//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 Beyond the stars // Story: Welcome to the new colossus // by Bronycommander //------------------------------// Chapter 4: Beyond the stairs It took the children a few minutes to calm down from the shock. Dinky blamed herself, she had hoped that his actions of keeping her safe would have made his punishment lighter. But given the charges, it seemed only to make it worse. “It is my fault…” She sobbed, her head lowered. “Shh, calm down, you aren’t to blame.” Johann patted her as comfort. “But…but… He’s dead because he was with me and I’m probably next!” She exclaimed in fear and guilt. “Dinky, you have nothing to fear, I made sure this won’t happen.” James tried to explain bit Dinky continued to argue, “That doesn’t mean she will go after you all!” The filly yelled, her emotional conflict taking control. “I shouldn’t have gone with him! He could have been alive hadn’t I gone with him!” She exclaimed in rage and sadness. “Dinky, please…” Bauer tried to get up with the right words. “You aren’t to blame, Blazkowicz knew what he was getting into, he knew the risks.” This sentence struck Dinky hard, stopping to yell, trying to make sense of the words her stepfather had said, staring. Still, it made her sad that the very man who had saved her life was now dead, his children having to grow up without father, if the others were still alive. Even Johann, Jonas and James felt sad about Blazkowicz’s death, although he had been their enemy. “Look on the bright side, at least you're still alive. In your heart, he will be always alive” Peter tried to cheer her up. The filly sniffed after what seemed like hours. “Okay...okay...” She replied with a weak smile, knowing she would get over it eventually. “Yeah. No matter what happens, Dinky, I stay by our side.” Peter promised. “Thank you all but…I need some time for myself.” “Sure, take as long as you need.” They all left. The filly stared at the ceiling, thinking over the events. Blazkowicz was dead. They had already lost Caroline. William had been their symbol of hope. Without him, their chances of survival were little to zero. If anyone of his friends were still alive and not hunted down already by the general. But had B.J.’s capture really been her fault? Her mind raced for an answer but couldn’t get up with one. If it was, she really hoped he forgave her. “I’m sorry, William, so very sorry…” She sobbed and cried herself to sleep. During her recovery, Peter and the others visited her regularly, making her happy. One day, Johann brought some muffins, which she enjoyed. “That was delicious!” Her stepfather smiled. “Glad to hear it. Listen, I know it’s hard to believe and I know Blazkowicz’s death is tragic but you aren’t to blame.” “Yes, Dinky, It was very unfortunate, there was nothing else you could have done,” James added to console her. “I know, it’s just hard to believe he’s gone.” The filly replied sadly with a lowered head. While she appreciated the support, deep within, she had trouble to believe she wasn’t responsible for this. He kept me safe and paid the price. Do I really deserve to live? William was such a politely man, always helping those in need, like daddy. She thought with guilt feelings. “Yes it is, he actually was a good man.” Bauer replied, having respected him. The filly quickly recovered within the next days, getting released from the hospital. James and Jonas waited outside to pick her and Johann up. “Glad to see you healthy again, Dinky. Johann, I got news for you.” James said to him. “News?” He raised an eyebrow. “Well, since area 52 got destroyed, the Oberkommando now residents on the Venus, we get redeployed here.” “Great.” He deadpanned, “What about Dinky?” “She comes with us. Sorry, but I can’t get with up with anything better.” “It’s okay, I’m pretty sure it will be interesting for me.” Dinky replied a bit excited about it. While she could live with Peter and his mother, she didn’t wanted to be separated from her stepfather for too long, plus staying together would make it easier for the princesses to find them. They said goodbye to their American friends and made their way to Topeka, the capital of the Federal State Kansas, where the Topeka Space Center, a large launch facility was located, used for personal to travel to the Venus and Moon. The aerospace craft they used looked like a flying saucer in design, being a flat disk with domed protrusions above and below its hull. As far as Johann knew, it was called “Haunebu-V”, using anti-gravity propulsion to travel through space. As it breached the atmosphere, the filly looked outside the window in awe, her eyes went wide. “This is amazing! Look at all this! Just...look at all those stars…This is incredible! I-I-I’m actually in space!” Johann had to chuckle at this. They had been in a space ship before, the Stormy, but just looking out of a window of a space ship orbiting your home was completely different than being in a moving space ship. He also enjoyed the view. The young man never understood what the Reich saw in the Venus, it was the second planet from the sun, only slightly smaller than Earth and was covered by a toxic, extremely hot and extremely dense atmosphere of mostly carbon dioxide. It made him really wonder what was so important to have a base here, there was nothing of value. Once the planet was in sight, the Haunebu-V entered the upper atmosphere and a massive floating city became visible. “Wow…” Dinky said in awe, impressed, never having seen anything like this before. Bauer was also fascinated, Back in 1960, when everything was discussed at the London Nautica, he never dreamed if seeing it with his own eyes. After the transport landed in one of the hanger bays, they got out, being led by James and Jonas to the Habitat District of the city, it looked very luxurious, red carpeting, statues of the Führer and of soldiers decorated the hallways, at one point, the filly saw a fountain with an eagle statue on it. Dinky and Johann took notice that the soldiers on Venus were wearing orange-colored suits, looking almost identical to the normal soldiers, having a small tank with coolant supply for patrols on the surface on their backs, the commanders had the same suits, wearing gas masks over their faces. The family got brought to one of the rooms, it had two beds, a small couch, a bar which also served as a kitchen and a table with a bowl of fruits, a small luxury. Reminds me of home actually, this is very close to my home. The foal thought at the sight, kinda enjoying it already. She then had to yawn from the long journey, feeling tired. “I guess you should take some rest, Dinky, it was a long journey after all.” Her stepfather suggested. The filly nodded and Bauer tucked her in, Dinky fell instantly asleep. The Erstecommander smiled at the sleeping filly. “Reminds me of my son when he fell asleep as child. Anyway, I have an important meeting with members of the Oberkommando, you will be assigned as guard.” “Okay. Shall I... change clothes?” “Yes, you need such a suit to survive on the surface, follow me.” The officer led him to a locker room, where they switched to the uniform of the Venus Soldiers, Johann didn’t use the facemask, so Dinky could recognize him. James could be easily distinguished from the other commanders due his blue cap and coat as they made their way to the transportation pods. As most Space Marines and troopers got killed by Blazkowicz when he infiltrated the Lunar Base one year ago, the Venus troops were composed of regular soldiers. In the conference room, several high ranking members had a conversation. “Until the Sonnengewehr is fully operational, we are vulnerable. There are still well equipped resistance cells out there. They are more dangerous than you may realize.” A general of the ground forces told his concern. “Dangerous to your ground troops, general, not this orbital cannon.” Another general countered. “Even with the death of Terror-Billy, the resistance stays strong. We should increase the number of slaves on the project, so the Sonnengewehr is completed as soon as possible.” “Absolutely not, General. Reinstituting slavery is illogical and entirely unnecessary. We already have a strong workforce and the money to pay them. Our priority should be keeping them loyal and content, not outsourcing them to conscript laborers. How do we intend to set an example to the world if we resort to orchestrated barbarism? I will never consent to it.” Günther said as he entered the room. “With all due respect, Erstecommander, those subhumans must be put to use for the benefit of the Reich.” The general of the ground troops protested. “But any of them could be a spy of the resistance, informing it about this orbital weapon. By using our loyal workforce, we can guarantee the safety of this project.” James replied. “Even if the slaves have spies, any attack against this weapon will be a useless gesture. The Sonnengewehr is the ultimate weapon, I suggest we use it, even Übercommander Metze has this option.” “So we destroy land and make it uninhabitable, destroying valuable resources? We will have crushed any resistance in a swift stroke once the station is operational.” The other general had doubts. The Erstecommander suggested, “The words that spring out at me there are 'Make it uninhabitable' and 'destroying valuable resources'. What we rob the resistance of we deprive ourselves of in turn. This is not how a war is won. Else we will destroy all lands around us. Leave us a single oasis in a planet-wide desert. What would be more beneficial is steady and subtle intelligence operations in areas of known resistance influence. While that takes place...We begin a program of public relations. Prevent the resistance by robbing them of the instruments they use against us. If we find out and remove whatever causes resentment between the Reich and America, we stop the resistance growing any more violent.” The high ranking man seethed. “Are you insinuating that we give the terrorists what they want?” “No, General, I am insinuating we give the people what they want or at least find out what that is exactly. We cannot hope to appeal to the Americans simply by stomping on their throats. Otherwise, the peace after Terror-Billy's death will barely last a week.” The German-American pointed out. One of the other officers spoke up, “I see your point, Erstecommander. We cannot earn their loyalty before we earn their trust. It seems logical.” “Thank you, general.” “Now, gentlemen, I will discuss this with the Führer and General Engel. Dismissed.” “Good luck.” One of the other officers muttered sarcastic as the general walked out. Once everyone left, Johann asked confused, “What was that about?” With a sigh, his superior replied, “I told you how it pains me to see America like this, especially with slavery being reintroduced, which many fought hard to get rid of it, my ancestors included. I just try to make the life of the Americans better, giving them at least some small freedom.” Bauer thought for a moment to process this. “Sounds like a good cause to me.” “Thank you.” Dinky stirred in her sleep, awaking with a yawn. That was good. She looked out of the window. Only blackness and the yellow color of the planet, but somehow, it was a wonderful sight to her. “Are those the newspapers they collected from Manhattan?” A soldier asked his comrade. “Yes, they are, already decontaminated. Wonder why they need those.” “I guess we will never know.” “Yeah. Hey, can you keep watch, I have to see the bathroom.” “Sure thing, comrade.” The filly walked outside, the door opening on its own. “Excuse me sir, have you seen my father?” She asked the soldier. “You’re Bauer’s daughter, right? He’s currently at the Oberkommando, he should be back soon.” The soldier replied friendly. For some reason, the filly got curious, pointing to the bag of newspapers. “Mind if I take a look?” “Not at all, they’re outdated anyway.” The filly read the first newspaper. Hellstorm batteries to stop German missiles Dec 12, 1948, Washington – “We will not see another Nantucket incident”, says General Leonhard Troyden of the Eastern missile defense command (EMDC) at a press meeting yesterday, “Starting in January, we will mount our new, state of the art missile defense system named ‘Hellstorm’ along the east coast to protect all major cities from the Germans long range missiles.” The experimental Hellstorm batteries work by launching massive walls of tungsten carbide bullets upon detecting incoming missiles, effectively shredding anything in their way. MIT professor Gordon Osoff recently claimed the new missile defense system would only stand a 17 percent chance to stop a V3 rocket before impact, but his calculations have been dismissed as demoralizing propaganda. “Next year, once our shields are up, we intend to bring the war back to Europe.” General Troyden stated. Well, this Hellstorm system sounds very destructive, I wonder if it had worked. The filly wondered as she read the next newspaper. War effort floundering? Ever since the White House ceased to publish causality numbers from the war in Europe, sources have been saying that the war effort is developing in a far worse direction than Washington wants to admit. When asked for verification, the government responded with a worrying silence. Reports coming out of Europe, Africa and Asia state that the enemy has an enormous technological advantage that US troops have no way to match in combat. One source in the pentagon goes as far to call the war “unwinnable,” and says the president is currently considering either doubling down or pulling out of the war. As the conflict now has the entire world in its grip the question is: Is it too late to withdraw? They really must have been desperate back then.” Dinky thought, not wanting to imagine how bad it must have been for the government and soldiers as she read the next newspaper. Reader: Bring our troops home We must end all combat operations overseas and make some kind of peace treaty with the Germans. America’s pessimism about the world war is a fact and it is acknowledged by our leaders. They should be fighting to bring back our boys to American shores. Let’s stop fantasizing about winning the war and instead look at what victory would cost us in American lives, and what it has cost us already. The war effort is not worth it. Let’s end it while we still can. Bring our troops home. Stanley Hopkins Oct 17, 1948, New York The desperation is understandable but I doubt a peace treaty had been better. The filly then took notice of a letter. Dec. 21, 1948 Dear Carolyn, Thank for you the gifts! I hadn’t even realized we were that close to Christmas. Nothing but war bonds this year. I should have known my little sister would find a way around, like she always does. The scarf you knitted from my old sweater really is cute. I wanted to give it to Lieutenant Stephens, a patient of mine who lost both legs at the battle of North River but the Captain wouldn’t let me due to a suicide attempt. The Lord may have mercy on their souls, but I can’t find in my heart to blame those wanting to end it all as I lay awake at night, listening to their tormented cries. And we don’t have any epinephrine left after two supply ships were torpedoed by the Germans. I miss you, my sweet sister. When this is all over, will see you again in the orchard by the old house? All love to you, Mom and Robert! Poor men, they didn’t deserve this… Dinky closed her eyes in sadness, trying not to cry. “What’s wrong?” The German asked. “...this letter is just...I can't think what it must have been like...so afraid...so desperate.” She replied. “I know, it’s tragic. Still, it’s in the past, we have to look forward. Between you and me, I really hoped it would never come that far. But sadly, it has, we can’t change it.” The soldier told with sympathy. “Ah, you’re awake, I hope you had a good rest.” James interrupted them. “Of course I had. I hope your conference was going well.” She replied, happy to see them. “Well, we managed to make some results. I expect some supplies from the transport hall, would you like to help?” The officer asked, causing the filly to grin. “With pleasure!” Arriving at the bean acceptance, the filly lifted a crate up with her magic, ready to carry it where it was needed. A low-pitched electronic noise came from behind, making Dinky freeze in fear. She slowly turned around, her eyes went wide in awe. Before her stood a robotic unicorn stallion, having a green coat, blonde mane and hazel glowing eyes, carrying a scoped Assault Rifle on his back, staring at her with a cold glare. “She’s a resident.” James said. “Affirmative.” The stallion replied with a German robotic voice and went on patrol. “W-wh-what?” The filly asked confused, looking after the robot. “Oh…that. Well, you see Dinky, back when General Strasse had you, he created this prototype inspired by your race. Due to his death, it couldn’t be finished, so other scientists finished this one after his death. There is also another model, it’s supposed to be delivered tomorrow.” the officer explained, hating it to bring back bad memories of her. “I…see.” She replied in confusion. Despite this, the rest of the day went smoothly, the filly helped to carry anything to where it was needed, wanting to help in any way she could. In the evening after dinner, she wrote a postcard to Peter. Dear Peter, While I’m not allowed to tell where I and Johann are, I can assure you we are doing well. I really wish you could be there, the view is beautiful. A recovery team managed to recover some old newspapers and letters from Manhattan, they really show how desperate it was for the Allied forces back then. I apologize if this wakes bad memories. The view into space reminds me also of my family and friends, I miss them and hope they aren’t too worried about me. I also hope you and your mother are doing well. Faithfully yours, Dinky Before she went to bed, Jonas took her measurements down. “Why do you need her measurements?” Johann asked. “To make an Atmospheric Suit for her, just in case she should strand on the surface, better safe than sorry.” “Good point. Goodnight, Dinky.” He smiled at her. “Night, daddy.” The filly replied with a smile and fell asleep. Still, she wondered what this other model of robot could be.