Forgive me for taking a break after being exhausted lately due to this heat coming to my home constantly.
___________________________________________________________________________
Court of Fontaine, Fontaine, Teyvat
Earth Time: June 27th, 1941
A boy walked down the main avenue of Quartier Lyonnais holding a stack of newspapers under one arm and a single copy showing the title of the latest newspaper edition of the Steambird.
The boy yelled out the news as he walked, "Extra! Extra! Snezhnaya Declared War Against the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom on Earth. Special Defensive Operation Taking Place Against Soviet Union! Special Edition! Read All About It!"
Navia walked up to the boy as she handed him about ten Mora for the latest edition. He handed her a copy and thanked her as he left.
Navia smiled at him as he walked away and read the headline, then the content.
"I take it that you have just heard the news as well and are still processing it," Chori said behind her.
Navia turned around, where Chiori stood several paces away outside the entrance to her shop. One hand was resting against her hip, while a copy of the Steambird was folded beneath the other arm.
"That's one way of saying it," Navia replied.
She unfolded the newspaper completely where it showed a rough sketch of Europe where on the eastern portion was occupied and German occupied territory three big arrows were drawn. Above the map was the title and below it was the article. The article, in question, went into detail about the invasion saying that after careful and painful consideration, the Tsaritsa in council with the German Reich agreed that in order to prevent the spread of Bolshevism to their territories a special invasion for their defense had to take place. The reasons explained the ideology of Bolshevism, or Communism, with a statement from Snezhnaya Embassy in Fontaine accusing the Soviet Union as a hostile nation founded in its roots with violence and treachery. They list various examples from the murder of its former entire Royal Family to the Soviet taking of Romanian territory in the previous year.
The article then went further in mentioning the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states and the Winter War against a country called Finland. However, several paragraphs were devoted to explaining Communism itself, where private ownership of major industries were seized. Religion faced state persecution, while political opposition were arrested and sent to a Soviet Gulag in a place called Siberia. According to the Snezhnayan Embassy, Bolshevism did not recognize borders in the traditional sense as its goal was to expand to everywhere in the world.
"A thousand mile front?" Navia read focusing on the fighting segment, "With Germany claiming that they will take Moscow in Six Weeks."
"Six weeks?" Chiori repeated.
Navia lowered the newspaper slightly and looked toward the fashion designer, "That's what it says. German military authorities believe that if the present rate of advance continues. Moscow could fall within six weeks and organized Soviet resistance could collapse shortly afterwards."
"Where is Moscow exactly?"
Navia pointed it on the map in Chiori's newspaper.
"That's quite the distance," Choiri commented.
"I was thinking the same."
"One thing that I know about shipments from long distances is that on time delivery needs good infrastructure. Moving millions of soldiers across a large front with high speeds is not going to be easy for logistics," Chiori said.
Navia glanced from the map toward Chiori.
"I suppose running a fashion house gives you a rather different perspective on invading another country," she answered.
"It does," Choiri replied, "But that is not the only thing on my mind. It's that declaration of war against this United Kingdom as well and the reason for Snezhnayan intervention."
Navia glanced at her own copy for a moment.
In the article, the Fatui claimed that the British were coordinating with the Soviets to divide Teyvat into spheres of influence under their control. This plot that Fatui advanced was the main reason for the Tsaritsa's declaration of war and in response to the plot, the Fatui sponsored the showing of a German made film that gave a brief glimpse at the history of British Imperialism. This film called Ohm Krüger was apparently much loved by the German Reich with a directly quoted statement of support from the German's Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels. The Fatui made showing of the film in Fontaine free at their expense with concessions and drinks provided with available supply.
"It especially answers one question about that coming film," Navia commented.
"Oh, what?" Chiori asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Whether it is actually propaganda," Navia said with a small smirk.
Chiori said nothing as she turned her lip upwards.
"But the fact that they are making everything for the showing free is more concerning," Navia said.
"Yes, they want to get the message out and get support for their now hard struggle," Chiori replied, "Fontainians live on drama and a movie for two hours with free drinks, food, and seats would open a lot of eyes to people."
"More than that, it opens them to whatever message Snezhnaya wants them to believe," Navia replies, "I wonder if that is why Monsieur Neuvillette asked for a meeting with me all of sudden today."
Chiori eye's shifted to the direction of the Palais Mermonia. Although, Navia couldn't easily see it, there was a brief glimpse of surprise before it returned to a moment of seriousness.
"Funny," Chiori continued, returning her eyes back to Navia, "The Iudex has also summoned me today for a meeting tomorrow on the first morning."
"Then the situation might be more serious than we are thinking it to be," Navia said, surprised at Chiori's admittance.
The fashion designer nodded as went into a state of deep think on the revelation. She tried to process the situation and understand what else could be missing for them to see what the Iudex of Fontaine saw that would make him one want to suddenly call for a meeting with two individuals of Fontaine different levels of high society.
"There might be a reason for this that makes sense…and for my meeting, I think that I have the answer," Chiori answered.
Navia blinked for a moment and replied, "How so?"
"Fontaine's economy touches nearly everything from fabrics to chemicals. Now add that Snezhnaya with that Germany by their side is now fighting this Britain and Soviet Union then…."
Navia's eyes began to understand quickly as she spoke, "Then every shipment leaving Fontaine to Snezhnaya becomes important."
"And more political dangerous, once that Britain and Soviet Union is able to make contact with our world, they might think that we are help Snezhnaya and Germany win against them," Choiri said, "Then add the film played here, then you have three opinions already set against each other with two of them on the same side probably ready to fight side by side."
Navia's express became more serious as she glanced again at the newspaper.
"So even if Fontaine considers itself neutral in this Earth war, that might not matter to the people actually fighting."
Choiri nodded as she continued, "And it doesn't help that lately I have been getting huge quantities of orders through Snezhnayan Inquiries for my special winter coats to be made in a rush."
The fashion designer paused as if deciding how much she should say, but Navia caught almost immediately.
"Go on," Navia said.
"Hundreds of them at first and even weeks before this invasion. Then the requests came asking if my production could somehow be expanded to the thousands if enough material was supplied," Choiri continued.
"Thousands of winter coats?" Navia said with eyes wide.
"Yes," Choiri nodded, "high quality with reinforced seams. Even other stuff like lined gloves and scarves. All of these inquiries all emphasized speed within two months if possible."
"I wonder if the Soviet Union gets cold very easily," Navia thought out loud.
"Considering the orders, I say that is a high possibility and there is even a clock ticking," Chiori said, "Do you plan to watch that film soon?"
"Mainly to see the mood of the audience as they watch it," Navia explained, "I want to see how people feel watching that Propaganda. You?"
"Probably… so I can insult it at the end outloud," Chiori replied.
Navia had to stop herself from laughing, "Outloud?"
"If the film deserves it, if they are trying to force feed me Hilicurl dung, I reserve the right to say what I think about it," Chiori replied.
"Make sure to reserve me a ticket, I want to watch the Fatui throw you," Navia joked.
"I liked to see them try," Choiri said.
Navia looked at her watch for a moment.
"I must be going, I keep the Iudex waiting, then he might think that I prefer the German's news over him," Navia commented.
"Then you better get going," Choiri said with a small smile.
"Will you be available tomorrow after meeting for tea and Marcoons at the Fleuve Cendre?" Navia offered, "My treat."
"Maybe, we'll see," Choiri said.
"No problem, I must be going, see you," Navia said as she waved and walked away.
However, as she walked away, she could not help get a sense of concern filling her. Inside Navia's mind, she felt that this was the beginning of a path toward something that nobody could ever return from and ever forget.
Liyue Harbor, Liyue, Teyvat
Earth Time: June 28th, 1941
At the pier of Liyue, the U-66 submarine was docked with a line attached to the harbor. The U-66 rested low in the water besides one of the outer commercial quays with its long grey hull streaked with grim from repeated voyages between worlds. The German naval ensign with the Swastka hung lazily above the conning tower in the humid morning air. The Liyue dockworkers had been kept back from the vessel, where the only people close to the submarine were Germans and Millelith.
On the wood pier outside the submarine was nearly the entire crew of U-66 and they were not happy at all. Not far from a distance at the end of the pier was the cargo that they had came to collect. The cargo was stored in wooden boxes of various small sizes that had the name of Hamburg stamped on the wood. Around the cargo stood about eight Millelith troops standing at attention preventing anyone from grabbing the cargo.
At the head of the pier before the gangpank that attached the deck of the submarine to the pier stood Kapitänleutnant Richard Zapp, who stood with his cap tucked beneath one arm. He was a middle-aged captain wearing his Kriegsmarine black uniform with a oval face, dark cropped hair and a clean shaved jaw. Behind him, sailors and officers shifted impatiently beneath the Liyue sun. Several of them smoked, while others simply stared at the party of inspectors gathering near the gangway.
Zapp's attention remained fixed on the official document in the hands of the senior Millelith officer.
"I must protest again under International Law that is a flagrant violation of customs and procedures involving searches of vessels," he barked as he struggled to keep his anger in check and professional as a career naval officer, "This vessel is a warship commissioned under the German. It is international law that a foreign official is not entitled to conduct an unrestricted search of her compartments under the pretense of a customs inspection."
The Senior Millelith Officer did not answer immediately, but he finished reading a document in his hands before carefully folding it along its crease. His calm seemed to have irritated Zapp considerably more.
"While this might be true in your world, Captain. But I must remind you that you are not in Germany or any other nation in your world. Liyue is not a party to Earth's maritime conventions and does not accept them as binding within Liyuean territorial waters," the officer continued, "Furthermore, your submarine has repeatedly entered Liyue Harbor for the purpose of transporting commercial cargo from its waters. The Ministry of Civil Affairs therefore had to update its procedures falling under the new tides of commerce and requires confirmation that the vessel continues to meet Liyue Harbor regulations concerning various safety regulations that ensure the vessel is not only seaworthy but does not contain any harmful diseases that might migrate between our worlds."
Zapp's lips tightened.
"My submarine is regularly inspected by the Kriegsmarine. Every member of my crew has undergone medical examination, and there has been no outbreak of disease abroad this vessel," he replied.
"That might be true," the Senior Officer replied, "But that is according to German standards, but Liyue has different standards."
The Senior Office glanced at some of the sailors who had full grown beards especially and then glanced at the U-66.
"Until several months ago, no vessel entering this harbor had ever sailed from another world. Our regulations have therefore changed," the Officer said, "And I will comment that some of your crew smell or look as though they have never had a shower in weeks even; which justifies the need for this inspection."
Zapp's face went completely red in response as he barked, "Fresh water in a submarine is reserved for drinking, cooking, and machinery. My men are sailors…not guests at a hotel."
"And should this vessel introduce an illness capable of spreading among the people of Liyue, your government would face a more considerably more serious problem than a delayed cargo shipment," The Officer replied, "I assume that Berlin would prefer to avoid such a situation."
The officer then glanced at the German sailors gathered along the pier.
"For that reason, a physician from Bubu Pharmacy will examine you and your crew while our maritime inspectors conduct their work aboard U-66."
Zapp stared at him.
"A physician is going to examine my crew?" the captain questioned.
"Yes, that would be done by Dr. Baizhu right over there," the officer said pointing to a uniquely dressed green haired man with a living white snake wrapped around his neck.
Baizhu stood beside a small temporary medical station tent, while outside the tent containing various bottles and other materials that he uses for treatment run by a black haired Herbalist.
Zapp and several of the German sailors stared at him.
"You expect me and my men to be inspected by a man carrying a snake?" Zapp retorted.
Before the officer could answer, the snake lifted its head and said with a hiss, "I would hardly call it carrying."
Several sailors visibly stiffened, while one stopped halfway between taking a drag from his cigarette.
"The snake talks," one sailor muttered in German.
Baizhu smiled apologetically with his eyes closed, "Changsheng has a habit of making memorable first impressions. But let me reassure you, Captain, that the check is routine and mainly to find any unfamiliar illnesses to Teyvat."
"And if your men intend to have to have their lungs examined," Changsheng said, looking at one of the sailors with a cigarette, "perhaps they should stop filling them with smoke first."
Then a clerk of the Ministry of Civil Affairs arrived wearing a blue qipao with a gradient of shades on it and floral pattern on it. Her black hair was short in a bob cut with bangs, while her light emerald-green eyes had black rectangular glasses. In her hands was a Fontainian-made Kamera.
"And who is this?" Zapp demanded.
"I am Zhao from the Ministry of Civil Affairs," she said calmly, "I will be part of the team to document the inspection."
Zapp's attention rested immediately upon the Kamera and then repeated what she said, "Document the inspection?"
Zhao nodded at once, "Mainly things relevant to the inspection like sanitation areas, ventilation, and any noticeable deficiencies."
"Inside a German warship?" Zapp clarified, "My submarine contains classified and sensitive equipment of the German Navy. I will not allow any photographs to take place on my vessel."
"Then we cannot be able to perform our inspection," Zhao said calmly, "Without a certificate issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the U-66 will not be allowed to commence any cargo run between Liyue and Hamburg afterwards…including your current cargo awaiting loading."
Zapp glared at the women as he processed what she said. He could refuse and the German Reich would not be allowed to commence any cargo runs as it would apply to other vessels, then he would have to explain it to Admiral Donitz and Raeder as well. Raeder, in particular, was not looking to be on the radar of the Fuhrer anymore than he was after the Bismarck fiasco. He did not want to be the man that is the reason why the Reich was not able to do trade at Liyue and access the vital materials that the Reich needed.
However, there was something about this woman that did not seem right compared to other Clerks of the Liyue Ministry of Civil Affairs. Normally, they would delegate issues of this issue to their higher-ups every time he arrived, but this one did not cower when he got mad.
"Very well," Zapp said as he turned to one of his men and ordered him to come in German before coming back to Zhao, "My Radio Operator will follow you in and report what you do."
Zhao shook her head to the side as she continued, "Unfortunately that is not possible, Captain."
"Why not?" Zapp snapped.
"It defeats the purpose of the quarantine during inspection as rules require all recently arrived Earth personnel to be examined during inspected as a safety precaution," Zhao retorted calmly.
The Senior Officer nodded in response as Zapp glanced toward him, "She is correct."
"This is absurd and an outrage," Zapp replied, "You expect me to allow foreign officials to enter every compartment of my submarine with no German officer present?"
"We expect you to comply with the same procedure required for certification," the Senior Officer answered.
"And while she carries a camera through my command," Zapp said.
"If there is a sanitation problem, it has to be photographed. If we discover any issues that are concerning safety, then it has to be photographed." Zhao replied with a nod.
"And my radio equipment?"
"If there is no issue relevant to our inspection, nothing needs to be documented."
Zapp looked at her for a moment and then turned to the Radio Operator.
"Fuckmaat," he yelled.
The Radioman straightened up to attention, "Jawohl, Herr Kaleun!."
"Steig an Bord, bevor die Inspektion beginnt. Nimm alle aktuellen Signalbücher, Chiffrieranweisungen, Nachrichtenprotokolle und täglichen Kommunikationsmaterialien mit," Zapp said in loud German.
The Radio Operator saluted again before Zapp turned to the Senior Officer.
"I am entitled to secure classified material before surrendering temporary access to the vessel," Zapp said.
"Very well, five minutes," Zhao said.
Immediately, the Radio Operator hurried through the gangplank and disappeared through the U-66's conning tower. A few minutes later he returned with a sack on his back and made a report to the Captain in German.
Then Zapp turned to Zhao, "How long will this inspection take?"
"Two hours if everything is clear. If we find anything, it could take longer as we would have to perform a cleaning in the area," Zhao explained.
"Fine," Zapp nearly shouted as he walked away to the examination area to be first in line, "Whatever at this point. Get it done and over with. My government will hear about this position that Qixing is taking towards German vessels."
Bazihu with his closed directed Zapp into the tent and followed inside, while the inspection and Zhao walked the gangplank onto the deck of U-66 and stepped onto the Conning Tower to the hatch inside the submarine.
Inside the interior of U-66
"What is that smell?" One of the Millelith soldiers complained loudly as he landed into the command room and placed a cloth on his nose.
"It smells like Oil…and not the good kind from Ying'er…I doubt that she would want to bottle this scent," another complained.
Zhao landed next after them as she noticed it as well as an ungodly earthy scent that was pungent around them. She wrinkled her nose despite herself.
"Keep moving, there are still people coming down," one of the inspectors shouted from above.
The first two went to the back, while Zhao examined the command room where she could see that nothing was designed with comfort in mind. Pipes were everywhere with different gauges that had different markings in German that Zhao could not understand. In the middle of the room were two large pipes beside each other with two big light blue round objects on the side, the two tubes touching the floor and the top with different values to them. Then she looked to her left and walked forward where she saw a big map of what she guessed of Earth with rectangular boxes that had letters and numbers on them like AJ and AF. She then took a picture of the table the map was on with her Kamera, but ensured that it had a view of the two black and red wheels on the right.
Then she turned around to the starboard side of the command room, where she noticed two different gauges upwards and two wheels below, where the wheels were connected to each other through some piping. Afterwards, she noticed that hanging on the pipes through ropes were different meats. Various meats like sausages and pieces of cured meat had been tied to the overhead with cords as if there was nowhere else to store them.
Zhao stared for a moment, "Is that food?"
One of the Millelith soldiers followed her gaze and said, "I think it used to be."
Several patches of pale fuzzy patches had developed across their surfaces, where Zhao's expression changed immediately. As she took another photo quickly, thankfully she did not need to invent a reason for the photo when seeing it.
"This is definitely a sanitation issue," Zhao said.
Zhao decided to move forward, where she found the hatch and turned a knob to unlock the hatch forward. As she entered, the compartment at least looked much nicer than what she saw earlier. On the left was a very clean bed bunk with a wooden interior and then right was wooden open cabins with various electrical equipment.
"I guess that this is where the Captain sleeps as it's much nicer," Zhao commented as she turned to the other inspectors, "You continue on forward and examine the very front of the vessel. I'll check here and come forward with you soon. I doubt that I will find much here and that it will take long at all."
"You sure?" asked one of the Inspectors.
Zhao nodded as they shrugged.
"Alright if you say so," One of them says as they move forward as Zhao stepped aside into one of the rooms that had lots of electrical equipment everywhere.
As they walked forward, she examined the room with various electrical equipment closely. She leaned forward with interest. Most of the items she could not describe, but there was a clock and a compass. But after that she had no idea, she could make out some sort of object that looked as if she could make clicking sounds on it. She took a quick photo of the room until she noticed the dust on the table attached to the walls of the room where in one particular spot was a sign that something was moved recently. Something very important that the Radio Operator did not want her to find. Very quickly she checked the other wooden cabin where there was other electrical equipment there, but nothing that matched the size of the dust gap she saw. The size of dust gap reminded Zhao of a large case that would be too heavy to carry up in a rush.
"Where would he put it?" Zhao muttered to herself, "And what is it?"
The man only had five minutes to retrieve all he had and Zhao saw him return with a bag as well. But nothing like the size of the gap, then she thought for a moment. With the amount of time he had meant that he only could hide it away and not take it with him. Then she thought about the Captain bunk, where above stood a set of cabinets with locks on them. Quickly she found a wooden screen that sealed the cabin around her with a small window behind her. She reached into a pocket inside her qipao and pulled out a pick as well as a pair of gloves to put on, where she started to unlock it with relative ease. After a few seconds, the lock clicked as she opened it and she opened the cabinet where she noticed a large wooden case closed.
She reached in with her gloved hands as she grabbed the case to place it on the bed carefully. She quickly took a photo of it and then opened it carefully by releasing some small catches on the wooden case. Then the lid opened without resistance, where she paused for a moment. As immediately her thoughts went to it being a typewriter, but there was no place for paper to be put in it.
There were three rows of black keys that occupied the lower half of the machine. But above them was another alphabet, each letter positioned beneath a small circular glass window. At the top were three narrow openings that displayed individual numbers with cog wheels right beside each one, while across the lower front ran a collection of sockets that looked as if they could be connected by wires.
Zhao stared at it for a moment.
"What in Rex Lapis's name are you?" she whispered.
She resisted the temptation to touch anything as it whatever this machine was, the Radio Operator had gone through considerable trouble to hide it from her.
She pulled out the Kamera and quickly changed the film on it with a new one, before taking the photos. First was the entire machine, then the keyboard and letter panel, then the three small windows with cogs, and then the socket area.
Then she noticed the lettering on the upper cover that had her attention with a oval with a bold outline and then capital lettering inside the oval that said:
ENIGMA
"Enigma," Zhao whispered as she had no idea what the word meant, but decided to take another photograph.
Once she was done, she closed and locked up the case carefully where she placed it back in the cabinet. Then started to lock the cabinet up again as she removed the partition and walked out.
Then a voice drifted through the bulkhead.
"Zhao?"
She froze for a moment as she took off the gloves quickly and put them in her qipao.
"We're almost finished in the kitchen, you need to come here."
"Coming," Zhao said as she changed the film back to the previous one and hid the newer one in her qipao as well.
The Jade Chamber, Liyue, Teyvat
Earth Time: June 28th, 1941, Evening
The sun had already begun sinking beyond the mountains when the elevator platform reached the Jade Chamber, where Zhao stepped on in her outfit. She had a leather satchel beneath one arm, while the Kamera was gone. The Kamera was returned with the rest of the inspection equipment where the original film was being examined with all the document issues like moldy provisions all the way to unsafe cargo fittings. However, one roll of film never reached the Ministry inventory.
Zhao walked through the entrance hall and passed two guards who barely looked at her papers before allowing her through.
Only after the doors to Ningguang's private office closed behind her did the clerk disappear. As she removed her spectacles and wig, where her dark blue hair fell free around her shoulders. She then placed both upon Ningguang's desk.
"I take it that Zhao had a productive day," Ningguang commented
Yelan sat opposite of her as she replied, "Very."
"Well, give me the run down of what I will see in the report," Ningguang reported.
"Enough that the Submarine is going to be interned pending clearance for another day for cleaning and more," Yelan commented with a look that was still trying to believe everything that she saw, "moldy meat, ventilation problems, and more that I rather not go into detail of."
Ningguang paused, "mold?"
"On meat and non-canned goods that they had. Although they had more canned goods than fresh items, but they apparently changed the interior of the forward section to hold more cargo. They removed bunks with cargo fittings and reduced their crew by half especially. Part of some emergency modifications done by the Fatui at Nod-Krai," Yelan explained.
"I see," Ningguang said as she lowered a pen, "Now about what is not on the report."
Yelan reached inside her Qipao as she retrieve a small canister of film and explained what she saw to Ningguang.
"So you opened a locked cabinet abroad the German warship?" Ningguang questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"You know that I don't leave a trace," Yelan said with a smile as she handed Ningguang the film.
"Yes, but if the Germans discover you searched it, then we have a bigger issue on our hands," Ningguang replied as she examined the roll for a moment.
"They won't find out, considering that we have to scrub every surface of that submarine of dirt and worse," Yelan explained with a smirk, "It turns out that the Submarine never had the chance to take a break for their crew longer than 4 days at most. I assume that Germany is so desperate for Teyvat materials that they are willing to work their submarines to death non-stop."
"Yes, and with the events in Snezhnaya's 'Special Defensive Operation,'" Ningguang said as she grabbed her pipe and placed the roll on her desk, "there is a sudden need for additional materials to defeat their enemies.I even had sudden requests to allow German merchant ships dock outside the city for cargo through the Northland Bank. But back to the box, what do you make of it?"
"Considering that the radioman seems to be in-charge of their communications systems, I assume that most likely it is some form of device that develops a code for them to send messages," Yelan said honestly, "It is the only thing that comes to mind to why the Radioman would even hid such a device in the Captain's cabin under lock."
"How long would it take you to personally develop these photos," Ningguang asked, holding the roll.
"I can do it tomorrow," Yelan answered.
Ningguang handed the roll back to Yelan before taking a puff out of her pipe.
"After you develop them, I want you to go see Albedo with them and tell him everything you saw about the device. He is currently at Wangshu Inn right now, officially on the planning of the new trade route through Dragonspine. Unofficially, it is where we and Mondstadt are having him stay for the moment in regards to a new project that possibly relates to what you have found," Ningguang explained.
The Villa of Aaron Jastrow, Siena, Italy
June 30th, 1941
The rain at Siena had begun since the start of sunrise, but by noon was when the clouds had broken apart. Aarron was at the desk in his study looking over a manuscript, while Natalie stood at a window with a letter from Bryon asking how she was doing in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other hand. They had thought of moving closer to the American Embassy in Rome, but Lidia had suggested against it when she visited the Villa in response to the news arriving to Siena by radio on the invasion of Russia. The Snezhnayan representative of this Harbinger Arlecchino, who had intervened on their behalf, had said that 'Father' had good word the SS Agent with the scar from Lisbon that Natalie and Bryon had a run-in was in Rome. What made the concern worse was that the SS Agent knew Natalie was in Italy, but suspected that she would be in Rome.
When Lidia was here a few days ago, she was very blunt about it saying that Natalie was most definitely on a list by this point with another Harbinger if the Agent made any contact with Fatui elements in Rome besides her. Natalie had asked Lidia on what about if he starts searching for her in Siena, where the response she got was straight forward to the point. The response that the Snezhnayan representative gave her was that they would know and take needed steps where needed as they remain in close touch.
The conversation was just a few days ago and now Natalie was still filled with concern, especially as she noticed a Black Packard Sedan drive on the Villa. On the front of the sedan was a pennant of the United States Flag flying, a well-dressed man walked out and moved toward the door and knocked.
Natalie walked up to the door and was half-surprised to see who it was immediately.
"Bunky?" She said sounding surprised.
Bunky, more formally known as Bunker Wendell Thurston Jr., stood beneath the portico in a dark suit with one hand holding a hat and the other carrying a leather diplomatic pouch.
His familiar moustache lifted with his smile at Natalie as he spoke, "Natalie, good to see you again."
"What are you doing here?" Natalie questioned with a grin on her face.
"Well…it's kind of complicated…."
"I thought you were stationed in Lisbon."
Bunky gave a soft chuckle as he replied, "Technically, I still am…but like I said complicated. May I come in?"
Natalie nodded as she gestured him into the villa and opened the door wider. Bunky entered after wiping the bottom of his shoes against the mat before stepping further into the villa. Natalie closed the door behind, but her eyes moved to the pouch he was holding. She led him to Aaron who was standing up with his cane in hand
"Aaron, this is Bunky Thurston. He is a friend's of Leslie Slote from Lisbon," Natalie introduced the diplomat to the Scholar.
"Pleasure to met you, sir," Bunky said.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Thurston. If you are friend of Slote, then you must be a diplomat I guess?" Aaron replied, shaking Bunky's hand.
"Yes, sir," Bunky said.
"Now, mind if I ask what this is about? And why you came to my Villa?" Aaron asked curiously.
"Of course, mind if we sit somewhere for me to explain?" Bunky asked in response.
Aaron agreed where he led everyone to an outside balcony with some tables and chairs. Aaron called for one of the servants to bring some refreshments outside.
As they sat down, Bunky decided to begin talking.
"Well, Professor Jastrow, the reason for my visit actually deals with you," Bunky explained.
"Is something wrong?" Aaron asked.
"No, actually I think that we are in pretty good shape," Bunky commented, "I will tell you this, Professor Jastrow. Your acquaintances from Snezhnaya certainly know how to remind everyone that they conduct diplomacy differently from other nations. They also know how to embarrass a government without raising their voice."
"I won't call them acquaintances," Natalie replied, "What do you mean though? Cause we were told by Lidia, the Snezhnaya Cultural Attache in Rome that all they were doing was sending a letter to their Envoy in Hyde Park, Tartaglia."
Bunky stared at Natalie for a moment, "All they were doing?"
Natalie shrugged, "That's what Lidia told us. Arlecchino apparently discovered that there were problems with Aaron's citizenship papers and said she would inform Tartaglia. I assumed that meant that Tartaglia was going to talk to the State Department about it."
"Oh, he did," Bunky replied with another chuckle.
"Then what's the problem?"
Bunky leaned back in his chair and rubbed his moustache, "Natalie…how do I say this…he not only told the Secretary of State during the talks about the issue but it reached the President through his advisor Hopkins. It didn't help that Tartagla commented with a question on whether this is how the US Government treats its citizens."
"Oh dear," Aaron said.
"I would imagine that was the reaction of the State Department," Bunky explained, "but there's more…"
"Go on," Natalie insisted.
"It didn't take Hopkins nor President Roosevelt to make the connection between Mrs. Henry married Byron Henry, who is a son of Commander Victor Henry that is close to the President," Bunky explained, "Well, it opened up to a lot of inquiries to avoid any embarrassment that the President felt about letting this happen to Commander Henry's Daughter-in-law's Uncle."
Bunky paused before continuing, "And now, Professor Jastrow's file is very popular in the White House…and the State Department circle in Italy got a swift ass kicking from the White House."
"And what does that mean for me?" Aaron asked as a servant brought from fresh lemonade in a pitcher with some glasses.
"Well, the State Department in Rome reviewed your case, Dr. Jastrow. They resolved the matter entirely on your father's naturalization and the discrepancies on your age," Bunky said as the servant filled the glasses with ice and then lemonade, "Then they sent me on behalf of the Embassy in Rome and its Ambassador due to my relationship with Natalie…but essentially the Dr. Jastrow, you are all set to leave mainly."
"That's great," Aaron said as he took a sip of his glass.
"The Ambassador in Rome will take full responsibility for your case and deal with the Italians," Bunky reassured him, "We just need to get you an exit permit and transportation. But you are an American…that is no longer in question. Now, the Ambassador was able to arrange transportation for Natalie to Lisbon and then to America."
"How soon?" Natalie asked.
"A matter of days perhaps," Bunky replied, "We are working to get you very high up on a reservation list."
"Well, it seems that it is parting of the ways, my dear," Aaron said to Natalie as he glanced over to her.
"But the issue is that we need you to be closer to Rome when the time comes especially," Bunky explained.
Natalie's expression changed completely and immediately with a blink.
"Closer to Rome?" she said.
Bunky noticed the reaction as he continued, "Not Rome itself."
"Why?" she asked.
"Well, the Embassy is arranging accommodations near Viterbo. We need Professor Jastrow somewhere we can reach quickly once the Italians issue the exit permit. Siena is simply too far away if we receive approval with only a day to act," Bunky explained.
Natalie sat her glass down as she explained, "When Lidia was last here, we thought about moving closer to the American Embassy in Rome."
"Lidia…that's the Snezhnayan Cultural Attaché in Rome right?" Bunky asked for clarification, sounding very confused, " Why would she care about you moving to Rome?"
"Because she said that the German we ran into in Lisbon is in Rome right," Natalie explained.
"The one with the scar that we saw after your marriage in Lisbon and Bryon in the fado restaurant? Right beside the white-haired Gestapo Agent that Bryon punched?" Bunky clarified.
Natalie nodded as she continued, "And Lidia said that the particularly Scarfaced Gestapo Agent that was there is in Rome and aware that I am in Italy. We don't know how, but she suspected that he had been asking the right Fatui Harbinger around who doesn't work well with 'Father'."
Bunky's expression turned serious as he closed his eyes for a second and had his hands out in an understanding position, "Wait a minute…What do you mean by 'asking the right Harbinger'?"
Natalie shook her head, "Lidia wouldn't give us a name."
Aaron quietly added into the conversation, "And her phrasing was considerably less diplomatic at that. Saying that there are a couple of Harbingers that have a different opinion on my case compared to Arlecchino."
"Different opinion about you?" Bunky said wide eyed as if not believing what he was hearing.
Aaron nodded, "Before Arlecchino stepped, we had been getting visits from the Fatui on questions regarding me and Natalie. Going as far as asking about my Jewish ancestry."
"Well, this makes my job more complicated to say the least…." Bunky breathed as he finished his lemonade, "I will have to talk with the Ambassador in Rome and fill him in on your situation. We can see about forgetting Viterbo maybe and find a different airport instead."
"Just like that?" Natalie said.
"Well, I can't guarantee it, but I think my stay in Italy might be extended possibly," Bunky commented, "Now tell me everything about these visits."
"Well, you are going to need another glass of lemonade," Natalie said.
"I was just beginning to think the same thing," Bunky replied.
The Henry Residence, Annapolis, Maryland
July 1st, 1941
The evening at the Annapolis House had started to settle heavily over the city as large rainstorm settle over, while a continuous wave of loud deafening thunder could be heard by the inhabitants of the large house. Aether was in the foyer with Paimon and Pug enjoying what remained of desert after they had dinner. Paimon really seemed to have enjoyed the dinner and was not munching on the desert aggressively.
Pug was sitting right beside Aether as he nearly whispered to him, "How the devil do you manage to afford feeding this one with the way she eats?"
Aether smiled as he finished the last bite of his desert and replied, "With commissions, if I'm lucky."
Pug glanced back at Paimon for a second, who had already started eyeing what remained on Aether's plate.
"You must take a lot of commissions," He commented.
"No kidding," Aether retorted.
Paimon glared at them as she said, "You know that I can hear you right?"
Pug looked at the plate as he said, "I was counting on it."
Before they could answer, they hear the front door open with the sound of rain and thunder louder in the house. Then came a voice.
"I'm back," said the voice of a woman.
"We're in here, Honey," Pug called out with a loving tone.
Then the door closed as foot steps could be heard coming to the foyer, where a woman walked in wearing a dark floral-print dress with pale blossoms across the fabric. Around her neck was a single strand of pearls that were matched by a pair of round pearl earrings. A similar dark floral hat rested on her head carefully on the arranged black curls of her hair. She removed a pair of damp gloves from her hans and gave them a small shake before placing them with her handbag on a nearby table. The rain had left several dark spots across the shoulders of her dress despite the umbrella she carried from the car and had an irritated expression.
"I feel like a drowned rat," she complained, "I swear the storm was following me home all the way from town."
Another tremendous clash of thunder rolled across Annapolis, rattling the windows and cause several pieces of china in a nearby cabinet to tremble faintly against one another.
Pug glanced toward the windows before looking back at his wife.
"Well, you did choose a pleasant evening to go out, Rhoda," Pug said.
"Well, I certainly did not choose the weather, when Mrs. Digger Brown and Warendorf invited me for the afternoon in town for a little social gathering of the local navy wives," the Woman or Rhoda Henry complained.
"You didn't tell them anything about our guests?" Pug asked as he walked up to her and kissed her on the cheek.
Rhoda gave Pug a look that suggested the question itself was mildly insulting.
"Victor, I may enjoy gossip as much as the next Navy wife, but I've learned my lesson from Berlin," she replied as she reached up and removed the floral hat from her carefully arranged curls, "I know when something is to remain private or it reaches the wrong people. All I told them is that we have houseguests staying with us for a while and that they preferred a very private arrangement in accommodations. And that was the end of it."
Pug seemed satisfied enough with the answer.
"Good," he said, "You look beautiful though. How did it go?"
Rhoda's expression softened at once and the irritation she had carried from the storm gave way to a very pleasant smile as she looked down at the damp sounders of her dress.
"It went well, actually. You know how it is. Mrs. Warendorf spent a good part of the afternoon trying to convince everyone that the Navy Department had somehow developed a personal grudge against Harry," Rhoda said.
"Well, considering what happened off California when Harry got a destroyer stuck on the rocks, that can hardly be a surprise," Pug commented with a grin.
Rhoda gave her husband a knowing look and shook her head as she placed her hat on the small table beside her handbag.
"That was exactly what Mrs. Brown said, but not that way," Rhoda replied, "Mrs. Warendorf insists the whole affair has followed Harry around far longer than it should have. She believes that if the chance ever came that Harry should be allowed to sail a ship in that Teyvat."
"Yea," Paimon decided to butt in before Aether could stop her, "Make sure to tell him to avoid Guyun Stone Forest if he does…he might not just run it aground."
Pug stared at Paimon for a moment before the corner of his mouth lifted, "I am almost afraid to ask why."
"Yea, the word around the navy wives is that if the chance ever comes, it might be as grand as a duty in the Yangtze Patrol," Rhoda said.
"Well, I don't know how that word is going considering that the US has no way of reaching Teyvat," Pug rolled his eyes at the idea, "The Navy has enough trouble assigning officers to places that actually exist on our charts. So a non-existent Asiatic Fleet in Liyue is out of the question."
Rhoda smiled as she removed one of her pearl earrings and placed it beside her handbag.
"That has never stopped Navy wives from deciding where their husbands ought to be stationed," she said.
"Fair point," Pug said.
"Now, tell me what you are up to," Rhoda said, "You have been making constant visits to the White House these past few days and I am very interested to know."
Pug gave Rhoda a long look that she learned during their years of marriage meant he was determining how much he could say without saying too much.
"You make it sound as though I have been sneaking off to DC every morning for own amusement," he replied as he settled back into his chair.
Rhoda placed her second pearl earring beside the first before giving him an unimpressed look.
"Victor, you have been called to see the President often enough during the last week that Mrs. Brown has noticed and she doesn't even live in this house," she said, "You disappear most of the day with our guests and come back home not saying anything. I figured that your flying friend would be too chatty to not tell me as well and even she doesn't tell me anything. And how nobody in the neighborhood hasn't seen her when you enter the car is another question for me entirely."
Aether glanced at Paimon, who had stopped eating long enough to look mildly offended at being described as his 'flying friend.'
"Well, the miracle is that I hid Paimon in my briefcase as we enter, then as we drive off, I let her out," Pug explained.
Rhoda stared at her husband for several seconds, then slowly turned her eyes toward Paimon as though trying to imagine the floating companion folded inside a piece of naval luggage.
"You put her in your briefcase?" She asked, sounding as though she had just discovered a new and particularly strange feature of her marriage.
"Well, Paimon didn't exactly agree to it at first, but I felt it was the easiest method," Pug said.
Rhoda finally laughed as she started shaking her head while looking toward Pug.
"Victor Henry, I have followed you across half the world, attended diplomatic dinners in Berlin, and spent years believing I have seen every ridiculous thing the Navy could possibly introduce into my life." she said, "But I apparently lacked imagination."
She walked over to a decanter filled with whiskey and poured herself a glass.
"But your floating friend still owes me a new bottle of wine when she first met me and caused me to scream while dropping the bottle…It was a good one too…" Rhoda commented pointing at Paimon while holding her glass, "And I want a good one from that Winery in that Mondstadt in fact…that…what was it…Dawn Winery…that's it."
Paimon immediately lowered her fork and stared at Rhoda with an offended expression of disbelief.
"Keep that face up and I might also ask for a perfume from that store in Liyue as well," Rhoda said with a smirk.
Before Paimon could make a response or any other expressions, Pug quickly chimed.
"How's Warren and Janice?" Pug asked Rhoda.
"Warren and Janice are doing well," Rhoda replied as she carried her whiskey back toward the others, "I got a letter from Janice yesterday from Hawaii, she and the baby are fine. Warren is still on flight duty in the Enterprise doing more drills lately."
"I am not surprised considering the heat at the moment in Russia," Pug replied.
Aether turned to Pug and Rhoda with curiosity.
"Warren is your oldest son right?" He asked.
The married couple nodded.
"Warren's an aviator on the Enterprise," He said.
"So he flies from the ship?" aether asked.
"That is the general idea…it's been a concept since the end of the last war and now its argued by some to be a new revolutionary concept," Pug answered, "We like about six carriers of not so big sizes ... .while Japan has somewhat more. More importantly, they have been practicing how to use several carriers together rather than using them as a fleet auxiliary like the Navy has been treating it lately."
"Using them together?" Aether questioned.
"Yes. Although the British used a carrier to attack Taranto on the Italian fleet and did serious damage, it did make the concept more important," Pug explained as he turned back to Rhoda, "What about Madeline and Byron?"
Rhoda went onto explain that Madeline wrote recently saying that she was still working for Hugh Cleveland at NBC, where Cleveland is planning to run some programs aimed at servicemen with the latest hot talk about defense and preparedness. Byron, on the other hand, was still on submarine duty in the Pacific on the Devilfish; but his letters were less consistent.
"Well, considering Byron, that's not a surprise," Pug said calmly.
"Tell me about it," Rhoda rolled her eyes, "Maybe now he can start writing more now that the State Department magically resolved that issue on that Jastrow girl's uncle's passport."
"Well, they still have to leave Italy though," Pug reminded her.
"I know, but that was the main problem though wasn't it?" she said as she grabbed the Decanter with her and proceeded to walk away slowly, "Anyway, I am going to take a bath and then change into something more comfortable before bed. I will be right back."
Rhoda disappeared as she went up a staircase with the decanter in one hand and her whiskey glass in the other.
"Is she taking the entire bottle with her?" Aether said.
Pug nodded as he sat back down, "Yes."
"No offense, Pug, your wife has a drinking problem," Paimon commented.
Aether looked at Paimon as she said something offensive.
"Sorry," Paimon took back the statement.
"Do we have to go to DC again tomorrow?" Aether asked changing the subject quickly.
"Not really, the President is still up in Hyde Park meeting with your friend, Tartaglia and asked that you as well as Paimon be given a chance to see the Navy Yard. Although, the Ambassador Lord Halifax has asked for a meeting with you through Harry Hopkins soon…so that might come up," Pug explained.
"About what?" Aether asked.
"If I had to guess about Russia," Pug answered, "Since Churchill gave unwavering support to the Soviet Union after the Germans and Fatui invaded them. Although, I guess why he called for you might have to do with the Fatui part as the report that we are getting here is that the Fatui made a strong armour breakthrough in Ukraine outflacking the Russian tanks at Brody. German radio claims that Snezhnayan tanks tore the Soviet tanks to pieces and have done an offensive that is as successful as Ardennes."
"Ardennes?" Aether questioned in repeat.
"That was when last year, the German broke through the French front and outflanked the Maginot Line fortifications turning the warning from a long static one to a disaster for France," Pug answered in recollection, "That was supposedly where Rommel in North Africa started at and started his road to notoriety."
"And the German radio says that Fatui did something similar?" Aether repeated, "Which means it might be exaggerated or a lie."
Pug nodded as he continued, "But we know that for sure a breakthrough happened by Snezhnayan's…according to one British observer's report passed through the vine, these Snezhnayan tanks must be very revolutionary as they can fire a lot of shells in quick succession."
Aether's expression sharpened.
"Acording to the observer who got it through Soviet survivors, some of the Snezhnayan tanks were firing severals round in the time it took a conventional tank crew to load and fire one or two," Pug continued.
"Will Russia fall?" Aether asked.
"I'm not sure," Pug answered, "With just against conventional warfare, probably not. But throw in the Fatui in the mixture, then it could be possible. I think more depends on how the Russians can react against the Fatui and how the Fatui can beat the Russians to surrender. Because Russia is a different animal compared to France. Plus how much change is German industry getting through the Fatui, because I still maintain that Hitler was still not ready for the general war he needed by 1939."
"What do you mean?" Paimon said as she floated toward Pug, "The Germans have control of Europe."
"Yes, but Germany needs oil and resources badly…Hitler was still in the midst of his rearming when the war started," Pug explained as he leaned back in his chair and folded his arms, "for example, back when I was in Germany before the war, I was touring the flagship of a German Officer named Grobke and I did some ungentlemanly spying on his ship. He told me that he had seventy submarines operational. I still doubt that he had even fifty at the time. Hitler had been gambling so much before this and was successful, but this is a situation where I think that he probably unfortunately understood he needed Snezhnaya more than Snezhnaya needed him maybe."
Pug paused for a moment as he went into thought on something in his mind and then continued, "But the question really on my mind is what is the Tsaritsa really after in our world that she is willing to join hands with Hitler in attacking Russia? Arlecchino told me that they wanted Industrialization of warfare, but I doubt that is the only thing that they want. Ukraine has resources, yes..but not something that she can use to defeat those Heavenly Principles that you've described…she needs something more than industrial warfare…"
Aether did not answer that immediately, but he agreed with Pug on it unquestionably. This question of 'why join someone like Hitler' had filled the Traveller's mind since this whole thing was announced in Teyvat. But now hearing Pug put it so plainly from Earth's perspective especially, it gave a problem a shape that he could not name himself.
"Exactly," Aether finally said, "This is what bothers me."
Pug watched him carefully.
"The Tsaritsa wants to rebel against Celestia," Aether continued, "The Fatui have been collecting Gnoses from Archons for that reason or at least that's what it points to. But your world has no actual Archon and therefore has no Gnoses…what is she really after is the question."
"Oh well, no point in wasting trying to think on it when we are going to hit circles," Pug said standing up, "I am going to hit the sack. What about you two?"
"Same here," Paimon said, stretching her back.
Aether nodded for a moment.
Then a blood-cruddling scream from Rhoda could be heard upstairs as the sound of broken glass could be heard. Everyone immediately rushed out of the foyer with Aether right behind Pug as they ran up the stairs. Paimon flew right behind Aether at a steady pace.
"RHODA!" Pug called out as they reached the top as they could the door to the bathroom open.
They could hear her throw things at someone or something.
"Get out you freak," she yelled at someone as something could be heard be thrown and shattered.
"HOLD IT OLD LADY! WATCH THAT AIM!" shouted a young male that sounded very familiar to Aether.
As they reached the bathroom, where they saw Rhoda at the door arch with a towel wrapped around her and throwing anything that she could find at whatever she was seeing ranging from ceramics to toiletry. There Aether could see the bathtub still running in the background, but at the end of the bathroom was a viney arch with green light. But in front of the arch was a familiar looking blonde male with a blue feather and wide but alarmed red eyes, while he held a green glowing suitcase in front of him as a shield. The front of the suitcase was covered in glass and whiskey.
Aether stopped in the doorway and stared at the man for a couple of seconds.
"Kaveh?" he said slowly.
The suitcase lowered just enough for a pair of red eyes to appear over its upper edge.
________________________________________________________________________
I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. If you liked it, please feel free to leave a comment and a kudo.
No serious historical information for this chapter unfortunately.
Translations:
1. Jawohl, Herr Kaleun = Yes, Sir, Captain
2. Gehen Sie an Bord, bevor die Inspektion beginnt. Nehmen Sie alle Signalbücher, Schlüsselunterlagen, Chiffrieranweisungen und Funkspruchprotokolle mit = Go aboard before the inspection begins. Take all signal books, keying documents, cipher instructions, and radio-message logs with you.
Here's some questions that I want to ask:
1. On the inspection, do you think that it is something clever that Ningguang would have come up with or should she have done something else?
2.I plan to have Aether back in Teyvat for the Natlan Arc, but I want you opinion as I am looking back at my outline. When Aether goes to Natlan, should Pug be going with him? Because if so, it would be happening when in the miniseries and book Pug is supposed to be in Moscow meeting Stalin on a Anglo-American support mission.