Author's Notes:
Here at last is the final chapter/epilogue of the story (with only one very slight addition). I chose to break the diary/journal format to put things in the perspective of both the Doctor and Francesca/New Austria herself.
For those curious about the line: 'Schmücke das Heimatland, Schön und weiß, Blühest wie die Sterne,' it's a part taken from the (German version) lyrics of Edelweiss.
Also, this last part leads up to the RP that started it all (the link could be found in the DeviantArt version). Sadly, the only way non-members are likely to see it is through Google caches, but (hopefully) you won't be disappointed.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it.
The Personal Records of a Doctor: A RDNA-verse Tale
Epilogue
New Vienna, RDNA. 1947
"Dear, are you sure about this?" Bridget calmly held the hand of a frail man sitting by the window. On a table laid an old hardbound book, some torn papers and a set of keys to the file locks.
"Of course. All these have to be sent to the Residence." The man weakly gazed at her. "Everything. They can't be hidden forever."
"Don't you think it's too abrupt? We don't even know how significant all this is."
"It's better than the alternative. If endless struggle's all there is, we've already lost." He gave an assuring, if exhausted, smile. "Our motherland only looks fragile, my love. That...appointment with the Pearly Gates may be forthcoming. But she has all the time in the world."
For a moment, all that was heard was faint music from the radio, melding with the muddled cries of "Reclaim the Crownlands!" Through the window, they watched as the Austrian Restoration League and Children of Hungary, or so the revivalists called themselves, marched down the street. Old images once more flashed in his head. In their faces he saw her parents. Blurred, haunting, shattered glimpses of what had been. Yet they were also one of defiance and hope. So long as Francesca lives on, they can never fully die.
"Should have done that years ago. Not even death could silence those desires." he murmured as he held her hands together. "She'll surely see them again. Maybe our descendants will know the answer. Who knows?"
The sounds outside took on a familiar tune: 'Schmücke das Heimatland, Schön und weiß, Blühest wie die Sterne...'
-o-
The years went on. Battles were waged. Dangers narrowly averted. Soon, those who lived before the Terror began to die. Not long after, the ones who witnessed the Terror itself started following suit. Their combined memories were passed on to their children, and theirs. From Sitka to Ushuaia, life went on despite everything. Faced with the ever present threat of the Reds, it became a way of defiance. Staring at the enemy's face, they would be the continuation of a lost inheritance. All the while struggling forward towards a final retribution where victory wasn't even assured. The late Dr. Heisenberg had been right.
For Francesca, this couldn't go on indefinitely. Just hope those bastards go before us. She brushed the thought aside as she walked about the gardens. Noticing her footsteps, she suddenly realized how she was following the same path used to guide the Doctor about; he wasn't the only one. In another time, another couple relished the very flowers around her. Mama, Papa... No, not again. She forced back the urge to cry.
It had been 80 years since the attempt. Sometimes, she still felt guilt over what happened and the nightmares he glimpsed. Yet had it not been for his efforts, in addition to hers, the Nation doubted whether she would have kept her sanity. Even after all this time, there was at least some consolation.
The arrival of one of the aides broke her train of thought. "Meine Fraulein, His Majesty kindly invites you over for some refreshments by the patio."
"Of course," she smiled. "Please let Franzi know that I'm coming."
As she made her way, a thought crossed her head that everything would be alright. That's we'll all be together again. Had it not been for him, those words may never have reached her. In another time, she would have heard the voices uttering them. Quietly, she gave a salute to her beloved citizen. Danke.
"Is something the matter, Fraulein?"
"Don't worry. I just remembered an old friend." There were a few drops on the grounds as she walked. Her liege, Franz Ferdinand II was waiting.
In time, everything would fall into place. One way or the other.
ENDE
