Hmm, a reviewer, duked, pointed out that Yang Wen-li's release from the inquiry committee on Heinessen was due to the Imperial attack on Iserlohn Fortress using Geiersberg Fortress. If it had not occurred, he'd most likely have resigned. However, since Reinhard decided not to attack at that inopportune moment in this story, I'd like to assume that Yang was released because there were rumours of the impending Imperial attack via Phezzani merchants...Again, I've not really considered it too deeply, because I'm not interested in the Alliance side of things...

Chapter Five

May 3rd U.C. 798, I.C. 489

Odin, Ministry of War, Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Office

Kircheis stood stock still by Reinhard's side as Reinhard discussed the issue of the kidnapping of the young Emperor with the Chief of Staff, Oberstein. More often than not, when Reinhard wanted advice on shady political matters, he turned to Oberstein. There was one thing that Kircheis was grateful for however; that Reinhard had never once kept him in the dark. They were too close for that.

Absently, Kircheis noted Hildegarde's absence, then reminded himself that she had gone to visit Annerose, to persuade her to accept some guards around her cottage, in view of the threat of terrorism. Reinhard had reluctantly decided that his sister needed some time and space alone, which was why he had sent Hildegarde to Annerose, instead of sending Kircheis or heading there himself.

Kircheis shook his head mentally as Reinhard told Oberstein about the offer that Boltik, the Phezzan ambassador, had made to him a couple of days ago. Boltik had mentioned the advantages to Reinhard should the young Emperor be kidnapped; namely, that Reinhard would be rid of the young Emperor, and would be able to declare war with a justified reason on the Free Planetary Alliance, as that was where the young Emperor would be taken. Kircheis remembered with a frown that Boltik, when pressed for a reason, had then said that Phezzan wanted to control the space communications and trade in a unified Empire.

Reinhard had driven a hard bargain; he would only work with Rubinsky if Phezzan granted free passage through the Phezzan Corridor to the Imperial Fleet. Kircheis, used to how his friend's mind work, knew that this meant that Phezzan's day as an autonomous planet was numbered. Truth be told, looking at things from a political viewpoint, this plan was exactly what Reinhard needed; the opportunity that months ago, Kircheis had asked Reinhard to wait for. Yet, the deceit involved left a bad aftertaste in Kircheis' mouth. Even so, despite his disapproval of the plan, he would not dissuade Reinhard from this course of action just because of his own moral issues. Just as he had not protested two years agao when Reinhard had to implement a scorched-earth policy to counter the invasion by the Alliance, because it had been necessary for victory.

"Besides, whether or not I cooperate with them depends on if they succeed," Reinhard was resting his face on his elbow even as he casually spoke of a plot that would change the history of the universe. "If they succeed as they plan to, I'll use it as an excuse to attack the Alliance. But if they fail, I'll punish Phezzan itself for committing the crime of abducting the Kaiser." Kircheis' eyebrows went up in surprise. He had no idea that Reinhard had considered that possibility, but really, he should have known. Reinhard was not merely a military genius; his friend was also a political genius who would try to turn everything to his advantage, because he firmly believed in his goal. Reinhard's self-conviction was a double-edged sword. It was a trait that Kircheis admired, that he knew he himself did not possess. At the same time, he was also aware of the dangers of such self-conviction.

In any case, Oberstein himself seemed surprised at Reinhard's insight. "You've considered that far?" Kircheis knew that Reinhard must have glared at Oberstein for the implied slight. Reinhard's tone was irritated as he said, "Of course. I'll repay Phezzan for underestimating me." And Kircheis had to smile at that. Many people often underestimate Lord Reinhard, but they always regret it, sooner or later. He thought of some of the inept superior officers that they had had in the military and the high nobles of the Lippstadt Alliance who had been defeated in the civil war…Would Phezzan be next?

Kircheis' thoughts were drawn back to the present when Oberstein mentioned that Vice Admiral Molt, the officer currently in charge of palace security, would most likely commit suicide for his failure to prevent the abduction of the young Emperor. Kircheis was startled; he had not thought of that very probable consequence, and wasn't it his duty to consider all the nitty-gritty details that Reinhard overlooked in his plans?

"Put him to death…?" Reinhard's voice was soft as he struggled with that possibility. On instinct, Kircheis wanted to vehemently protest against the very idea, since causing the death of an innocent human who was supposed to be on their side repulsed him, but he forced himself to remain silent and let Oberstein present his points.

"Vice Admiral Molt is an old-fashioned man. If the Kaiser is abducted, even if you pardon him, I'm afraid he'll be too proud to take advantage of your kindness." And even if Kircheis did not know the man very well, he saw the cold, hard logic in Oberstein's words. Molt's death was inevitable if the plan to abduct the Kaiser was carried out successfully.

Reinhard was steadfastly not looking at Kircheis as he replied, "I understand. It can't be helped. When the time comes, we'll make Molt take responsibility. But only Molt. Nobody else." Only a person who knew Reinhard very well could hear the underlying pain in his voice.

"Your Excellency…" Kircheis started to protest, even if he was unsure of what to say. Technically, this was a political decision, and one in which he had no say over. Yet Kircheis had never let little things let that stand in his way before. His voice died in his throat however, when Reinhard raised a hand. "Not this time, Kircheis. It's necessary." There was a ring of finality in his tone, a hint of steel in his voice that warned Kircheis against continuing.

And so Kircheis kept silent. He knew that Reinhard knew of his disapproval, because Reinhard knew him. As Reinhard did with regards to his scorched-earth policy, this time too, Reinhard had chosen not to consult with Kircheis. Kircheis knew that this was because Reinhard wanted to take the entire responsibility of the affair onto his own shoulders. It was Reinhard's way of being kind to Kircheis, because he knew that anything else would tear Kircheis apart. It was a kindness that Kircheis highly appreciated. Thus, Kircheis would keep his silence. Even if he did not like the thought of an innocent man being forced to death because of political necessity. Even if he did not like the idea of a seven-year-old boy being forced to become a puppet of those who would care only about his status. Yet, who is to say that his view on this matter was the correct one? The sacrifice of one man and one child, to achieve a necessary step in the unification of the universe…

Kircheis stopped himself from thinking further. He would keep silent because Reinhard had made his final decision, and anything else would cause a fissure in their friendship. Kircheis wondered what that said about him, then detecting the pain in Reinhard's eyes, decided that he did not care. May Odin forgive me.

Kircheis breathed a sigh of relief as he realized that Kesler would not be implicated in the affair, even if it seemed that Oberstein preferred otherwise. Oberstein then went on to justify his viewpoint, casting a glance at Kircheis as he did so. "You can't clear a path through the dense forest without uprooting some trees and rocks. All heroes have established thrones atop not just their enemies but a large quantity of allied corpses as well. There are no monarchs with clean hands. Their subordinates also know that. I'd like you to consider that, at times, to grant death is also a way to repay loyalty."

Those words sent a chill down Kircheis' spine, precisely because Oberstein was right. In the entire history of mankind, there were no founding monarchs who got to their throne without spilling blood. And to keep said throne was no easy feat either. All along, Kircheis had known that fact, but had perhaps shied away from examining it too closely. Hadn't I promised myself long ago, that I would clear any obstacles in Lord Reinhard's way? Now, that promise was coming back to haunt him. Yet now, I'm the one putting obstacles in Lord Reinhard's way? Because of my own moral issues… Kircheis closed his eyes. He had to, he realized, find a way to balance out the two. My sense of morality and…my promise to help Lord Reinhard in his goal to conquer the universe…

In his mind, Kircheis ran through his memories of his life with Reinhard thus far, culminating in Ansbach's assassination attempt on Reinhard. I was willing to sacrifice my life for Lord Reinhard. I made my choice then and ever since then, I'll continue making the same choice. It was no contest at all really. Weighed against the life and dreams of the golden-haired man sitting next to him, everything paled in comparison. I'm a hypocrite, aren't I? I'm always concerned about justice, and with doing what is right, but when it comes down to it…Lord Reinhard is more important to me. Making up his mind, Kircheis opened his eyes once more. This time, this time, the first time in his life, and hopefully the last, Kircheis would back down from doing what he thought was right. If this is a sin, then let us bear this sin together, Lord Reinhard. This time, I will not leave you to carry this burden alone…

When Oberstein had left the room, Kircheis turned to his friend and said softly, "I understand, Lord Reinhard. I know it has to be done." He watched sadly as Reinhard turned pain-filled eyes at him.

"As long as you understand, Kircheis." Reinhard close his eyes and exhaled. When he opened his eyes again, he felt only grim resolve and a cold determination.

May 15th U.C. 798, I.C. 489

Odin, Groundcar enroute from Annerose's Cottage to Schwarz Manor

It was their first visit to Annerose since she had moved out two months ago. Reinhard and Kircheis had given her the space that she had wanted, but neither of them had been able to suppress the longing to see her. Hence, as soon as there was a lull in work, Reinhard had determinedly dragged Kircheis on a trip to visit Annerose.

As Kircheis had predicted, Annerose did not turn them away. She had welcomed them into the cottage where she lived in seclusion with a teenage war-orphan Konrad von Modell. Kircheis had had to suppress an irrational surge of jealousy when he had first heard the news, however, he soon found that Konrad was a kind, helpful boy who was protective of Annerose.

Reinhard however, had not been as easily placated. In between bites of chocolate cake, he had pouted and glared at Konrad until Annerose had detected his jealousy and addressed it by promising that nobody would ever replace Reinhard's position in her heart. The meal had ended in laughter and after that, they had only spoken of light-hearted matters, with everybody pointedly not mentioning what had caused Annerose to go into seclusion in the first place.

Now, in the groundcar, Kircheis could see that Reinhard was brooding once again. Trying to draw Reinhard out of his dark mood, Kircheis asked light-heartedly, "You're not still jealous of Korad von Modell are you, Lord Reinhard?" Reinhard scowled slightly, then shook his head and sigh. "It's not about that. It's just…not fair! After everything we've gone through to free Sister, and we still can't live together!"

Kircheis' heart ached with sympathy for his friend. He knew that the bond between Annerose and Reinhard transcended that of most siblings. For that matter, he himself felt the same heartache over the matter. Still, he ventured to give what little comfort he could. "Lady Annerose looks healthy and happy."

Reinhard shook his head sending his golden curls tumbling into his eyes. "That's not the point. Sister should be healthy and happy, but with us! We're her family."

Kircheis was touched. That Reinhard should include him in his definition of family in such a careless mention spoke volumes of how Reinhard truly saw him. Although Kircheis was very secure in what he meant to Reinhard, it was nice to have confirmation once in a while. "Let's give Lady Annerose some time, Lord Reinhard. Have some more patience and it will turn out fine."

Reinhard looked doubtful, but he nodded with a sigh. "That's all we can do for now." Then, his eyes narrowed as he regarded Kircheis. "Kircheis, does Sister's desire for space have anything to do with the matter between you and Sister that we don't talk about?"

Kircheis flushed indignantly at hearing it put that way. "Lord Reinhard!" Then he deflated as he realized that Reinhard's words were probably true. Even if he did not know how Annerose truly felt about him, he was certain that she knew of his obvious feelings for her. Yet she had never once revealed that she was aware of his feelings. Before, it had been because of her position as concubine of Friedrich IV. Now…Kircheis was not sure.

"I…" Kircheis took a deep breath as he look down at his hands, instead of making eye contact with his friend's piercing icy-blue orbs. It was the first time in his life that he was avoiding eye contact with his best friend, but given the circumstances… "I…I like Lady Annerose, Lord Reinhard," he whispered softly in confession, feeling his cheeks heat up. It was a good thing that he was so tanned, or else there'd be a fairly visible blush on his cheeks.

Besides Kircheis, Reinhard was trying not to blush himself. He knew his sister was a grown woman and that his friend was a grown man. He knew that Kircheis had feelings for his sister. Knowing and hearing that with his very own ears were two very different things however. His sister had always been the perfect woman in his eyes, always kind, gentle, caring and nurturing, just like a warm ray of sunshine on a cold and frosty winter morning. When he had thought about her in a male-female relationship, it had always been with rage and disgust, for the other person was the old, wrinkly, lecherous man who had been the thirty-sixth Kaiser. He had made it his life's goal to free her from that cage. And now, his best friend, whom he had always considered as close to him as his own hand, was in love with his sister.

"Uh…erm...alright," was all Reinhard could manage in response. He cleared his throat, looked pointedly out of the window in the opposite direction of his friend, then continued, "Do you…plan to…do anything about it?"

Kircheis had never heard Reinhard speak in such hesitant, uncertain tones before, but then, these were unusual circumstances. Unfortunately, he had no answer to give his friend as yet. "Lord Reinhard…" Kircheis put every ounce of pleading that he could summon into those two words, begging his friend to drop the subject. Which, thankfully, Reinhard did. The rest of the groundcar ride passed in silence.

In the driver's seat, Kissling carefully ensured that his facial expression was set in a blank mask as he tried his hardest to pretend that he hadn't just overheard an extremely sensitive and private conversation between the most powerful man in the Galactic Empire and his close confidante. As a military officer under the command of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Reinhard von Lohengramm, Kissling felt nothing but the utmost admiration, respect and loyalty for the golden-haired man that he was supposed to protect and serve. At moments like this however, he was reminded of the fact that this man, who would surely go down in history as an important figure of god-like proportions, was in fact three years younger than him and had barely come of age. And highly attached to his elder sister, whom he obviously had idealized into the perfect female.

Fleet Admiral Kircheis was also a man that Kissling highly respected. Soon after he had been appointed to his current position, the red-haired man had politely requested a practice bout with Kissling. In both hand-to-hand combat and marksmanship, Kissling had, with difficulty, tied with the fleet admiral. He had no doubt that if he had not shown that level of prowess, he would have not remained as Commander of the Prime Minister's Personal Guard any longer…

The conversation that they had about the latter's romantic feelings towards the former's sister however…well, Kissling had heard more perceptive, bold and decisive (and certainly less awkward) conversations from high school students tackling similar problems. No matter. It was not his place to comment or to judge. Kissling was nothing if not discreet. Everything he learned about the affairs of Reinhard von Lohengramm whilst in his service, he would carry to his grave.

July 7th U.C. 798, I.C. 489

Odin, Ministry of War, Meeting Hall

Kircheis was with Reinhard when he received the news that the Emperor had been kidnapped last night. He saw the flash of victory that lit up Reinhard's face, a flash that was gone as quickly as it came. Kircheis had then followed Reinhard to the Ministry of War, where they had been met at the entrance by Hildegarde, who had been sporting a worried expression on her face. Did she suspect anything?

Reinhard was currently receiving the report on the situation from Vice Admiral Molt and Ulrich Kesler, both of whom were kneeling in front of him to tender their formal apologies for their negligence. Kircheis watched with a compassionate expression as Reinhard dismissed Kesler to go about his duties. Was that a flash of understanding in Admiral Kesler's eyes? Kircheis knew that Kesler was a clever and insightful man; it was what made him so good at his job as Chief of Military Police. He thought back to the day that Oberstein had interrupted Kesler's report on Count Landsberg activities halfway. Reinhard had called out to Kesler as the latter was leaving, and had had a conflicted expression on his face before he dismissed the man again. Which would have been a huge tell, for a man with Kesler's experience and skills. Kircheis was certain that Kesler had his suspicions about the whole thing, what with Reinhard's uncharacteristic behaviour and the circumstances of the kidnapping. He made a mental note to speak to the man.

Kircheis watched in silence as Reinhard told Vice Admiral Molt, "At noon, I will inform you of your punishment. You will be confined to your office until then. Put your affairs in order so as to have nothing to regret." It was, Kircheis thought, an obvious hint for the latter to commit suicide. That would neatly solve the problem of how to punish Vice Admiral Molt for Reinhard. Even without asking, Kircheis knew that this had probably been Oberstein's idea. Even though it would be the easiest thing in the world to turn the anger that was boiling within him on Reinhard and Oberstein, Kircheis knew that he was just as guilty. For allowing this to happen.

When the audience ended, Kircheis bowed to Reinhard. "Your Excellency, I'd like to speak to Admiral Kesler." Reinhard regarded him with narrowed eyes, but gave him permission with a wave of his hand. Kircheis knew that Reinhard understood what he planned to do. It was his job to smooth things over with Reinhard's subordinates, however he himself felt about Admiral Molt's death. Glancing back at Reinhard's retreating figure, he noted that Hildegarde seemed to be following after Reinhard with dogged persistence. After her prior warning to Reinhard, the young Emperor had still been kidnapped – no doubt Hildegarde, with all her intelligence, suspected something fishy. Kircheis shook his head wryly. I'll leave Lord Reinhard to deal with Fraulein Mariendorf…

Odin, Ministry of War, Corridor

Kircheis caught up with Kesler with only a little effort. Despite the fact that the latter had been given orders to ensure that the young Kaiser did not leave the capital, Kesler seemed to be in no particular hurry to carry out those orders. Knowing how responsible Kesler usually was in carrying out orders, this left Kircheis with no doubts that Kesler had understood the true nature of Reinhard's orders.

"Fleet Admiral Kircheis," Kesler snapped out a salute which Kircheis returned. "Admiral Kesler." For a few seconds, the two men stared at each other silently. Kesler had a slight, polite smile on his face, waiting with what seemed like an infinite amount of patience for Kircheis to speak.

In the end, Kircheis gave up and begun speaking. "Admiral Kesler," Kircheis said with a sad smile. "I'm sure that you have no need of my advice, but…Please keep your suspicions to yourself. Please understand."

Kesler's eyes widened as he took in his colleague's expression and words. He had thought that Kircheis meant to warn him to hold his tongue. Naturally, he would have obeyed but this…this felt more like an entreaty than anything else. He thought back to what he knew of the man from their few interactions. Fair, honest and righteous. Kind and gentle to even his enemies, offering surrender instead of outright annihilation. And he understood that this man had been worried about his feelings about the political manipulations of Prince Lohengramm.

Feeling a smile tug at his lips, Kesler replied. "Of course, Fleet Admiral Kircheis. Please set your mind at ease. I am aware that Prince Lohengramm has his reason for everything he does. My loyalty to His Excellency is absolute." Kesler had pledged his loyalty to Reinhard von Lohengramm because he had admired the golden-haired man's talents and character. And Reinhard von Lohengramm had reciprocated; the man had recognized his talents and utilized it. The bond between them transcended a mere subordinate-superior officer's bond. It was more like that of a vassal to his liege lord, and had been that way since that day on Iserlohn Fotress, when a young Reinhard von Musel had promised to give Kesler a job that suited his capabilities.

Kesler also recalled the oblique promise that Reinhard von Musel, then merely a Rear Admiral, had made at that time, when Kesler had acted as a go-between for the late Lord Grimmelshausen to offer the eighteen-year-old the book that contained blackmail material on the high aristocrats.

"I will trust you, as Lord Grimmelshausen trusts you. So I will ask you: Can you put this document under seal and take custody of it?" Reinhard had questioned.

"Until when?" Kesler had asked.

"Until such a time when history is no longer monopolized by the aristocracy." Reinhard had said firmly and confidently.

At that time, Reinhard von Musel had hinted at his ambition covertly, but Kesler had understood it for what it was; a promise to overthrow the Goldenbaum Dynasty. It was a promise that Prince Lohengramm had almost fulfilled – only a few more steps stood between Prince Lohengramm and the Kaiser's crown. And Kesler had made his own promise in the parting salute that he had given to Reinhard von Musel; when called upon by the latter, he would serve.

Kesler had never been a humanitarian, else he could not have become Chief of the Military Police. He would uphold the laws, but…Prince Lohengramm's orders overrode everything else. If that made him complicit in the death of his innocent subordinate, then so be it. He would bear this burden as long as that was Prince Lohengramm's wish.

Kircheis nodded slightly uncomfortably as Kesler saluted and left. It was perhaps the first time he witnessed in close detail the absolute loyalty that some of Reinhard's subordinates had towards Reinhard. It humbled him. Since young, he had been accustomed to being the only one loyal to Reinhard in a sea of hostile intents, up until that stormy night a couple of years ago, when Mittermeyer and Reuenthal had been brought into Reinhard's confidence. At the same time, Kircheis felt a sense of joy and belonging, that he had fellow colleagues who felt the same loyalty that he did in protecting and serving Reinhard.

August 20th, U.C. 798, I.C. 489

Odin, Ministry of War, Meeting Hall

All the Admirals and High Admirals under Prince Lohengramm's command had gathered in the huge, cavernous Meeting Hall used for intergalactic broadcasts. Reinhard von Lohengramm stood at the centre of the dais, dressed in the formal black and silver imperial military uniform of his station, with golden epaulettes at his shoulders and a red sash draped from his right shoulder to his waist. Instead of his usual white cape, Reinhard had worn the silver cape that went with the extremely formal uniform. Even after living with Reinhard for twelve years, Kircheis could not help but be dazzled by his friend's radiant beauty, brought out by the uniform he wore; he could only imagine the visual impact on those unused to Reinhard's looks.

Also on the dais, but out of range of the cameras, Kircheis stood in his Fleet Admiral uniform, complete with smaller epaulettes and a dark red cape. Reinhard had picked the colour of his cape, he recalled, to match the colour of Kircheis' flagship, the Barbarossa. Kircheis felt distinctly uncomfortable wearing the cape and epaulettes that looked so similar to Reinhard's own, and the fact that he was of the same military rank as his friend caused him even more discomfort. Even though Reinhard did not think of him that way, it was a fact that Kircheis had been Reinhard's loyal retainer and vassal ever since that night when ten-year-old Reinhard had sworn to overthrow the Goldenbaum Empire. And in future, when Reinhard succeeded in that endeavor, serving as a loyal retainer would be one of Kircheis' roles. Luckily for Kircheis' peace of mind, Reinhard was Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the military, and hence still outranked him.

Kircheis turned his attention to Reinhard who had begun his broadcast to both Imperial and Alliance territory. Reinhard spoke in formal cadences in his musical voice. "I formally acknowledge that terrorists have abducted His Majesty, the Kaiser Erwin Josef. The whereabouts of His Majesty, as well as the lawless criminals who have abducted His Majesty, have both become clear. The perpetrators are former high nobles led by a former Imperial High Commisioner to Phezzan, Johann von Remscheidt, a Count under the old system. The villains, hiding among the rebels who call themselves the Free Planets Alliance, have illegally announced the establishment of an exile government." And Kircheis had to shake his head at the folly of the governing body of the Free Planets Alliance. If they had just sent back the Kaiser to the Empire, even if Reinhard wished to declare war, he would have not have a justified reason to do so. Indeed, they could even have begun negotiations for peace if they had played their cards right by using Kaiser Erwin Josef as a bargaining chip in diplomatic negotiations. Instead, by taking in the young Kaiser and cooperating with the former high nobles, the Alliance had sealed its fate. Justice was on Reinhard's side.

"I hereby declare: Having abducted the Kaiser by illegal, as well as cowardly means, the remnants of the high nobility who plan to try to reverse the flow of history and steal by force the rights that the people have established will receive suitable repayment for this atrocity. The ambitious men of the Free Planets Alliance who had illicit dealings with them and who also plot a rebellious war against the peace and harmony of space will not avoid the same fate. This mistaken choice must be rectified by appropriate punishment. What criminals need is neither diplomacy nor persuasion. They have neither the ability nor the intention to understand those. Only force will enlighten their foolishness. Hereafter, no matter how great the volume of blood that comes to be shed, bear in mind that these foolish criminals and conspirators are responsible." Reinhard raised his right hand in a gesture of war declaration, his brilliant glacier-blue eyes flashing with a fire that Kircheis was used to seeing in his friend's eyes. It was only at moments like this, and on the battlefields, that Reinhard was truly alive. If you take the ambition and war out of him, there'd be nothing left of Lord Reinhard. Of course, that applies to me too. Kircheis thought fondly as the broadcast was cut. Even if he disapproved, on principle, of Reinhard's plan, that did not mean he was unable to appreciate the joy that it brought to his friend at bringing Reinhard one step closer to conquering the universe.

Kircheis is changing too. Less idealistic than before, finally able to accept that sometimes, shady dealings are necessary in Reinhard's quest to conquer the universe. Growing up.