The Blutwald, Apsaras Fortress
I, Ltn. Kelia Jeenaba had no shortage of tasks. Despite her young age, I was easily one of the more experienced members of Neu-Klaxovia, the resistance group formed from the remnants of the Klaxovian Imperial Army.
Which also meant more work. I was often called to the ground to train the younger cadets of between 10 - 12. And was often called in on strategy meetings with some of the mid-rank brass like Oberstleutanant Smith.
In fact, here he was now. Oberstleutanant Marcenas Smith, brother of Oberst Astell Smith. The two came from a nearby industrial city known as Ingolstat, which was known for its tank manufacturing plant. I knew Astell was undercover as a worker there, and had helped them get parts they so desperately required for their own small armored forces that couldn’t be manufactured in the small factories they had built into the various fortresses they had within the Blutwald.
“Leutanant Jeenaba.” The Oberstleutanant motioned for her to follow.
“Sir, can this wait? I’m taking the Cadets for a war-game today-”
“It’s about your next assignment.” He said gravely, “The war game can wait.”
I looked down, I knew this would come. For weeks the brass had been planning their big infiltration mission, rumors had flown around that I would be part of it, which made some sense. But I didn’t expect this to happen so...well - soon.
“Yes sir.” I followed behind the Oberstleutanant and into the system of small mining rails slash de-facto railway system. Thanks to our engineers, we’d pioneered an underground railway system throughout the entire blutwald. In an estimated three years time dangerous ‘Grifter Runs’ as they were often called, would be a thing of the past. They were known as such due to the fact they were often done by Britannia’s Colonial black market. Various gangs originating in the Isles made fortunes off of smuggling, illicit mining, etc done in the colonies.
The minecart/passenger car came to a halt as we hit a small lit room I knew to be the briefing room. I stepped off the minecart and headed inside,
“Ah, Leutanant.” To my surprise, Oberst Astell was already waiting for us, along with his wife, Major Karol Abeline Smith.
“Oberst. Major.” I saluted, “Sieg Klaxovia.”
“Sieg Klaxovia.” They saluted back, “At ease.”
“So, what is this about? I thought you were still working at that tank factory in Ingolstat.”
“Yes, but we can’t miss this opportunity.” He nodded, “I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but the Faywood class of 39 is coming here, and it just so happens that about a week ago, they decided to allow female students to attend Faywood.
“This relates to us how?”
“According to our spy, the first female student...will be her Highness Angelica Britannia.”
“The First Princess herself?” I almost choked, “Are they stupid?”
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“No, they’re rubbing their superiority in our faces.” Karol spoke up at last. “Normally, they’d be sent to a peaceful country, a colony like Canzaia or Benzil where they mostly mess around. But this is to show the world - and us - that they can do what they want, where they want.”
“How would this accomplish that?” I was confused,
“Because they’re likely launching another assault.” She continued, “More britannian vehicles roll off the lines every day. Ingolstat is working double time to produce more tanks. We normally only see this kind of activity right before an offensive.”
“That’s not all. It isn’t just a big showing this time either. They’re serious, General Daylen Howe is heading the operation.”
“Howe the Howitzer?” I blanched, I was young, but even I knew the General’s notorious reputation with indiscriminate bombing and shelling of ‘enemy’ positions.
“Yes, he´s been occupied in the Mujadeen lands of the east - something I wish we could thank them for - but with their Shah dead, the new ‘democratic’ government has sold themselves to the Britannians. Meaning they’ll be bearing down on us with all their weight.”
“So what do you want me to do then?”
“Every year, they allow two students from every colony to come. The two highest scores.”
“You want me to make the cut?” I raised an eyebrow,
“The test deals with strategy and tactics, you’re the only one we can trust with this. Remember Alko Pass?” Astell added
I nodded, I never forgot Alko. But I didn’t want to remember it either.
Taking a look at my paling face, Karol shot her husband a look of ‘Nice going dumbass.’ Astell looked away uncomfortably, realizing his mistake.
The mod remained somber, as I made up my mind.
“I’ll do it, I don’t care what the objective is. I’ll do it.”
“I wish you wouldn’t say that so readily…” Astell sighed,
“What is it?”
“You see...you’re going there to assassinate the princess.”
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‘Assasinate….Angelica Ri Britannia.’ I thought.
The Propaganda Mistress herself. I’d never met the girl of course, but her progressivist views made her famous throughout the colonies, and was essential for garnering goodwill.
In Klaxovia however, her reputation was...less than what the Britannian’s wanted to say the least. Particularly since her progressivism never seemed to extend to us.
“Kelly! Kelly!” A group of children ran up to me,
“Yes?” I answer,
“Why were you called to the Oberst?” The Oberst, the common name for Astell Smith. And was the name that the Brtiannian’s refered to their most notorious enemy. Responsible for several decisive defeats of the Britannian Empire. Including the notorious battle of Sailen Forest. Where he defeated a force of six thousand Britannian soldiers with a thousand rebels by luring them into the forest where they couldn’t properly spot for their artillery nor bring in their vehicles, and then broke them up and systematically eliminating them.
“I have my next mission, I don’t think I’ll be seeing you guys for a while.” I smile sadly,
“Eeeh? That’s okay, if you’re going on a mission then I know it’ll help us!” A cheerful little girl said to her,
The words cut me to the heart. Reminding me of who I was.
Of what I’d done.
I took a peek under my glove, a long jagged scar came from where a long piece of shrapnel impaled my arm and hand.
“Kelly?” The little girl waved her hand, “Hello?”
“Oh I’m fine.” I say offhandedly, “I’m going to the hot springs. Anyone want to join me?”