14th of January, 2025
Fiorano Modenese, Duchy of Modena and Reggio, HRE
It was a snowy morning of mid-January and the Fiorano Circuit was unusually crowded. There, all the directors of the most prestigious car makers of the River Po Valley were gathered to receive the Imperial Family and the President of the Union of South Africa. There were present the board members of the Ferrari, of the Maserati, of the Lamborghini. Only foreign presence was that of the Porsche, whose President came from Stuttgart for the occasion. This was an unusual event, given that neither a competition, nor a car exhibition was planned on that day.
In spite of this, there was great agitation and impatience over what was about to be displayed and everybody seemed well determined to challenge the umid cold of the Modenian countryside to see what those four entrepreneurs had prepared. For now, no information on the matter was released and from the speakers the only thing coming out were songs by Lucio Dalla, Pavarotti, the Overture of Rossini's Gazza Ladra etc. The people was gathered close to the stands were food and drinks were being served. Inside a lounge instead, the organisers were waiting for the Emperor to arrive.
Finally, from the speakers it was announced:
"Ladies and gentlemen, please, let's get ready to welcome His Majesty, Emperor Julius of the Romans and Her Majesty, Empress Consort Anya, along with the Right Honourable President of the Union of South Africa, Hendrik Botha."
From the speakers started playing the Marcia Trionfale from Verdi's Aida and long convoy of Maserati Levante came from the Via Abetone amidst the acclamations of the locals, then entering Via Enzo Ferrari and stopping in front of the headquarters of the Scuderia, where the Emperor, his delegation and his guests showed themselves to the people.
All those gathered began to greet him enthusiastically.
"Eccolo! Eccolo!"
"L'Imperatore!"
"Viva il nostro Imperatore!"
The Emperor seemed to be in a great mood on that morning, his smile, in spite of his desfigured appearance, betrayed a sincerity in his sentiments and even from his eyes seemed to be falling some tears. He was saluting his subjects and breaching the protocol he even accepted coming close to the barriers and shaking some of them hands, causing general surprise. Accompanying him were Duke Francesco IV of Modena, Anna Clément, Amedeo, Anya and Ayano.
On the plaza in front of the Ferrari Headquarters they were received by the President of the Ferrari, Count Luigi Ferrari di Maranello, the President of Maserati, Count Giovanni Maserati di Castelfranco Emilia, the one of Lamborghini, Count Piero Lamborghini di Sant'Agata Bolognese and the President of Porsche, Landgraf Ulrich Porsche von Maffersdorf.
"We are honoured to receive Your Majesties and Your Excellency here." Said Count Luigi Ferrari.
"And I think there is hardly a city in the whole Empire where the Emperor is more loved than in Modena." Observed the Duke of Modena. "Since his arrival yesterday morning there has been an incredible queue in front of the Ducal Palace of people asking for an audience with him."
"Also I would say there is hardly any city in the whole Empire where I feel more at home than in Modena. This was the city of my teenage and the homeland of my ancestors and will always have a special place in my heart."
"All this makes us even more honoured." Replied Giovanni Maserati. "If Count Ferrari allows me, I would like to invite you to the reception we have prepared inside."
"A reception?" Asked Ayano suddenly interested in the conversation.
"Could be a nice idea, given how cold it is out here." Said Anya.
During the reception were offered typical products from the region: charcuterie, Grana Padano, balsamic vinegar, tigelle and as only "imported" product the wine: a fine Brunello di Montalcino from the Grand Duchy of Tuscany... all this despite being around 11:00 a.m. and the fact that all the guests had already an abundant breakfast at Modena's Palazzo Ducale before leaving.
"Every time I am here or in Parma I end up stuffing myself with food." Joked Ayano while eating a tigella with Parma ham.
"You stuff yourself with food anywhere and at any time." Replied Amedeo.
"Don't you dare!"
Close to them Anna Clément was asking Anya about some court gossip.
"I have heard that Giulio will allow the marriage between King Ludwig and Lucrezia."
"Heard? By who? Giulio has actually placed King Ludwig in charge of the occupation of Tibet and Xinjang in order to keep him away from the Court."
"Really? And do you think that our Emperor would consider a Habsburg-Este for his sister?" Asked the Duke of Modena coming close to them.
"I think you might get the governorship of Polinesia or New Caledonia, if you don't calm down." Replied coldly Anya. The Duke left them without saying a single word.
"At least he would go to a place that is warm and sunny!" Joked Anna.
"Sorry, I can't stand this Court nonsense." Replied Anya.
Close to them, Giulio was listening to all the entrepreneurs and and the South African President discussing business. He was visibly bored by them, as one of the things he could never stand were discussions over money. He hated them. He always hated counting money or discussing prices, which he considered as a petty, non-aristocratic and unpleasant activity. In the past, this characteristic made him gain the reputation of wastrel and caused his mother's anger several times, as he would spend huge amounts of money on tailor-made clothes, luxury hotels, clubs and restaurants and any sort of exhibitionistic amusement.
"All this discussion on what you can offer and how much you ask is truly fascinating." He intervened exasperated. "But now I ask: when do we get to see the knightframes tested?"
"In exactly 15 minutes, Your Majesty." Replied Count Luigi Ferrari looking at his pocket watch.
The exhibition of the new knightframes took place in the testing circuit, with the Emperor and all the authorities sitting in the Honour Tribune.
The first knightframe to be exhibited was the Lamborghini Thunder. This was a shining dark-yellow knightframe, slightly bigger than the Alexander T-06 (so around 7m), which was the new standard of the Imperial Roman Army. This frame, other than on standard equipment, could count on new rotating blades in titanium, capable of cutting in half a Northumbria (the new Britannian frames). As was announced, this model would have been adopted by the Praetorian Guard.
The second to be exhibited was the Maserati Ghibli, named like one of the company's most recent cars. This was a grey frame, of similar size with the addition of two small cannons similar to the Hadrons but smaller and even more powerful. This one, it was announced, would have been used by Iron Guard, announcement that made Ayano assume a triumphant smile.
"All those frames will be restricted to the four corps of the Imperial Guard, right?" Asked Anna Clément, who was at the moment representing the interests of her father's company.
"Of course, Lady Clément, even because none of us works with mass production. We could not possibly supply the Imperial Army." Replied Piero Lamborghini.
"Even because the Crown has a contract with the Clément Industries on the supply of military equipment." Observed Amedeo.
"In any case, I believe I am speaking on behalf of everybody when I say that we are open to work with the Clément Industries to produce even better and more efficient equipment." Replied Ulrich Porsche."
"I strongly encourage you to do so." Intervened Giulio.
The third knightframe to be exhibited was then the Porsche Ferdinand. This was another elegant and stylish knightframe, equipped with an advanced stealth system and conceived for special operations and spying. This was destined to the Swiss Guard.
The last one to be exhibited was the Ferrari Maranello. A red frame, fastest than all the others and conceived mainly for melee fights. This one was to be used by the Emperor's Noble Guard.
"Having fun, President Verwoerd?" Asked Giulio.
"They are all exceeding my expectatives!" Replied the South African statesman pleased.
The exhibition of the frames continued with the display of their weaponry and potentialities, while the presenter was describing how each of those machines was carefully prepared, as the best cars of those producers.
"Our share will be delivered by the end of July, Mr. President." Informed Luigi Ferrari.
"Not a problem, if they have this level of quality." Replied Verwoerd.
As the exhibition ended, the President of the Ferrari took the microphone.
"Would your Majesty allow me an announcement?"
"Of course, please." Replied Giulio.
"Your Majesties, Honourable President,
Thank you all for coming despite the cold and especially thanks to Their Imperial Majesty and the Delegation of the Union of South Africa for joining us. I hope on behalf also of my colleagues that you enjoyed this exhibition of what will be the weapons of the elite units of the Roman Army and of the South African Defence Force. Before concluding the event, however, I would like to present before all of you a gift that the Scuderia Ferrari, together with the Maserati, Lamborghini and Porsche have decided to make to Your Imperial Majesties."
"If it is an attempt from your part to make me replace the Mordred, I will warn you that it won't work." Said Anya to Giulio.
"I swear, I have nothing to do with this."
"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce our exclusive joint projects: the Romulus and the Hersilia."
These were two silver-coloured knightframes, built in such way that they would recall the armour of the ancient Roman generals, with incided on the torax a bas-relief portraying the myth of the foundation of Rome.
"Not even a bit discrete, yet quite gorgeous machines, I will admit." Observed Anya.
In the meantime, the presenter began explaining how they were potentialisations and synthesis of the Mordred and the Augustus, seeking to combine the best weaponty of the former (the Hadron Cannons) with those of the latter (the blade and the guns), to which was also added a potentialised system of shields based on that used by the Shinkiro. Internally, the knightframes presented comfortable pilot cabins, with space for a co-pilot, handmade seats in leather and any sort of optional.
"They have perfectly understood the Roman way of waging war." Joked Giulio. "The maximum of elegance combined with the most lethal and efficient weaponry. So that the enemy can die looking at something nice and fancy."
"Your Majesties, we would like to ask if it would not be your wish to do a test drive?" Asked Ulrich Porsche.
"A test drive?" Asked Anya.
"Sure, why not!" Exclaimed the Emperor enthusiastic.
The Emperor and the Empress tested their new frame for some 30 minutes, further entertaining the public, before finally leaving the circuit amidst the acclamation of the populace. After the event, they went to have lunch with the South African delegation and the entrepreneurs in the nearby Castle of Spezzano, where they were guests of the Counts Pignatti-Morano.
18th of January, 2025
Yunnan, Military Administration of Southern China
The war meant for Leila the opportunity to make progresses in her military career. Starting from the bottom, her past military experience helped her in distinguishing herself from her companions-in-arms and soon after the beginning of the invasion of Mongolia found herself promoted to Corporal. After the conquest of Luoyang and her successive deployment in Southern China, she detached herself fighting against the remaining pockets of Chinese resistance in the region, which led to her further promotion to Corporal-Major first and then to Sergeant.
Her unit, the Régiment de Volontiers Royaux, was now integrated in the 89th French Assault Brigade and had as a mission that of patrolling the forest of Yunnan, which were part of the communication line between the Provisional Government of Free China, based in Nanking, the Kingdom of Burma, the only Chinese Tributary not to have been invaded by the Britannian forces and the Empire of India, which in spite of the alleged neutrality, it was known, was supplying the Chinese resistance.
Leila and her unit had stopped in a small open field to take some rest. They have been spending the last two days patrolling extensively the forest near the border, as the Imperial Intelligence had claimed there was a supply route passing through it and the commander of that military region, an arrogant French noble who had just arrived from Paris, expected them to find the passage and destroy it.
"This mission is pointless! If the lads from the intelligence are so smart, why don't go themselves after the convoys?" Complained a corporal.
"We have been assigned a mission, corporal Papandreu, we will execute it." Replied Leila while eating some chocolate.
'I am hating it too.' She thought. 'But I will get back my place in my family'.
"Yes madame. Apologies, Sergeant." Replied the Greek soldier.
Right after his complaint, as the soldier turned his back to Leila, his head was smashed by a shot coming from inside the forest.
"Sniper!" Shouted Leila. "To your frames! Fast!"
The sniper managed to take down other three or four soldier, causing the panic in the company, before hitting Leila in her leg.
"Shit!" She cried as an unbearable pain from her leg diffused itself through the rest of her body. She nonetheless managed to reach her knightframe and enter it. While her soldiers were firing at where they thought the shots were coming, she took some time to put some medication on her wound.
"Soldiers, I need you to disperse yourselves and find that sniper!" She ordered while herself entering the forest looking for it. In the meantime, the shooter had taken down another soldier right in front of Leila.
This time however, she could see from the hole left in the other frame, the direction of the shot and once she turned up the radar, capable of localising other frames. Yet, nothing appeared.
'The bastard must have a stealth system... Let's try with the thermic sensors."
A shot hit her frame. For her luck, her courasse, managed to hold it.
"There you go!" She shouted firing several times, in the direction of the enemy frame. This was severly damaged but attempted an escape.
"Troops, to me! I found it." She communicated. "I want him alive."
Soon the other soldiers were on the sniper, closing his ways to escape. Leila fired another time, disabling his main weapon and then using the harkens immobilised it. The pilot attempted an ejection, but was quickly tracked and captured by two soldiers of the company. Finally the prisoner was brought to the field where they were resting before.
"Well, well, well, looks like we've got a hero." Mocked Leila coming out of her Alexander to interrogate the prisoner, while other two soldiers were holding him. The sniper was a young man, probably around 19, with a light skin. Likely he was from Northern China.
"We will kick you all back to the West, imperialistic scum!" Yelled the Chinese.
Another corporal punched him in his mouth.
"Listen soldier, I do not wish to hurt you, but I need some information..."
"You can go to Hell, stupid bitch!" Replied the sniper.
"Corporal Bernal." Called Leila. "Take him away. I want him to talk. You have 20 minutes." The Corporal, expert in tortures, took the prisoner away with the other two soldiers and then started torturing him. During the following 20 minutes, undescriptable cries of pain and suffering, mixed with supplications for mercy could be heard ceaselessly in the area. While this happened, Leila found herself thinking about how her wish to regain the lost condition and the trust of her family was leading more and more to the loss of her sense of humanity.
'I will get back my place. I must do it.' She told herself again.
"Sergeant Breisgau, here is the prisoner." Said Corporal Bernal.
The prisoner was covered by blood in his whole body, his nose was broken and one of his eyes was smashed. He was crying and stammering, while spitting blood mixed with saliva.
"Now let's talk." Said Leila. "Who sent you? What was your mission?"
"Nobody. I acted on my own."
"Speak, you dog!" Shouted one of the soldiers kicking him.
"I am a soldier of the 19th South China Infantry Regiment, part of the 12th Infantry Brigade. My mission was to eliminate spies and sabotators."
"Spies and sabotators? Sabotators of what?" Asked Leila, while looking into his wallet.
"I meant, that could be passing by... this is a border zone after all." Replied the soldier.
Leila took out from the wallet the photo of a little girl, likely in her 9-10s.
"Is this your daughter?" She asked.
"No, madame. My sister."
"Does she lives in your hometown... Tien Tsin?" She asked, looking at his ID card.
He nodded.
"I would feel sorry if we had to make her a visit... You know that we can just ask to the Japanese and they can easily find her?"
"Don't you dare!"
"Then speak, or she will suffer in your place." Insisted Leila. The soldier started crying.
"It's better if you talk, what is the Chinese Government hiding here?"
"From this route we receive the supplies from India. Around 100 Knightmare Frames daily, produced by the Imperial Industries of India."
"That's better. Where do they usually pass?"
"It depends. Tonight they would have passed here, but after I have screamed so much..."
"Where will they go tomorrow?" Asked Leila.
"I don't know... They decide each morning."
"Maybe your sister will know." Said Leila.
"No! I-I beg you... Leave my sister alone."
"Then how can we know?"
"You-You need to enter Burma. There's a small village called Tangyan. There's the place they decide everything."
"You know that if you lie, dog, your sister will die a slow and painful death?" Asked Corporal Bernal.
"No, please. I am telling the truth. I swear." Said the soldier in tears.
"Where exactly, is the base in Tangyan?" Asked Leila.
"South of the city... There's a forest... There is a hill higher than the others, on the other side of it you pass the Pang River, also on its top there's an antenna, looking like a radio station, you cannot miss it. Also I suggest that you go now, as if they understand that I gave you information, they will certainly evacuate it. I can be your guide."
"Amazing. That's all what we needed to know. Thank you for the information, soldier." Replied Leila coldly.
"What should we do with the soldier?" Asked Bernal.
"Please, let me be your guide or send me home... Me and my sister are orphans and she doesn't have anyone else other than me."
Leila felt some sympathy for the young soldier and his sister, thinking that had he died, she would have faced an unknown destiny. She repelled those thoughts almost immediately and taking out her Luger shot the poor man in his head before he could say anything else.
"You should have thought of it before enlisting in the rebel forces." Replied Leila looking at the corpse. "Now let's go prepare the soldiers, we leave to Burma right now."