Hello everyone, I hope everyone is doing.
So, now it is official from Hoyo that we have a look at the Tsaritsa and some of the things going on in Snezhnaya. I will admit that I was not disappointed on the looks and coldness feeling [pun intended] of the Tsaritsa from the recent trailer.
if you get the chance, tell me what you thought of the recent trailer.
But I hope that you enjoy this chapter, kindly let me know what you thought and would like to see. One thing that I am thinking is that a literal trailer for Sandrone just came out an hour before I finished writing this chapter and I think that I might be under-estimating her skills in computers and technology even more than previously thought. I knew she was good at electronics and robotics, but still..I think that I might be undervaluing her skills.
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June 2nd, 1941
Eastern Territories of Nazi Germany from East Prussia to Occupied Poland and its Aligned Regimes
With the Tsaritsa's initiation of the Dlan Programme to Germany and only twenty days left until the launch of Operation Barbarossa, over one hundred divisions of the Heer were redeployed to the eastern sector of its control. Thousands of tanks, planes, and artillery guns were moved to one focused sector of the Reich. Three full army groups of over three and a half million German soldiers lined along the German-Soviet border, while the heavy equipment moved east on the rail lines.
And on those same rail lines, among the German tanks and guns, rolled the first two divisions whose turrets bore a pale blue star. Foreign artillery pieces with their barrels painted with the same icon rode with them. These weapons were guarded by the elite and otherworldly Fatui soldiers ranging from Oprichniks in their heavy winter-gray coats to agents riding the passenger cars coupled between the flatbeds. The morale of these Fatui soldiers, that the German railway official noted, seemed to be high as they sang and drank with their German comrades on the long journey east as soldiers who believed themselves brothers in a common cause. The female agents and soldiers of Snezhnaya danced with their fellow German male comrades, who saw them as exotic but formidable and patriotic to the dreams of the Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya.
The railway officials of the trains liked the Snezhnayans less as they were more punctual than the Reichsbahn and less forgiving on their schedules. They were not given manifests or load weights as if the Snezhnayan had done that for them, while given only the clear directive that the train was to reach their destinations on time and with no excuses. One stationmaster tried to question them on the cargo weight and was immediately given a paper with signatures straight from Adolf Hitler himself. Although, some of the railway engineers were not complaining much as they were promised by their bosses that if they arrived on time then a large pay bonus would be given to them in gold. This gold that they were told was minted in the purest form by the Northland Bank in Berlin.
The train's crews, given that promise, worked harder than they ever had before to ensure that the train was on schedule and even early for their destinations in towns like Warsaw, Krakow, and even Lublin. The German soldiers being deployed had been told and assumed many things. Some believed that they were being sent to pressure Stalin in response to the recent events in Romania and Finland that happened not too long ago. Others believed that the eastern concentration was a deception masking the final blow against Britain. However, some had been told nothing at all and received little explanation.
Meanwhile, within a number of factories of the Third Reich, production began on weapons the Dlan Programme had made possible as Snezhnaya's own answer to FDR's own lend-lease signed in March; but instead of a program to a partner in the war against the Axis, this was designed to keep the war going for Germany. German frames and chassis were fitted with Snezhnayan parts, while other equipment that the Third Reich needed were being produced. From Rastenburg and Königsberg, trains and supply vehicles wheeled out supply crates designated for release to the Wehrmacht. These crates transported to depots in preparation included items such as shell casings, winter lubricants, guns of various shapes and carriers, portable heaters with built in batteries, and even delusions. The crates full of hundreds of delusions, themselves, were marked with an additional symbol that had the infamous double thunderbolts for the Schutzstaffel or SS.
In the Bavarian mountains, a newly built underground factory operated under the name Northland Production Works AG. This factory was a facility made to build Mekas and new ruin machines of warfare that the Nazis built under the credit of the Northland Bank in Berlin. The unique parts required for those factories and machines were even supplied to the factory by the Fatui and ran by the Harbinger Regrator. On paper, the company produced parts of high-attitude machinery imported from Snezhnaya. The truth was that its practice was to allow German attempts to imitate Fontaine Meka and Teyvat's Automata with fragments of other ruin machinery provided by the Fatui.
None of the products from the factory would be ready in time for the invasion. Refinement and the final parts required shipment from Snezhnaya, and the Bavarian works would not produce its first Meka until the end of the year. However, the German High Command or OKW was sure that the invasion of the Soviet Union would be finished by then as they imagined a six week summer campaign while their Snezhnayan Allies did not hold such regard in terms of pacing.
Meanwhile, on the Soviet side of the border, concerns were raised by many different sources. From the Allies in London, Soviet Officers at the field, and even Soviet Spies within Berlin. They all warned of the possibility that Snezhnaya and Germany were planning to invade the Soviet Union in the near future. However, a paranoid Stalin did not believe the facts placed before him where he felt that it was built by the Capitalist West to bring the Soviets into the War. Furthermore, this same Stalin, like the British before hand, had continued with the idea of Snezhnaya as a German Propaganda creation.
The Jade Chamber, Liyue Harbor
Earth Time: June 3rd, 1941
Up in the air above Liyue Harbor stood the grand Jade Chamber in all of its glory. As the platform from Yuehai Pavilion levitated up to the Chamber's height with a couple of passengers on it. As it reached the platform of the Jade Chamber, the two passengers were led out toward the entrance to the interior of the operating centre. Both gave no visible expression or amazement to the luxury and space of the interior as a secretary led them down the spiral staircase to the lower level, where taken to the office of which the Tianquan does her work from. Waiting before the grand mahogany desk was the Tianquan herself with Ganuy at her left hand and a scroll already unrolled before her. The room was silent as the two guests stepped forward before them.
"Beidou, I see that your trip was uneventful thankfully," Ningguang announced with her mouth moving at a corner, "I assume that this gentleman with you bears the answer from Mondstadt?"
"More than that if I had to guess, Ningguang," Beidou replied, "I've asked him ten times what he wants to say, and he keeps saying it's only for you. More stubborn than Kazuha. But yea, the Acting Grand Master said 'yes' though."
"Oh, now this is interesting to say the least," Ningguang replied as she tilted her head, "I assume that it must be very important if only I should be the one to hear what you have to say to me."
The man nodded as he bowed before introducing himself, "Greetings, Lady Tianquan, I am Albedo…Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius."
"Albedo?" Ningguang replied, "I have heard of your work before through trade networks from Mondstadt that travel through Stone Gate. They say that normally you do not appear much in public and normally reside in Dragonspine."
Albedo nodded in acknowledgement.
"And you come to give me something that only I must hear?" Ningguang repeated, "These walls are secure and Ganyu is one that I can trust to handle many important situations."
Albedo shook his head and replied sternly, "I am sorry, My Lady, but Acting Grand Master Jean was very insistent that I must only share this information with you."
Ningguang said nothing at first for a moment, while Beidou knew that it meant that it was the Tianquan's way of making a difficult decision for a second.
"May I ask the Chief Alchemist, on whether or not it relates to the agreement intelligence sharing network?" Ningguang asked slowly.
Albedo nodded as he replied, "It does, indeed. Only five people know of this and the fewer people who knew, the more secure the information would remain."
Silence filled the room again, deeper than the nonexistent sound of Mora jingling inside Rex Lapis's wallet. Ningguang again kept her focus straight as she seemed to be into a world of deep thought and decision making.
"Very well, Ganyu, have everyone outside or take a long break, the only ones that are to be inside here are me and the Chief Alchemist," Ningguang instructed the goat horned secretary.
Ganyu nodded swiftly as her light blue hair shifted as she proceeded to find the other secretaries in the Chamber to deliver the instructions.
Beidou, on the other hand, took it as a sign that she should leave as well, where she turned around and left with a wave.
"I'll be at Third Round Knockout if anyone needs me," Beidou announced loudly.
After about twenty minutes of silent waiting, the interior of the chamber finally contained only the Chief Alchemist and the Tianquan. They said nothing to either one for a minute as they watched each other as if they were waiting on the other person to continue the conversation.
Finally Ningguang decided to break the silence at least, "Now tell me what your Acting Grand Master wanted only me to hear."
Albedo nodded as he laid out the message that Mondstadt intercepted from a dead Fatui agent and the structure of this message being only made through a mechanical coding system that the Fatui are using. He goes onto explain that the Grand Acting Master has reliable information that within the Fatui Embassy in Mondstadt's Gothe Hotel that the Fatui are now sending messages by a technology called a wireless telegraph.
"A telegraph," Ningguang repeated.
The word was unfamiliar in her mouth as the idea of sending messages from long distances without having to send couriers out by foot that could be intercepted.
"It is a device that I could guess sends messages through electronic signals," Albedo confirmed with a nod, "Currently Acting Grand Master Jean asked me to find a way to hear the electronic signals, but it is not easy."
"I see, we were following the Northland Bank recently on trade and not long after the announcement of Snezhnaya's alliance with Germany, a new chimney was built," Ningguang replied as she grabbed her fancy pipe and lite it.
"Has smoke been coming out of it?" Albedo asked.
"No, but I would assume that the placement was off as Mt. Tianghen is behind them," Ningguang explained, "But it could still probably receive the receiver in Mondstadt and even be sending messages to my favorite little U-boat's sailing about my harbor recently."
"But going back to that message in its coding, you are thinking that the Fatui are using something that will ensure that even if we listen to their messages, then we can't understand the details?" She continues.
"Yes, in fact, let me show you the message that we took from the Dead Fatui agent," Albedo said as he reached into his pocket and retrieved a folded packet.
He placed the message onto her intel wall with a tack placed on it to hold it still. Ningguang looked at the structure of the message to anyone else; it seemed to be nothing more than grabbled letters and numbers in sets. Ningguang knew better, if having Yelan as her personal spy had taught her anything then it was that there is always a system for something. She had seen coded messages before, but this one looked complex enough to reassure anyone that it could not be broken. Then she noticed the header at the top with numbers and headers in a unique format. But there was something that she noticed that had her full attention at the top of the message, where it was before all of the text:
VI-1A5E, I-21U3C, II-12L5E
"What is this first line?" She asked.
Albedo stepped beside her and looked at the header as if he had expected the question.
"That," he said, "is not the message."
Ningguang's eyes stayed on the strange line of letters and numbers, "Then what is it?"
For the first time since he had entered, Ningguang's expression changed by a visible degree to complete interest.
"Our best guess is that this is what tells the Fatui how to decode the message, since the text seems more mechanical," Albedo answered, "We believe that they might have something that automatically codes and decodes the message for transmission. I would believe that the order of these in particular will matter to the expert that has to read the message."
"So they have a device that will create code that is not known to everyone," Ningguang replied.
Albedo nodded as he continued, "Yes, Acting Grand Master Jean wanted you to be aware of it and keep those in the know small as it could matter should the Fatui get aggressive."
"And your Acting Grand Master is aware that I have a unique spy network that might make it possible to crack this code," Ningguang replied as she gave out a small puff of smoke from her pipe, "She is right to keep the number of people who know of it small. Has she told Fontaine or Inazuma of this development yet?"
Albedo shook his head.
"No. Acting Grand Master Jean has not informed Fontaine or Inazuma yet."
Ningguang's pipe remained near her lips, but she did not draw from it as she replied, "Why?"
"Because she could not do so safely," Albedo replied, "A courier from Mondstadt acting discreet could be followed or worse. She judged that if Fontaine or Inazuma were to learn of this, it should be through a route already known to you."
Ningguang's smiled returned as if proud to be acknowledged in such a way.
"A considerate gift from Mondstadt," she said at last, "They hand me the silent knife that could hurt the Fatui and ask me where it should be pointed. But before we continue, let me ask, what is the cover that Jean has created for your visit to me?"
Albedo's answer came without hesitation, "A feasibility study with Alchemical consultation on whether a trade road could be cut between Liyue and Mondstadt through Dragonspine. If the terrain proves workable, the Acting Grand Master is willing to commit time and effort to it."
Ningguang let out a slow breath of smoke, and something in her settled with silent approval of one's work, "A sound choice. Trade through Stone Gate has grown crowded lately and appeals have indeed been reaching the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Merchants have been asking for a second route to Mondstadt and hopefully safer."
"It has been an issue plaguing Jean as well as our own Merchants have been asking for the same thing," Albedo replied.
"Very well, and if conditions allow for said construction, is this something that Mondstadt is willing to split the cost of especially as it would require additional materials shipped between us on ensuring that Merchants have the needed rest areas to warm-up in the cold?" Ningguang asked.
"The Acting Grand Master is willing to split the cost of the study," he said, "If the study proves to be a success, then she will lend Knights to work with the Millelith to clear out Dragonspine and other areas of Hillicurls determined needed to build it."
Ningguang thought of the idea internally. The plan worked both ways, if successful then Liyue can use a deception plan to build an additional trade network that would bring in more profit. Both sides would benefit from it and the Fatui would just write off as nothing more than a infrastructure project that required the Chief Alchemist of Mondstadt. If it did not come to fruition, then all the Fatui would understand was that the study was serious and had Mora attached to it but nothing hidden in the bushes.
"Very well," she continued, "I will see about having you get an additional office here for you to complete the study with Millelith support. Please I will ensure that the idea goes to Kequing and Uncle Tian with my full endorsement."
"Thank you, Lady Tianquan," Albedo said with a bow.
"Only me and Yelan, who I will introduce to you later tomorrow, will visit your new office at any time," she expounded.
She grabbed the message and handed it back to Albedo folded.
"Ensure that this is on your person at all times and is never out of your sight," She ordered him with a stern look between her eyes as the pipe made her look even more menacing.
Albedo took the folded message with both hands and placed it back inside his coat.
"It will remain with me," he said.
"Good," Ningguang said, "Let's talk a bit more about what we know about Snezhanya's allies by comparing notes between each other as I assume that the Acting Grand Master would want to learn more."
Palais Mermonia, Court of Fontaine, Teyvat
Earth Time: June 5th, 1941
Neuvillette paced through his office as for the first time since the crisis of the Prophecy, he was feeling concerned about a situation. Never had he paced as much as he had in his life, even Sedene noticed how restless that he was becoming and offered that he should rest for some time by going to watch an opera at the Opera Epiclese. However, the Hydro Dragon and now ruler of the great nation of Fontaine could not rest. He walked up to the great blue stained window as he went into deep thought on everything that he had learned through the information that he received from Yelan, who was a silent but knowledgeable representative of certain circles, of the proposal of the secret intelligence network.
After a minute, he turned to his desk and grabbed the folder that contained the first of the many briefing packets to come. He opened it as he analyzed it where it contained a lot of information for him to process. He flipped through the pages where it mentioned about Japan's visit to Inazuma that caused the creation of this entire network. The packet mentioned the spotter plane, including a photograph of it landing near Ritou before being lifted by crane back onto Katori's catapult. The information goes on over the fact that Japan, like Germany, was at war as well for its version of a system of influence. Furthermore, Inazuman sources highlights that it is possible Japan lied in that China started it and is just Germany in a campaign of conquest.
Neuvillette had learned long ago that injustice often arrived wearing excellent vocabulary. But the main two concerns were of the aircraft, if one plane could fly over cities like a dragon then there are more of them and many types. He could see the benefits on a strategic war mind on the importance of such weapons. Placing the packet back down, he grabbed a copy of the latest issue of the Steambird with its headline and an artist's sketch of a giant shipped before the Nod-Krai research base that the Fatui were running.
Mysterious German Battleship Seen Towed To Nod-Krai; Rumors from Locals say Vessel was Seriously Damaged
The article did not give a name for the vessel, but it was not important for Neuvillette. No matter the details of the damage, there was one concerning factor on his mind and that was location. Nod-Krai is not a far distance from the closest point of Fontaine and his mind wandered on what damage could such massive sized barrels to a shoreline on Fontaine if it could get the elevation to above the heights.
What could the ship do if it sailed on Fontaine's waters before the cliffs and try to do a blockade on the Harbors as well their elevators? Well, the answer that his mind came up with was simple: starve Fontaine into submission. The country relied on at least a good percent of its food to be imported from abroad from Chenyu Vale, Sumeru, and other areas. But that is without a fish diet that could help fill in the gaps with substitutions.
A knock came at his door as he looked up at the large wooden door and announced, "Come in."
A second later, Sedene stepped into his office, "Sir, your nine o'clock appointment has arrived."
Neuvillette placed the newspaper back onto his desk and looked back to Sedene.
"Very well," he announced, "Please show them in….oh and Sedene, for the duration of this meeting, I am not to be disturbed at all. Unless it is a situation of great importance, me and my guests are to be undisturbed."
Sedene nodded as she opened the door wider, "Yes, sir. I understand."
A second later a group of people silently entered the room behind her. First to come in was Wriothesley with his tall frame and head to black hair with gray steaks that looked like wolf ears. Then now far behind him was Chevreuse with medium height with her long violet hair and the eyepatch on her left eye. They walked and stood before his desk without much expression on them for a moment.
"Thank you for coming, please take a seat," Neuvillette announced as Sedene closed the door behind her.
The two seat on a couch face each other with Neuvillette to the right.
"I am almost surprised Iudex," Wriothesley causally proclaimed, "Normally, we do not have these sudden needs to meet each other. Normally you delegate someone else to relay concerns to me, which tells me that this is very urgent."
Neuvillette nodded.
"It is urgent," he replied, "Though not yet in the form that I fear."
Chevreuse's visible eye sharpened as she spoke, "That usually means a threatening form of politics or danger that has not yet materialized."
"Both," Neuvillette replied, "Although, we can say that it has indeed materialized recently. Have you read the recent edition from Steambird?"
"You mean the big bad German warship off Nod-Krai? Yes, I have. It's even reached the prisoners in the Fortress and many of the inmates are questioning it," Wriothesley replied.
Chevreuse said nothing as she nodded in response.
"Then you understand that my concern on what this vessel could do, if it is out in our waters," Neuvillette continued, "You know that we import a good number of our food abroad and that Germany is at war for its idea of German hegemony in their world. Needless to say, this in combination with information given to me by Liyue from Inazuma does not help my worries much at all."
"Wait, what do you mean by information by Liyue from Inazuma?" Wriothesley raised an eyebrow, "I only know about the Japanese visit to Ritou through the Steambird. What else do you know and is there something else that we need to know?"
Neuvillette did not so much as smile as he kept his face straight. At this point, it was here he decided to get straight to the point as he grabbed the packet from his desk about the Japanese visit to Inazuma and the Spotter Plane. He handed it to Chevreuse first as she examined it.
"Recently, I received a visit from the Tianquan's personal spy that Inazuma wishes to establish a secret network between the other nations of Teyvat to monitor the Fatui and their Allies on their movements as well as possible plans," Neuvillette explained, "Lady Yelan arrived as the Tianquan's confidential representative carried a scroll straight from Inazuma that they wanted to extent it to Fontaine. And after hearing the account of what happened outside the scenes of what the Steambird saw from the visit, I agreed that Fontaine would participate in such a network."
Wriothesley raised an eyebrow as he leaned back slightly and spoke, "A secret intelligence network between all the nations of Teyvat, except Snezhnaya. You do realize, if it is discovered by the Fatui, that it could serve as a casus belli against all of us. At best, it would simply cause Snezhnaya to serve diplomatic relations against us especially"
"Yes, that is true," Neuvillette affirmed, "But my hope is that maybe the war on Earth is distracting the Fatui enough to where they don't have the resources or focus to even discover it as it will only be a small number of people to know of it per nation."
Chevreuse looked up from the packet. Her visible eye had fixed on the photograph of the Japanese aircraft being lifted back onto the Katori's catapult.
"This machine," she said, tapping the image, "It can fly from a ship?"
"Yes," Neuvillette said, "The catapult that it is attached to works by giving it the power to launch into the air."
"Does Inazuma know how high it can go?"
"Unfortantely, no. We know it went over the furnace at Tatarsuna, which means it can go a good amount of altitude."
"Which means that it can go over the cliffs of Fontaine and do recon on it as well."
"Yes, but I suspect it could be worse."
Chevreuse noticed the change of expression on the Iudex immediately as she put the pieces together. She then handed the packet to Wriothesley, who began going through the photos and information.
"You are not worried about it taking photos on our soil mainly," She said, "You are worried on the fact that this nation is also at war that it could mean this aircraft could do more."
"I am concerned about whether the fact that Japan, the Fatui, or even the Germans have something that could make the Court of Fontaine into a city of rubble."
Neither Wriothesley nor Chevreuse answered at once.
"I plan to have Fontaine move slowly and unofficially to a state of armed neutrality if needed," Neuvillette admitted.
"Is there even legal precedent for it under Fontainian Law?" Wriothesley asked.
Neuvillette did not answer immediately.
"Not to such a degree as Fontaine has never needed one before," he finally answered.
Wriothesley leaned back again, "That is not comforting."
"Unfortunately, it wasn't supposed to be."
"And how do we fall into this?" Chevreuse asked.
Neuvillette did not answer at once. He rose from his chair and went to the stained window.
Then he spoke softly, "Before I ask anything of either of you, you should understand what it is I am asking. And what it costs me to ask it."
He went into a moment of silently deep thought as if he was going to something that he had never even considered would be an option or outcome that he was forced to make. If anything, it seemed to him something that was against his principles.
"I have been a Magistrate for this nation for a long time and have been alive longer than this nation bore its name. I have held to a single principle above all in which judgement must await proof. That to move against anyone before their guilt is established is the first injustice, the one from which every other descends. I have ruled against men I believed guilty because the proof did not rise to the certainty the law demands. I have let the suspect walk free rather than condemn the unproven or at worst condemn the wrong person."
He turned back to them slowly.
"I cannot prove that the Warship is meant for us. I believe that it is in for repairs as the paper suggests. But who is to say that it stays in Nod-Krai afterwards? In fact, I cannot prove that any aircraft will fly over our cliffs. But I am deeply concerned that if I do not act then we may be facing a crisis that could harm the country."
"And the route we are taking now?" Wriothesley said.
Neuvillette folded his hands in front of him as he replied, "Silent mobilization and preparation measures."
"And how exactly?" Chevreuse asked.
"Captain Chevreuse, I need you to develop ways for Fontaine to have eyes on the sky and water. Something that will allow us to see incoming aircraft as well as vessels from a distance, whether by sea or air," Neuvillette explained, "This type of project typically falls under the Special Security and Surveillance Patrol."
Chevreuse nodded quickly, "Yes, it does. But not at this scale, especially if you are talking about seeing something coming hours away."
"I am," Neuvillette confirmed, "Can it be done?"
"We would need fixed observation points for visual sight," she answered, "But it can be done. But seeing something that is hours away is not anything any human can be trained for."
"I will leave it to you to find a way, use what you can but discreetly," Neuvillette said as he looked at the newspaper again.
"This is great and all, but I can understand why the Captain is here, so what is required for my presence here?" Wriothesley asked.
Neuvillette turned away from the newspaper.
"The Fortress of Meropide," he said looking toward Wriothesley, "is one of the few places in Fontaine that is protected from the sky."
Wriothesley's expression changed only slightly, but Chevreuse noticed it.
"You make it sound like its a bad thing," Wriothesley replied.
"In this situation, it might be the best thing to have existed for Fontaine," Neuvillette answered, "If this ship can threaten our harbors by blockade, then we will possibly face starvation. If an aircraft can fly over our cliff, then our buildings and infrastructure to respond will be hit. But the Fortress of Meropide's unique underwater geography makes it safe for storage and production."
Wriothesley said nothing at first as he seemed to be processing that fact and suggestion rolled into one delivery. Making the Fortress of Meropide into a factory is nothing new as it does the largest share of production in Fontaine's clockwork Meka. However, most of the ones that were built had been either for personal use or law enforcement. Then something clicked into Wriothesley's mind as he blinked for a second and turned to Neuvillette.
"You are not asking me to just continue making Meka's and expanding the production, but…." He started off.
"I am asking you to make the Fortress into our Arsenal of Survival, we'll call it," the Iudex replied, "If we are to go towards Armed Neutrality, then we must have an Arsenal developed to do it. The Meka's will need to be geared to defeat an armed attempt to conquer Fontaine whether by Sea or Air. We will need not just better armed Meka to shoot down aircraft in the sky, but the Fortress will produce other items needed for naval attacks. "
"And I am to do this silently?" Wriothesley retorted, "Well…it's possible. But it requires some work on my part…might have to invent some new silent rules at that. And you said artillery as well? I hope you know that the factory in the fortress has not done that before."
"You can retool it and bill it to the Maison Gardiennage," Neuvillette replied, "Since it will be an order shipment from them."
"You do know how I feel about Meka's right?" Chevreuse questioned.
"Yes, that feeling has reached my ears many times," Neuvillette said, "but it may be the thing that can help us."
"Considering that this involves the defence of the nation?" Chevreuse continued, "Is this entire project working with the Research Institute? They might be able to contribute to a way to detect aircraft and ships from a longer distance?"
Neuvillette's expression did not change, but his silence gave Wriothesley enough time to lean back and make a small whistle of recognition.
"Now there is the dangerous part," Wriothesley said, "Not the Institute itself, but the people who run it. I have some inmates that used to work there who complain about Raimondo and Choiseul running it down hill. But the main issue is secrecy as the whole fiasco on Nacker from there, the man went to the Fatui for help at one point."
"Which means that the Fatui might already have ears in the Institute," Neuvillette continued, "I intended to only compartmentalize certain projects to certain individuals."
"We should meet in future dates set by each other individually but rarely all three of us at once," Chevreuse suggested, "To reduce the risk of the Fatui catching notice."
Neuvillette nodded as Wriothesley to be of the same mind set.
"Before we end this meeting, please keep an eye out on any activities usual lately," Neuvillette finished, "The Germans have reduced their stops here lately and have been doing more trade at Liyue in extremely large quantities, but I sense that something is coming that relates to them."
The two nodded as they stood up and walked away, while Neuvillette was left to his thoughts alone as the door closed behind them. He knew that now the nation of Fontaine was taken down a new road and how he guided it would decide whether Fontaine remained free or became a puppet.
London, England
June 6, 1941
"Thank you," Aether said to the storekeeper as he handed the woman behind the counter his money that was thankfully converted into pounds with the Mora that he had.
The woman took his money as she stamped the weekly coupons for both him and Paimon as she stacked the items together. Things like four ounces of butter which was called National Butter, eight ounces of bacon, sixteen ounces of sugar, four ounces of tea, two ounces of cheese, eight ounces of marmalade but monthly, and that was just the basics. Even sweets were scarce as well, which hurt the morale of Paimon harder. There were also points for other foods like tinned goods and other luxury foods.
Then came the points system for clothes that Aether had a hard time understanding, where the nearby customers took time to help the new foreign worker from Sweden to understand. At least, this story of being a foreign worker was one that Aether gave as his cover. This especially was an item that Aether had attention to as he did wanted to get something besides this coat that Aether had been wearing since Stettin.
The woman behind the counter noticed him looking at the clothing coupons again.
"You'll want to count those carefully, love," she said, folding the bacon into paper, "Clothes are more scarce than tea now."
Aether looked down at the sheet. "Sixty-six coupons?"
"For the year," said an elderly man behind him in the queue who had a newspaper folded under one arm, "Spend them foolishly and you'll be wearing curtains by Christmas."
Paimon walked up beside Aether's leg and wrapped in Pamela's oversized scarf as she spoke, "Paimon likes curtains. Some of them have flowers."
Aether gave her a warning glance.
The woman behind the counter paused, "Your little one said something?"
"My sister," Aether replied quickly, "She is just shy."
Paimon said nothing, but Aether could sense that she was trying not to sound offended.
The woman smiled as she placed the items into Aether's basket and handed him the ration book back, which Aether took.
"Where do I get clothes at?" Aether asked.
"That's your new here," the lady behind the counter said with a smile, "Sweden, right?"
Aether nodded.
"That's how I can tell you're new here," the lady behind the counter said. "Everyone else has already had three arguments with the coupon book and lost two of them."
The woman pointed through the shop window with the end of her pencil. "There's a secondhand clothing shop two streets down. Mr. Fletcher's over there. Try get something that will last, you only get sixty-six coupons really."
Aether nodded again as he took the basket and walked over to the shop, where an hour later, he looked brand new and less unique to London. The gold and black breastplate vest were gone along with the cape and his dark hakama-like pants as well as his boots. Said items were wrapped in brown paper.
In their place was a plain gray shirt, a dark blue knitted pullover, brown trousers, a pair of gray socks, a pair of brown shoes, and a blue flat cap that pulled low enough to shadow his eyes. On his coat pocket was a handkerchief. He also had a knit bag on his shoulder that he placed the parcel of clothes into and also a second change of shirt. The old coat that he had since Stettin was also folded into the bag as he walked away.
"How many coupons was all of that?" Paimon asked as she carried the basket filled with food.
Aether looked down at the folded sheet in his hand and answered, "Forty-seven."
Paimon stopped walking and nearly tipped the basket in response.
"Forty-seven?" she squeaked, "Out of sixty-six?"
Aether nodded as Paimon looked over at Aether's outfit again as if it was robbery.
"But that leaves nineteen! For the whole year!" She squeaked.
"Yes," Aether replied, "It helps me stand out less in London."
"But Paimon liked your old outfit," Paimon announced, "I mean, you looked nice in this one. But you looked almost forgettable in that."
Aether nodded again as that was the point.
"We still need to get meat and vegetables as well for the week." Aether continued as they turned a corner to where a group of people were queued in lines with children laughing and smiling.
The sound of music from a band could also be heard not far and singing. Aether took a look and saw a table that the line led to where there were stacks of England's Union Jack being given as well as one lady selling stamps. Right beside the table was a metal bomb that Aether guessed to be a prop and it was covered in stamps. In addition, a sign was posted with an outline of a dark bomb falling with the red lettering that said:
Let's Mail This Bomb To The Tsaritsa's Palace
For a moment, Aether did not move as children laughed beside the bomb and a Home Guard soldier lifted a little girl close to the bomb where the girl placed a stamp right on the noose of the bomb.
Paimon looked at the sign, then at the bomb, then at Aether.
"These English people certainly know how to try and raise morale," Paimon commented.
A Home Guard soldier nearby heard and laughed. He was an older man with a steel helmet pushed back on his head and a gray mustache.
"British, little miss," He said kindly, "English when we're complaining about the country and weather. British when we are united against people like Hitler and that Tsaritsa woman."
Paimon looked at the Union Jacks stacked on the table, then back at him.
"But aren't you worried about what the Tsaritsa could do?" Paimon asked concerned.
"Worried," the old Home Guard soldier replied with a chuckle, "Let her come and try to scare Britain. We have faced worse threats than her….the Spanish Armada, Napoleon, the Last Great War, and then Hitler over our skies. We won that air battle against Hitler over our own homes. So if anything, we can deal with anything that Tsaritsa throws our way."
The soldier grabbed one of the small flags and offered it to her.
"Here for you, young lady," the soldier said.
Paimon accepted it with both hands as Aether quickly grabbed the basket from her before she could drop it. The little Union Jack nearly covered her face as she held the little flag and gave it a gentle wave.
The old Home Guard soldier laughed as he spoke, "There you are. Britain has another recruit."
Aether thought about what the soldier said as he wanted to believe it. But there was one thing on his mind carefully. The Tsaritsa and the Fatui were not those threats that Britain had faced before. Snezhnaya was completely different compared to any other threat that the soldier compared them toward.
Aether looked back at the sign again. Then the woman at the table selling stamps noticed Aether watching.
"Care to buy one, young man?" she asked, "Every savings stamp helps the war effort."
Aether hesitated for a moment. They still needed meat and vegetables, where he had already spent most of his clothing coupons for the year already in one go. The money that had been converted from Mora was limited at the moment, but he still looked at the bomb. He guessed one stamp would not hurt him much. Aether took out some currency.
"One stamp, please," Aether asked.
The woman smiled, "Good lad."
She handed him the stamp and pointed toward the prop bomb, "Anywhere you like."
Aether stepped forward where he could up close see that it was a wood and metal prop painted over. Stamps covered it in uneven rows, some were neat, some were crooked, and some were wrinkled. He placed his stamp near the nose; and for a second, his hand remained there. To him it seemed odd, in Teyvat, people would place offerings at statues of the Seven and even shrines or memorials. Prayers were even written on paper placed before these locations.
But here in London, they placed stamps on bombs to send their angered thoughts to the Tsaritsa.
After placing the stamp on the bomb, Aether stepped back.
The old Home Guard soldier nodded approvingly, "That's the spirit."
After a minute, Aether and Paimon walked away to find the butcher shop nearby registered for them and there was already a long line there.
"Paimon is really starting to hate rationing," Paimon announced as they got in line.
After another hour and a half, Paimon and Aether returned with their basket filled with their rations and Aether carrying a small parcel of meat and a good amount of vegetables that were available. Potatoes, carrots, onions, and a cabbage that looked edible. By the time they reached Pamela's building, Paimon was dragging her feet.
Aether opened the door to Pamela's apartment and guided her inside before she could say anything that would illustrate any more conversation about British war rationing.
Pamela was unavailable today as she was back at the sight of Group Eleven Fighter Command today. However, Pug was there, as he seemed to be noticeably visiting Pamela more and more lately than Aether liked to question. He was wearing his uniformed outfit as he sat on a chair before her table reading a letter and sipping on a cup of tea. He looked up when they entered and said nothing.
Pug's eyes moved from Aether's blue flat cap and outfit. He noticed the knit bag on Aether's shoulder, the basket in his hand, and the little Union Jack that was still clutched in Paimon's arms.
"You two have been busy," Pug commented in a way that a father would compliment a son, "But you look nice. Like as if you could fit right in with the crowd."
"Thanks," Aether replied with a smile, "Pamela is not here today?"
"No. Fighter Command wanted her back for the day," Pug answered.
"So what's that?" Paimon asked as she laid the flag and the basket she grabbed from Aether where she placed it on the table.
"Oh, this is apparently Arlecchino's response to my letter a while back about Natalie," Pug answered as he showed Aether the letter.
Commander Henry,
Your letter concerning Mrs. Natalie Jastrow Henry and her uncle, Dr. Jastrow, has been noted. I am not in a position to offer assurances regarding persons currently within Italian jurisdiction, nor can I speak for German or Italian authorities. However, I have placed them under my supervision to ensure that they are without molestation during any visits or questioning.
I have forwarded my concern about the status of Dr. Jastrow to Childe, who will no doubt ensure that it is brought to Mr. Roosevelt's attention whether directly or to a member of his cabinet.
However, I must be plain and insist that your family convince Mrs. Henry that the moment that the chance comes that she is to leave Europe to take it. With or without, Dr. Jastrow , for the safety of her and the baby. Do not mistake Snezhnayan protection for American protection, Commander Henry. My authority on this matter lasts as long as the Tsaritsa allows me, which is why I implore you to convince her.
I do not write this as a favor but as a warning.
Arlecchino
"So she is safe?" Aether asked, referring to Natalie.
"For now," Pug said.
"Paimon just doesn't understand why anyone would care about someone being Jewish is an issue," Paimon commented.
Pug did not say anything at the moment.
"I used to think there had to be a reason," He said at least, "When I first heard the speech, read the laws they were passing over there, I kept finding the part that would give a reasonable explanation. The argument underneath it all was something that I wanted to know."
Pug then turned the paper over on his hands as he continued, "But there isn't one…the only thing that I hear and read in Hitler's old book is that they unreasonably blame them for something that their own German Generals did in the last war, which was to give up fighting."
"That sounds stupid," Aether said.
Pug looked at him.
"Yes," the US navy man replied, "that's the trouble. By 1918, America was in the war with fresh troop. Germany's armies were exhausted and beaten back even, their people hungry from blockade, its allies were even collapsing around them. The General pretty much knew the game was up. But Hitler and people like this have claimed that the loss was not the army but the new government run by in their words…jews, socialists, liberals, and anyone useful."
"I still don't understand why people would believe that," Aether said.
"When you have not left from the Depression, Hyper Inflation, and no stable government with constant revolutions, then you might believe anything from a man claiming to restore order. You might possibly be willing to hear any reasons for your pain that was not caused by yourself. But that is just one of the reasons why the Germans hate Jews," Pug answered.
"Paimon is starting to hate this world more and more by the day by how stupid it has allowed itself to become," Paimon said as she silently tried to grab a thing of the limited sweets that they had in the basket.
Aether, having to act like a parent in this situation, walked over and slapped her hand.
"What was that for?" Paimon exclaimed.
"Not until after dinner," Aether replied.
Paimon stared at him in betrayal.
"Paimon hasn't had sweets for so long," she replied, "You're enjoying this because your mad of how Paimon had a secret stash of Mora in her sock for so long that is is the reason we even have money in this world."
"Be thankful that I can still use the Teapot to grow sweets and food where I can grow to make something," Aether replied.
"Teapot?" Pug said, nearly tilting his head.
"Long story," Aether replied as he glared back at Paimon.
"What? What did I do?" Paimon replied with her hands up.
"Oh, by the way, Traveller," Pug said as he started to accept calling Aether that like how calls out a rank, "I recently sent a report to the President of the things you told me and things from which we met with Alice about. Then this morning, I get a telegram straight from him meant for your eyes only."
He walks up to Aether with an envelope sealed and hands it to the blond traveller, who takes it by his hand. Aether broke the seal as he pulled out the Telegram and read it silently.
MR. AETHER,
PUG'S REPORT REACHED ME RECENTLY. I HAVE BEEN SPEAKING WITH MR. TARTAGLIA, WHO I UNDERSTAND YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH. WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO MY RESIDENCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
SAFE TRANSIT BEING ARRANGED WITH WINSTON, IF YOU ARE WILLING. PLEASE BRING YOUR LITTLE COMPANION AS MY CLERKS NEED SOME PRACTICE WITH THE IMPOSSIBLE.
SINCERELY,
FDR
Aether read the telegram a couple more times, before Paimon floated right beside him and over his shoulder. Without her even asking, he handed her the telegram. She read after a minute where her expression changed from curiosity, to surprise, and to a small glow of offended pride.
"His clerks need some practice with the impossible?" she said.
Pug's mouth twitched, "That sounds like the President."
"Paimon is not impossible," Paimon said, "Paimon is very possible."
"You are floating in a London flat while reading a telegram from the President of the United States," Pug said.
"That does sound a little impossible," she admitted with a lite chuckle.
"If we decided to leave for DC, when could we leave?" Aether asked.
"When that depends on the British Ministry of Transport as the US Navy can't deliver anything as politically vital and explosive as you," Pug answered.
Aether grabbed the Telegram back and folded along its creases, "Why can't the United States Navy move us?"
"Because the United States is still neutral," Pug said. "Officially. If Hitler learns we transported you to DC ourselves, then its makes thing difficult for the president at home with the America First Committee suddenly getting louder."
Aether tilted his head as Paimon joined him as he spoke "America First Committee?"
"People back home who think we should stay out of the war," Pug answered, "Some of them honestly believe. Some like Lindbergh are fools and worse. But they have voices and politicians that are willing to listen when it suits them."
Aether looked down at the telegram again.
"So if an American ship carries me," he said slowly, "Roosevelt's enemies can use it against him."
"Worse than that, considering how Tartaglia's arrival was leaked to the press before his arrival and the storm that the stunt he pulled after arrival," Pug muttered to himself.
Paimon and Aether looked at when he mentioned the word 'stunt'. Pug immediately explained the incident of where Childe transformed in front of a group of reporters from the American press.
"Yea, that sounds like Childe," Aether answered.
"Do you plan to go on that bombing raid over Brest?" Pug asked Aether, referencing the planned bombing of the harbor of the German battleships stationed there.
"The RAF asked again, but General Tillet suggested that I sit it out as I am too valuable to lose over the French Coast," Aether answered.
Pug felt a wave of relief over him at that.
"Hey, Pug, why were you concerned about Aether going on the raid?" Paimon asked, "You were nervous when it was suggested."
"Well, I received the same offer for similar raid from the Prime Minister back during the climax of the Battle of Britain," Pug answered, "Only the target was Berlin itself."
"What was it like?" Aether asked.
"Execiting at least when the plane dropped the bombs and hit its target of the Spandau Gasworks," Pug said with a near smile but retreated it quickly, "But we nearly got shot out of the sky once it seemed the entire city's guns were focused on us. Needless to say, I nearly got in trouble with the US Navy"
Aether and Paimon stared wide-eyed at him as if he had just grown two heads.
"You rode in a bomber over Berlin while your country was neutral." Aether repeated.
"Both Pamela and General Tillet said that it was crazy," Pug admitted, "So I would take his advice to heart if I were you."
"He did say he wanted me to come in tomorrow to meet with a representative of the British Army on how I would fight the Fatui on the ground at Teyvat." Aether said, deciding to change the subject.
"Considering the tales you gave, I wouldn't doubt it much," Pug replied.
__________________________________________________________________________
I hope that you liked this chapter. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions, feedback (whether good or bad) [I don't mind criticism as long as it is constructive really]. If you haven't already, please leave a like/kudo, bookmark, and subscription even as they also inspire me to keep writing.
Now here are the historical facts to know that were mentioned in the chapter:
1. America First Committee: The term is more prominently known today, but it was inspired by the names and some values of this WW2 committee. This committee was formed after the start of World War 2 and was the best-known US anti-intervention/isolationist organization before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Flying aviator Charles Lindbergh was one of its most famous speakers, where he argued against American involvement in the European War. The Organization had gained lots of money from wealthy elites especially and had over 450 chapters throughout the US.
2. National Savings Stamps Campaign [from the Bomb Scene]: I did not directly name it, but the stamp scene was based on the actual campaign that was scene in the Winds of War Series [Episode 4]. British Civilians were encouraged to buy savings stamps, certificates, and bonds to help fund the war effort. In the series, they something similar about Hitler in raising money. In real life in 1941, they had a public stunt where people would bring nails to drive into a symbolic coffin for Hitler with the stamps given as part of the event. Created something that I felt would have the same British drive of war fever for victory about Tsaritsa essentially.
3. Rationing of Clothes: This rationing would actually occur on June 1st, 1941, where at the start of it was where each adult received 66 clothing coupons for the year and the amount that I choose for Aether to spend was an educated guess really as there was not a lot that I could find for that year to tell me how much coupons that every piece of clothing cost. How it works is that like the food ration, the coupon was you allowance for the ability to purchase it and then you paid for it. However, as the war dragged on, the amount of clothing coupons that adults would get each year decreased; where by 1944, one would about 24 coupons.
Now for some question, that I wanted to ask you:
1. [This is from the previous chapter and I felt to keep it with the recent trailers that came out. If you already answered it and feel the new trailers change nothing, please don't feel compelled to answer it] When we get to Barbarossa by no later Chapter 21, considering what we know either from the story, the actual game, and the recent trailers (if you have seen it yet), what do think might the Eastern Front be like? Like I already have it planned with even a military simulation map for my own usage but now I have to update it with the new trailer based on the elemental warfare I saw.
2. What did you think about the new outfit of Aether? This something I plan to have him wear in public when in Allied Territory. I tried to keep to what seemed realistic of the time period with a little flare to it.
3. Do you think that Wriothesley really can turn the Fortress of Meropide into Fontaine's "Arsenal of Survival" [as we can call it as a HOI4 like National Spirit] successfully?