on the pages on the table.
"Good. Are you ready for the conference?" She pulled up her usual seat at Dimitri's left side. Normally Colonel Wilcke would sit at his right side.
"As ready as I'll ever be." Again, terse response from the General.
"Don't worry about it. It seems like this is wearing on you." Mio sipped on her caffeinated beverage.
"You have no idea." Dimitri flipped a page over. "But it appears all of your reports are near carbon copies. That will help."
"Of course, sir." The eyepatch wearing officer nodded. "Is there anything I can do for you, General?"
Without warning, Dimitri stood and gathered his reports. He avoided looking at her.
"Just be ready for briefing this evening. There's no telling what kind of fire they'll throw us into." He adjusted his peaked cap and walked toward the lift.
"Yes, sir." Mio stood and saluted. She watched him step on the lift and then ascend to the flight deck.
After being out of sight of his subordinate, Dimitri drilled a punch into the wall of the lift, denting it in a couple of inches.
"God damn it!" He didn't even feel the pain. He nearly threw the assembled pages in his hands down the shaft of the elevator. "Why does it have to be like this?!"
Meanwhile…
Major Gertrude Barkhorn was enjoying a short walk around the hospital, ignoring the residual pain from the injuries General Hatake inflicted upon her. She had snuck out off of the floor she had been placed on for continued observation. The air was still cool, but the sun helped cancel it out. She finally had some peace and quiet from the circus that always followed her.
Now the native Karlic was free to be alone with her thoughts. For the most part, she had been avoiding thinking about anything concerning their leader. Every second that Captain Mikhail Breshnev and Fleet Commander Chiron Anderson are around Dimitri, the more dangerous the situation would become. She had to come up with some kind of countermeasure in case either the General lost it again, or Mikhail tried to do something.
"Hey! Trude!" A voice came from the side of the hospital. She looked up at the rows of glass windows, searching for the source. She quickly found Lieutenant Erica Hartmann's head sticking out of the window of her hospital room. "Get back up here! You've got to be more careful."
"Shut up, Hartmann!" Gertrude shouted back. Erica retracted her head while Major Barkhorn kept walking along the sidewalk. As she turned the corner to walk along the backside of the medical facility, she spotted the tall Mikhail smoking a cigarette. He was right in her path. She came closer before acknowledging his existence. "What the hell are you doing here, Captain?"
"Oh, you know. Just walking the streets. It's been a while since I've been here in Copenhagen." Mikhail's mirrored shades kept his eyes from being seen. "Besides, it looks like I picked the right place. I ran into a lovely, physically spectacular beauty like yourself."
"Whatever, lover boy." Gertrude stepped around him and kept walking. She hoped that he would just stay put but heard his heavy footfalls as he started to follow. She felt like she had to get back out in front of the hospital quickly. She would even go back to her room and get into bed if it meant he would peel off and go away. "I'm not a very sociable person, Captain. I'm about to head inside anyway."
"That's perfectly fine, ma'am. I had planned on coming up after I finished my smoke." Mikhail was only a step or two behind her. "How are you feeling?"
"Never better. I don't think I've ever felt this good." Gertrude masked her sarcasm fairly well.
"Is that so? Well, maybe I could help you feel a bit better than that?" Mikhail took her response in stride.
"I don't think so, Captain." She couldn't believe his attitude. "You're starting to make me feel a little uncomfortable."
"I sincerely apologize. I never meant to make you feel that way." Mikhail sounded almost believable. He increased his pace in order to walk next to her. They came around the front side of the building and walked toward the main entrance. "Please forgive me, Major."
"It's fine, just leave me alone." She was already tired of his act. They walked up the stairs until they reached her floor and made for her room.
"Who all is here this morning?" Mikhail asked as they were a few steps from the door.
"Does it really matter?" Gertrude rolled her eyes. As she reached for the door handle, it swung open and Colonel Anton Levos emerged with Captain Marseille in tow. She saluted Marshal Rommella's XO. "Good morning, Colonel."
"Good morning to you as well, Major." Levos returned the salute. His eyes walked across to Mikhail as he smiled. "I guess a good morning to you as well, White Wash?"
"How sweet, Colonel Brown Nose. I wasn't expecting you here." Mikhail grinned. He looked over Anton's shoulder to see the other girls in the room. "Come by to take your pick, too?"
"That's a bit inappropriate, Captain." Levos straightened his posture.
"Oh, my bad, ladies. That was inappropriate." Mikhail snickered as Levos checked his watch. "Am I keeping you from kissing someone's ass?"
"Is he always like this?" Gertrude asked the Orussian Colonel.
"Most of the time. It's the times he's not like this that you should worry." Anton warned her. "You should be preparing for the meeting, Captain. You were asked to attend, remember? You shouldn't be wasting your time loitering where you're in the way."
"I'm well aware, Levos. I don't need a reminder. And I'm not wasting my time by visiting these lovely ladies. I consider that time well spent." Mikhail matched Anton's posture. The girls in the room were not hearing the conversation so he decided to up the ante. "I had fully intended to bend Captain Yeager over Dimitri's bed while I had the opportunity."
"Just shut the fuck up!" Gertrude said in disgust. "That's an order!"
"Very well, sweetheart. I do enjoy an assertive woman." Mikhail turned his back to them. He started walking back toward the stairs. "Don't worry, I'll be back. I can't help myself with beautiful women."
After the Captain had descended the stairs, Colonel Levos shook his head.
"I am really starting to hate that man." Gertrude spoke first.
"Don't let him get to you. That's all a part of his game." Anton exchanged relieved looks with her. "He's getting in your head. You cannot let your guard down with him. He finds your weaknesses and exploits the hell out of them."
"I honestly think this man is more dangerous than Demi…" The Karlic major began before realizing what she had said.
"What did you say?" Captain Marseille asked, surprised.
"Nothing. Just get out of here." Gertrude stepped out of their way. Before Anton stepped down from the first step, she called back to him. "During this meeting, look after the General. Don't let anything make things worse for him."
"You don't even have to tell me that. I will do everything in my power to help him." Levos didn't turn around as he spoke.
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Hanna squawked as they started walking down.
"What was that all about?" Lieutenant Francesca Luchinni asked after Barkhorn closed the door behind her.
"Nothing, just an asshole being an asshole." Gertrude waved a hand in the air. She hoisted herself up into her bed closed her eyes for a few minutes.
Two and a half years ago…
Captain Mikhail Breshnev stood on steel beams while looking down over the continuing construction of the soon-to-be largest naval vessel in the history of mankind. This aircraft carrier would become the flagship of the Allied Forces as it housed thousands of soldiers from every member nation of the AF. It had been mentioned that it would even get its own witch unit as a permanent placement.
Even Mikhail had to admit that this was an amazing marvel of modern technology. It would be filled with all sorts of cutting-edge technology that would assist in the day to day defense of every possible human in the face of the overwhelming Neuroi. Only the highest quality weaponry and defensive equipment would be placed aboard.
He had to hand it to Chiron with this project. He really outdid himself on this one. Though the construction still had a little under 2 years to go, the work progressed very well. It wouldn't be long before they finally filled in the interior of the ship. Chiron's base level was nearly complete. His specialists were giving the Fleet Commander exactly what he asked for. This aspect would be finished today as all the cylinders and machinery were installed. The only thing left was for the team to safety check every unit to ensure they were not going to experience any malfunctions down the road.
"How's everything going, gentlemen?" Mikhail called down to the three men checking each machine.
"Everything is as it should be, Captain." The lead tech answered, standing up from his crouching position. "Every failsafe works, every circuit is complete and protected. The fluid inside the tubes is not leaking and every piece of machinery works as designed. It is safe to say, that this is a wrap!"
"Wonderful news, boys! Come on up! It's time for a drink!" Mikhail beckoned in a jovial tone. He moved up, then stepped up onto the platform beside the incomplete hull. He helped the three men up and they started walking to his office. "You guys do damn fine work! I know Chiron will be proud. You guys earned that bonus as promised."
"Thank you, Captain." The lead tech responded again.
As Mikhail and the technicians walked to the closest building to the dry dock, Fleet Commander Anderson emerged from the door.
"These boys are all done, Commander. I figured we'd have a drink to celebrate." Mikhail pat the closest tech on the back.
"Absolutely. I'm gonna go check it out for a minute. You gentlemen enjoy your drink." Chiron flashed a rare smile, glad to finally have the hardest part of the construction out of the way. He walked past the jolly men and set himself toward the ship. He stepped down into the work in progress and slowly took in the area that would be his future office and laboratory. This is where his life's work would be continued. "Magnificent."
Chiron took his time as he went over each cylinder, inspecting for any flaws. His work space had been constructed to the letter. He couldn't have even dreamed it would come out this great. He reached the end of the line where three slightly larger tubes stuck out. The largest was in the center with space for equipment around it that would be necessary for what he would end up putting in it. All that was missing was all the equipment he would need and all the witches that would occupy the preservation tanks.
"Flawless." Chiron smiled to himself. He traversed the long path back to the exit and pulled himself from the ship. He was so excited for the future he almost whistled as he returned to the office. When he came through the door, he found Mikhail and the three techs clinking scotch and bourbon glasses together and singing an old song that was popular in Orussia. They stopped when they noticed Chiron in the doorway. "You have done excellent work. I believe you have exceeded every expectation."
"Hell yeah!" Mikhail raised his glass in the air above his head. He took a drink and then poured more alcohol for the men around his desk. "Now all we need is some superb food! Karin! Be a dear and bring these men something to eat!"
"…yes, Captain." The blonde Lieutenant reluctantly complied as she left the room for the kitchen.
"I say we go into ol' Vladi and find some lovely ladies." Mikhail suggested, referring to the city just to the south of the shipyards, his eyes meeting Chiron's. Chiron smiled and nodded once. "Even the CO agrees! I'll be right back boys."
Mikhail and Chiron went into the kitchen just as Karin came out with a platter full of meats, cheeses, and other assorted foods. They put their backs to the door separating them from the office.
"White Wash time?" Mikhail removed his service pistol from his belt.
"Try to make it quick, Captain. They've done a good enough job that I'd rather them not have the chance to realize what is happening." Chiron spoke in hushed tone. "And don't shoot your XO, Captain. It would be kind of hard to explain that one."
"I gotcha, Double-Star." Mikhail checked to make sure his pistol was loaded and filtered a round into the chamber. "I would never hit Karin. I would be sad if she weren't around anymore."
"Just take care of it, White Wash." Chiron egged him on. Mikhail kept his pistol out of sight as he and Chiron came back into the office. Karin had set the platter down on the desk and the three men had gathered around it. "Captain Breshnev and I have decided you guys earned a bonus. You'll be paid twice what we agreed to."
"Holy shit, thank you very much!" The lead tech chimed, chewing on a piece of pepperoni.
"No good deed—" Mikhail brought his pistol to bear in a fraction of a second, squeezing the trigger three times in rapid succession. Every shot found its target, removing the back of all three men's' heads as bullets ripped through their skulls. Blood splattered everywhere. Each man slumped over, two onto the food platter and the third to the floor. "—goes unpunished."
Karin Datya only reacted after the three men hit the floor and desk, blood coating her uniform and face. She screamed, deafened by the gunshots and resulting shellshock. She fell to her knees, still screaming. After the ringing in her ears faded, she felt powerful hands grab her arms.
"…rin…Kar…Dat…" Karin could start to make out what someone was saying to her. She saw Mikhail steadying her with his hands on her arms. "You... kay… You're o…"
Finally, the fog was gone. She snapped back to reality as Mikhail soothed her, stroking her arms and shoulders gently. She let herself be stood back on her feet by Captain Breshnev. She stood amidst the gore scattered throughout the office.
"You're alright, sweetheart. I promise you are okay." Mikhail used his shirt that he had removed to wipe the blood from Karin's face and neck.
"Why the hell did you do that?!" Karin overcame her fear and willed herself to speak. "What did they do to warrant this?!"
"It's just the nature of the business, Lieutenant." Chiron stepped over the closest body. "We'll get this cleaned up. Mikhail, get these men out of here. I'll get the bleach and start cleaning up."
Karin couldn't find the words to speak again. She had to force herself to keep breathing. She knew what kind of person Mikhail was, but she really couldn't believe that the head of the Orussian military had authorized the senseless murder of these men. She had convinced herself that the Commander was a rational, level headed man, not some cold, heartless monster. She had always wanted to believe that Chiron merely tolerated Captain Breshnev's behavior, but it started to feel like he encouraged it.
"Is everyone okay?!" Staff Sergeant Nikolai Yashin kicked the door in and aimed down the sight of his pistol. After quickly assessing the room and its occupants, he lowered his gun only slightly. "What the fuck is going on here?"
"Another day in paradise, Sergeant." Mikhail smiled while dragging a body to the door. "Don't just stand there, Nik. Grab a body."
Nikolai sighed and holstered his sidearm. He opened the door to move the body outside as well as to let the smell out. Several soldiers and laborers gathered around the front door while Sergeant Yashin dragged a fresh corpse into the sunlight. With the heat, it wouldn't take long for them to start to stink.
"You really could have let me in on this, assholes. Now we've got to dispose of bodies and fix the door." Nikolai and Mikhail tandem carried the second body outside. Before going back inside, Nikolai looked out at the crowd that had gathered. "What the fuck are ya'll looking at?! Get back to work!"
Everyone assembled quickly made themselves scarce as Nikolai pulled out the last body. Mikhail sat down on a chair next to the office door and lit a cigarette. After exhaling noxious smoke, he smiled and put on his sunglasses.
"Man, I love doing that." Mikhail flicked some ashes on the dead body at his feet.