RM Vol 3: For a World without Boundary – Chapter 71: Yeah, Belka is having none of that in the neighborhood.

RM Vol 3: For a World without Boundary – Chapter 71: Yeah, Belka is having none of that in the neighborhood.

Cottbus, Belkan Reich. After a long, arduous journey that seemed to stretch on and on, Thomas the Train has finally reached a safe berthing. At last, the train and its occupants can sigh with relief now that they don't have to look out the windows every three seconds. Rather than welcoming them with fanfare and news outlets all around, the Cottbus train station is cordoned off by the military. Instead of burdening the occupants with an overly noisy atmosphere, I have opted to make sure the area is quiet and peaceful. Knowing how taut their spirits must be, I do not want to spook them. To further aid in the disembarkment process, I bring along the representatives of the Slavic community in Belka alongside the family members of the Belkan soldiers aboard the train. After everything that has happened, I think they will appreciate a few friendly faces and words.

Standing on the second floor of the station building, I overlook the hustle and bustle below with a pondering look. There are many thoughts on my mind, yet I find myself pausing them when I see the doors of the train carts opening one by one. I watch as faces marred with tragedy and losses emerge one after another, their eyes gazing at the clear blue sky of Belka in disbelief. It seems that it's only now that reality has finally settled in for them. They're safe, they're in good hands now.

Without any prompting, the medics rush to secure the injured occupants. It's only when they have given the go-ahead that the Reichsguard allows the civilians to approach the clearing near the train. If they're not moving to comfort the injured Slavs and sympathetic Polanians, then they're moving to search for their loved ones in the train crew. I, for one, can already see a certain fox girl fuzzing over the Lieutenant in charge of the train. It's a small world, really. Who would have thought that the soldier I endorsed some time ago would go on to be a hero of the day? Even I was taken off guard when I learned that it was his train that got caught in this mess.

Gradually, the Slavs and Polanians are sequestered away on transports and ambulances, with the Slavic community representatives following right behind them in a car. As the casualties are processed and promptly sent to a military hospital, I see that Lieutenant Kemper is introducing his fiancee to the Rusviet VIPs who fought alongside him. I smile to myself when I see such a sight. It's ironic that future segments of Plan V2 involve a fight between Belka and Rusviet. Yet, for a period of time, our soldiers fought together side by side for a common good. Right now, we will even shake hands and smile like good friends. Truly, Time sure brings along many unforeseen surprises. I'd know for Time was my providence, after all. While this is not the biggest surprise Time has given me, and it's also not the first time I would have to modify Plan V2, it's the first time where Plan V2 will be expedited by external interferences. Already, I can see a few ways I can milk this opportunity for what it's worth. Nevertheless, it's something for the future me to handle, or at least the other clones of me. While the Prime Yuki is being put on a forced paid leave, I, her clone, have to handle the reception in Cottbus. This means that I will also have to come and greet the VIPs soon.

"Oh, joy..." I mumble under my breath before moving to meet the Rusviet General. Following behind me are the Reichsguards mama assigned to all of my clones. Coincidentally, only Prime Yuki will be guarded by Erika and her unit, which is one way to identify who is the Yuki in charge, maybe? Not sure whether that is relevant anywhere though.

When I step outside of the station building, I keep an appraising glance at the heroes of the damned. A train like Thomas has a shower area in one of the amenities carts, yet for them all to look like crap goes to say a lot about what they experienced. The Belkan crew has their Captain sporting a bandaged head, their Lieutenant being supported by his fiancee, and the Sergeant being appraised by a medic for his reopened wound. The Rusviet General is also not unscathed for he too is having his arm rebandaging. Hearing the report is one thing, seeing the wringer these people have gone through in person is another matter entirely. I respect the sacrifice they all made, Belkan or not. Not many can put their best foot down and stand against an overwhelming injustice.

Seeing me approach, the Belkan soldiers around me start saluting. I put a stop to such an act when some of them are still hurt, albeit not life-threatening. "At ease, gentlemen. For what you have done, I should be the one saluting you all instead."

True to my word, I snap a crisp salute for my brave soldiers, prompting the Reichsguards around to mimic my action. Respect is earned, and it will be paid in full for these men and women, regardless of their nationalities. For a moment, the whole clearing is silenced as we showcase our consideration. It's not until I put down my hand that the world around us seems to resume. I give a small nod of acknowledgment to the Rusviet General, who gives me his nod of silent understanding in return. I have to address my soldiers first and foremost.

We then trade a few pleasantries before I address the Rusviet VIP. "General Rokossovsky, now that you're in Belka, we will make sure to provide you with the best accommodation." I also look at Lieutenant Kemper's duo. "I will also extend my offer to the both of you. If any of you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."

The Lieutenant nods. "About that, Marshal, the General has shown interest in staying at our family ranch with his retinue. Is it possible for us to show him our hospitality?"

"That can be arranged. However, please understand that we will have to update the security around the ranch." I give them an affirmative answer, with them nodding understandingly. "For the duration of General Rokossovsky's business trip, his lodging will be at your ranch. Until we can transit you all to Berlin though, the Reich has secured a nice hotel for you all to rest. Do enjoy the state's hospitality for our heroes first, yeah?"

General Rokossovsky smiles. "That will be lovely, Marshal. Already I can't wait to try some of the cigars your nation has to offer."

I grin at the Rusviet. "You won't be disappointed, General."

The Rusviet nods before curiously asking. "I may be overstepping my bounds for this, Marshal, but when you said retribution for your men, what will it entail?"

I just look at the man, stating matter-of-factly. "War, General Rokossovsky. If you think that the current Polania deserves anything else other than that, then you're sorely mistaken."

"The Reich will not sit silent when the children of the world are harmed by such beasts." I say with finality, sealing the fate of Belka's Eastern neighbor.