Chapter Text
[Germania - Berun]
One of the advantages of being locked out of halls of power was an abundance of free time. Not that Tanya was completely denied her authority but was certainly lacking the ability to pass legislation or even effectively negotiate to advance her agenda. Hence her decision to bolster her power outside of Berun.
Visha was helping her her pack knowing that the former Colonel's fashion sense tended toward uniforms, a complete lack of makeup, and underwear that could best be described as 'functional'. She was well-used to this task and was glad that the choices were so much wider than in the past. Fortunately, her experience served her well!
“Will you be gone long?” Her hands worked while she talked and made careful additions and deletions without fanfare.
Tanya shrugged and she continued to select books to take on the trip. “It depends. I intend to travel until I'm needed back in Berun. For now, there's little reason for me to be here.”
“That seems unusual for the President, don't you think?”
“Ah, you've been out of the loop on the political situation!” She filled Visha in on the maneuverings in the Bundesrat. “They have me boxed in. I know it. They know it. Which is why my travel plans are taking me abroad. With enough influence, in enough places, they will be forced to do what I want.”
Visha giggled. “Employing foreign mercenaries to tackle a domestic uprising? A dangerous stratagem!”
She looked at her former adjutant with mild surprise and... pride? She was well worth all the investment in her growth! But this proud feeling is unreasonable since it was all based on her own efforts even if I provided the opportunity. “You weren't wasting your time in officers' school, I see!”
“It would hardly do for the right hand of the Devil to be less than excellent, right?” She closed one valise and started on the second one.
Normally, Tanya would be annoyed by that nickname but she didn't mind it from Visha only. “The Devil's standards are quite high, it's true.”
“Is that the fact? I heard the Devil will take about anyone?”
“A foolish canard! I'm much more selective than B... that old guy with the beard.” Eager to change to the subject, she asked, “Anything else interesting from your time there? I know your schooling happened later than mine and the Empire is always updating the curriculum.”
She used to be so faithful when she was young but the War changed us all, in so many ways. Maybe she'll change back now that we have peace? At least enough so she can get married in the church! “There were differences, indeed! And I know they would be after you attended because they were added because of you.”
“Oh? I don't recall my actions modifying the curricula.” What could I have done that would require them to change what they teach?
“Well, not so much an action but apparently it was on your recommendation that we include some Oriental philosophers and military leaders currently. I particularly enjoyed Das Buch der fünf Ringe once we started using it. At first I was confused about all the sword fighting and thought it might be mostly useful for fighting or strategists but then I realized why you included it!”
“You did?” What is she thinking... that's EXACTLY why I included it!
Visha smiled and nodded sagely. “You realized that the advice in the book was much more than just in warfare. It's a manual on how to manage your life and relationships! 'The Way is in training' tells us to keep our skills up to date. 'Tai No Sen' where you pretend to be weak to encourage your enemy to reveal a weakness. OR to trick a competitor into overextending when opening a new market but swooping in with a better product!”
I'm amazed... She's truly a great human resource! The idea of using this book for business is a late 20th century idea. She's literally half a century ahead of the times! “I see you have understood it thoroughly... good job! It's a guide to life, not just war.”
“Oh, it's been so useful. TvD will be a world-spanning enterprise before we're done!” She ticked off her fingers, “We have most of our immediate neighbors in significant contracts including rail penetration across most of Europa. The Unified States is already a major partner and that gives us inroads into Canadia and Mexica once our rail system girds that continent. Eastern Europa, Qin, and Akitsushima are on your planned list but long term, of course.”
Have they read all my notes?! Well, being ambitious isn't a terrible thing even if this is faster than expected. Besides, all of this will take years so we can always course correct if need be. “Anything major I should know about not in the regular reports?”
Visha tilted her head slightly in thought. “Nothing out of the ordinary.”
Several miles away, a bundle of letters from a woman (theoretically on her honeymoon), were delivered to the TvD main office and waited patiently to be read the following day.
* * *
[Europa – Francois – Le Train De Tanya]
Tanya's train rolled smoothly from Berun, through Germania, and into Francois. As one of the main tracks in Europa, it was kept in immaculate shape and was subject to continual upgrades as technology improved.
Before taking another sip of her breakfast coffee, she examined the surface of the liquid. Barely a ripple. I think we have finally gotten the tracks smooth enough to up the speed again and still stay within safe limits.
Lucie placed a small china plate with tiny chocolates and slightly less tiny pastries in front of the President. “You seem happy.”
“Do I? I suppose I am.” She popped the chocolate-filled butter cookie in her mouth and savored it before sipping her coffee. The sweet and bitter tastes fought for a moment before coming to a pleasing accommodation in her mouth.
“Well, you're smiling so I made an assumption!” They were both speaking in Anglish because Tanya insisted her maid be familiar with the language of the Commonwealth since they were going to be there for weeks if not months. Of the four maids, she was the best at that language and so was picked for this journey over the strenuous objections of the other three!
“I'm pleased, indeed. Until we move to a better motive system, electric perhaps, and develop more advanced materials, I believe we have achieved the pinnacle of rail travel with current techniques.
Oh, we'll make minor improvements but it will take a major revolution of some sort for the next quantum leap in performance.”
Lucie was intimately familiar with the changes since Le Train De Tanya was the showcase of the latest technologies. Every time the TvD labs came up with something new, this Train was the one that received the benefits first. “My goodness! So this is the finest train in the entire world?”
“Train and rail together, but yes. It might not have the the most expensive luxuries...” she picked up a silver fork from her table as an example and then stopped. “Is this... new?”
The Francois maid nodded vigorously. “Oui! I mean, yes! It's a gift from the mayor of Parisee upon your inauguration.”
Tanya thought back. Most nations didn't send official representatives because it would 'look bad' but most did send presents. A way of having your cake and eating it, too. Their voters wouldn't see them getting closer to Germania but they are keeping the channels of diplomacy open and creating goodwill. Quite clever! I'm going to have to see a list of those countries that sent these behind-the-scenes overtures. “Is it a good brand? I'm not familiar with fine dining, I'm afraid.”
Lucie looked shocked. “It is! These are a product of the Christofle company. They have produced flatware for kings and emperors; Napoleon himself ordered a set and it's on display in a museum in Parisee! If you examine the handles, you'll see that the design is inspired by your silver wings medal because it's exclusive to you and not available for sale otherwise.”
How much did this all cost?! I hope they aren't expecting a quid-pro-quo for this 'gift'. No, that wouldn't make sense... there's a reason, probably beyond just being nice. I'll have to probe carefully soon. “I hope we sent an appropriate Thank You card for this,” she said dryly.
“I translated it myself!” She looked thoughtful. “There were quite a few, actually. It took us a few weeks to get all the responses properly made and sent out. Some of those languages are rather obscure but the Ambassador decided to make sure that we would always respond in their native languages. Some of those Afrikan tongues are quite obscure to those of us in Europa!”
She took another sip. “Despite my time there, I haven't spent much time considering that continent. One more thing to add to the list after Europa... and the East... and the Americas.”
The maid giggled! “It is good that you don't have much to do!” Just then a small chime and a line of concealed lights along the ceiling flashed a gentle red color – enough to get their attention without being intrusive. “Oh, we are here! It's been awhile since you've visited Arene.”
“I really need a reason to come here.” Between assassins and rebuilding the ruins, why would I want to be in Arene, of all places? Still, it's between Berun and Parisee so I might as well stop and see how things are going.
“Scheduling must be a challenge with your position... too many things... too few days!” She barely had to shift her stance as the train drew quietly to a stop. Needless to say, not a drop of coffee was spilled. Even with how busy she is, she still checking up on this city in a foreign country. Surely, she's done enough by now, so it must hold a deep meaning for her. There must be an important reason she has a layover here... maybe she just cares so much about Arene that she wants to make it as perfect as possible? That must be it!
“We'll be going through; why not stop? Besides, I hear the mayor wants to meet me.”
“Perhaps he wants advice? The new Arene is your child, no? Certainly he might look to your for guidance now or in the future.”
She was tempted to frown but stopped the expression in time. “I hope not... he's the mayor, not me. If I'm doing his job, why do I need him at all?” Tanya stopped. “Besides, this is Francois! Why would I have a child – I mean a city – over here?!”
“Love knows no boundaries, ma Présidente!”
“I think this conversation is getting wildly off course,” she grumbled. “By the way, who is the mayor now? I know the temporary supervisor was scheduled to hand over management last month.”
From the door to the train car came a booming voice speaking French. “That sounds like an ideal entrance line!”
Tanya blinked. “Allard... what the hades are you doing here? And are you implying that you are the new mayor?”
He grinned. “It's a pleasure to see you as well, my dearest Degurechaff! And I do more than imply, I am indeed the mayor of this fine little city, much to my own surprise.” Without asking permission, he sat across from her while Lucie prepared coffee made to his preferences. In his large hand, the cup looked like a demitasse from which he took a healthy sip. “Ah, excellent as ever!”
“Talk. You never espoused any political ambitions before.”
He just raised an eyebrow at that statement.
“Hmph. Fair enough. But still this is quite unexpected.”
“I'm almost as surprised as you are. I moved to Arene because it had become a convenient point of contact with both Francois and Germania as it sits practically on the border and the mails through here are second to none. Since I was working here, other musicians I was working with naturally gathered around. Because rents are quite inexpensive here and properties can be purchased fairly cheaply, other artistic sorts started moving here in droves. Sculptors, painters, architects and similar others came as well.”
“Starving artists like cheap rent, it appears,” she said dryly.
“Some things never change, eh? At any rate, word spread and it became a center for the combined art worlds of both countries. Sometimes the only reason for going someplace is that others are already there.” He spread his hands. “I was managing the only group of any size here and creative types aren't known for their leadership skills... so, here I am!”
“If you can manage several dozens of musicians, I can see you keeping things in order here.”
He shrugged. “The city mostly runs itself. You put some good people in place to keep things going. I don't mess with them and they haven't robbed us yet.”
“My methods for dealing with those who are too free for public funds. Alas, since this isn't wartime, I can't have anyone executed as a looter.”
Allard laughed, not noticing that she was completely serious! “Be that as it may, your arrival is not unheralded nor unwanted. We were hoping that you might give a performance, if not a full concert.”
“I do have official duties.”
“And I've been handling the hundreds of songs you send to me to arrange. Have I complained? No, no I have not!” Truthfully, he didn't mind. He was delighted to collaborate on so many wonderful creations but he wasn't beyond using it as a bargaining point. “So what's a few hours, eh?”
“Nnnnn, fine. The hotel here is acceptable and we have to refuel and restock anyway.”
“Why stay in the hotel? The mayor's house has plenty of extra room.”
“A world leader I may be, but I'm also a... woman. I have to preserve my reputation, as it were.”
He blinked and then broke into uproarious laughter that was easily heard by travelers on the train station outside. “Not worried about your infamy and history but instead about romance? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!”
She made a sour face. “You can laugh, but I've been asked by no fewer than seven publications about potential marital partners.” And far more than that in private inquiries!
“I don't imagine you responded positively to any of them. I'm sure we would have heard in that case, yes?”
“Absolutely. The list isn't long. It isn't short. It doesn't exist at all, I assure you!”
“My friend...” Allard face grew solemn. “I know romance seems unimportant to a busy person such as yourself. That time stretches ahead of you without end and there will be many opportunities. But do not be fooled by that illusion, no, do not be fooled! The only way to find the right person is to start when young, to strive fearlessly. Certainly you may fail and experience heartbreak but you will have the time to heal and discover the true love that awaits you.”
“I... I'll take that under advisement.” Tanya tried to avoid looking like she was trying to escape from ambush... which is exactly what it felt like! She honestly felt she'd rather undergo surgery – without anesthesia! – than continue this conversation!
He nodded sagely. “I know a few decent men. Good enough to experience first love but perhaps not worthy of you for a long term relationship.”
“No, no thank you.”
He pursed his lips. “Or the fairer sex? It's unusual but I know people...”
“No! That's quite alright!”