Chapter 6: Peace & Tranquillity
Alpara Kolumna: A Reporter's Chronicle (Season 1)
Table of Contents
https://app.warera.io/article/6a1ef18de38672909fe48649
https://app.warera.io/article/6a2069e00a61a869c7665d03
https://app.warera.io/article/6a21e14d30b885a90105841e
https://app.warera.io/article/6a23c1e9928df3a595ffa8a7
https://app.warera.io/article/6a2561242b1454d74634bae5
https://app.warera.io/article/6a26dc346e12823c6a893e02
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https://app.warera.io/article/6a1efa59640209160f36b829
Chapter 6: Peace & Tranquillity
Months passed and, little by little, the German territories were recaptured. We had done it. Once the Italians’ supply lines through Baden-Württemberg had been cut off, the recapture was a straightforward affair. Luxembourg, too, surrendered its territories almost without a fight. Switzerland also reclaimed its territories. Since the recapture, things have quietened down within the country. The WarEraDe community has also entered a period of calm. Many have left to be with their families. I have stayed, like a few others, and am helping with the preparations in case anything happens. But at some point, I am summoned to Vice Taru’s office. I am curious to see what he wants from me.
I enter the Vice’s office. Standing next to him is a man whispering something to the Vice. He just listens and nods along. “I see, thank you!...“ After a short pause, he looks up and greets me: “Alpara! Good to see you! Listen! We need to talk.” Oh no, I’ve been dreading this day for ages. You know that feeling when someone says, ‘We need to talk’? Either they want to break up with me or I’m about to get a telling-off. I need to come up with an excuse quickly. I’ve messed up a few times at the base, you see. Once, for example, I nearly ate the head chef, or the time I accidentally leaned against a wall in the lab that leads to another dimension. A whole rescue team had to come. Taru clears his throat: “Listen, Alpara, you’re doing an excellent job here, but it’s time for you to leave the base. Germany has been recaptured, but the enemy isn’t sleeping. We need to gather our forces and discuss the next steps with our allies. My informant Odonios has managed to uncover important information regarding an upcoming event. In four months’ time, there will be a tournament involving all nations. The winner of the tournament will not only earn respect but also military equipment for the entire population. We must secure this for ourselves. That is why we need our forces, and as a result, I am placing you on compulsory leave!” I freeze. COMPULSORY LEAVE?! “But Vice Taru? Where on earth am I supposed to go?” – he replies: “To Theo Reinholzen. He’s already in the loop. From there, you can book yourself a holiday. Gambia is supposed to be lovely at the moment and isn’t so deeply embroiled in the conflicts... if you’ll excuse me now... oh yes... before I forget. You should pop round the lab again before you go.” I salute and leave the room in silence.
When I arrive at the lab, Dr Schnabeltier is already waiting for me: “Alpara! I’ve made great progress. Look at this! I’ve managed to make Rockz stand in flames without burning! And he’s trailing a wisp of flame behind him. Isn’t that wonderful?! And look there, Towelie is currently in the tank with a liquid that ensures he no longer shrinks in the washing machine...” “Dr. Schnabeltier...” comes a voice from a loudspeaker, sounding just like Towelie’s. “In here, my lighter keeps going out.” Dr Schnabeltier shakes his head as we watch the towel try to light the lighter in the liquid. “Alpara. The reason you’re here. There’s an unofficial waiting list that everyone is put on. The idea is that every member of the WarEraDe community gets a customised weapon or piece of equipment developed by me. Well, I’m currently working on a commission from KartoffelAufDuenger, but after that it’s your turn. So I’d ask you to think about what sort of weapon or equipment you’d like until after your holiday.” I nod: “I understand, Doctor. I’ll think of something. “Thanks, I think I need to go now.” I leave the lab and head towards the canteen. What kind of weapon would suit me? I’ve still got plenty of time to think about it.
On the way to the canteen, I see a few of the members who’ve stayed at the base. The canteen is usually completely packed. From behind the counter, the head chef’s voice rings out: “We’re out of pizza, my friends!” The captain of Vogtburg, standing right at the front of the queue, replies, clearly annoyed: “WHAT?! YOU’VE ONLY GIVEN OUT ONE SLICE!” – The head chef replies: “That’s right! But only because it was the last slice left over from my pizza last night. You know what that means!” All three in the queue shout at once: “NO, PLEASE DON’T!!!”
“IT’S SAUSAGE TIME!!!”
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!
“Well... at least you can count on being constantly disappointed here,” adds Hook.
I say goodbye to everyone and leave the base, heading back to a neighbourhood that’s already familiar to me,...
...the home of Theo, Hilde, Nina and Perri. When I arrive, I’m warmly welcomed by everyone. Theo invites me into the dining room, where Nina’s uncle Christian is already waiting for me. “Nina, Hilde... would you three please leave us alone?” says Theo. I have no idea what this is about. We enter the dining room and sit down at the table. Christian opens the conversation.
“Well, Mr Kolumna, I see you’ve already settled in well within our community. I hear about your diligence and how hard you’re trying to become part of the whole. More and more new people are joining. That calls for responsibility. I have respect for that.” I hear Christian’s words, but can’t quite make sense of them yet. Why is he buttering me up so much? I find it a bit sickly. He continues: “As you already know, the war in the country is over, at least for now. The people in the community are going back to their normal jobs so they can support themselves and the community in the meantime. The money doesn’t just come out of thin air. I’m already making a significant financial contribution myself. This is where you come in. I’d like to offer you a job in my company. You’ll earn good money and thereby support the community during, shall we say... ...quieter times.” Christian tells me about the company structure, what my role will be and what my final pay will be. I reckon finding a bit of normality in a job couldn’t do me any harm. I agree. “Very well, Mr Kolumna! I’ll discuss the rest personally with your line manager. I’m very grateful to you for what you’ve done for this country, and if there’s anything I can do for you, Let me know.”
Theo nudges me from the side: “Nina and I have another surprise for you.” We go into the hallway where Nina is already sitting on the stairs, waiting. When she sees us, she shouts: “Come on, Alpara! Come on! Come on!” We go up the stairs into the room where I stayed last time. I can’t believe my eyes...
“We’ve redecorated the guest room for you, Alpara. I took the liberty of bringing all your stuff from the barracks when the deputy called me. He asked me if I knew where you could stay. I told him you’ll always have a home here, and now you really do.” I... I... have my own... room... for myself? What’s this? Why? Am I crying? Theo comes over and hugs me. “It’s all right.” – Nina then asks: “Dad, why is Alpara crying? Doesn’t he like it?” I wipe the tears from my face and reply: “Quite the opposite, Nina. There’s nowhere I’d rather live than with you all. I’m so grateful to you.”
I rummage through the cupboards and ask Theo: “I can’t find my notes, Theo. Where are they?” – “A lot of it’s still packed away in boxes in the garage. I haven’t had time to unpack everything. Let’s have a look.” Together we head towards the garage. There I find a box and my notes. Something else immediately catches my eye...
“Theo, what’s that?” – “That? That’s Nina’s mum’s scooter. It’s just sitting here gathering dust. I can’t bring myself to sell it.” – “Can I have a look at it?”
As we take the tarpaulin off, something eases in my chest. It feels as though I’ve found something I never lost. What a beautiful scooter this is!
“What a great scooter, Theo. And it’s still in really good condition. I see you’ve even got a matching sidecar?” – “Yes, that’s right.” – “We should go for a spin. Let’s take Nina with us!” – “I think Nina would be sad if we went for a spin on the scooter around here. That’s what we used to do as a family.” – “Hmm… would another area be alright?” – “I suppose so… what do you have in mind?” – “Come on, Theo.” Together we head back towards the dining room.
Christian was just about to leave, but I managed to catch him. “Hey Christian, didn’t you offer me a moment ago that I could make a wish?” – “Of course, Mr. Kolumna, I’ll do everything in my power.” – “Well… would you lend us one of your jets?” - “Excuse me?!” say Christian and Theo, both staring at me with wide eyes. “We’d like to go on holiday.” Christian laughs: “Well, if that’s the case! Of course I’d love to welcome you back to your new job, fully rested after your holiday. Pack your bags straight away. Where are you planning to go, anyway?”
...I’ve got something in mind...
And so we set off for the airport. Theo, Nina and I... Hilde didn’t want to come along because she wants to look after Perri and travelling takes too much out of her (before anyone starts giving me a hard time about this).
On the plane, Theo asks: “Hey Alpara, tell me. How did you come up with Gambia?” – “Well, the Vice President recommended it to me. He mentioned in conversation that many people from the WarEraDe community are welcome there. Apparently, many from our country apply for citizenship there because it’s simply very appealing in a rural setting. Of course, the WarEra community has local contacts and is well-connected. That’s why it’s safe for us there. President Jakob_Fugger tries to recruit people with catchphrases like:
‘Progress begins on our coast,’
‘While others talk, Gambia is building the future,’
‘Your talent deserves more than stagnation,’
‘Leave the past behind!’”
– “And does it work?” – “Apparently. There seem to be quite a few interested parties... hmm.” I look out of the window and see the blossoming African landscape below me. “I think we’re about to land,” Nina calls out excitedly. From here on, we’re enjoying a wonderful holiday... but pictures say more than words...
The days fly by. I had so much fun in The Gambia with Theo and Nina. The trips and adventures made me feel lighter and more human than I have in a long time. It’s a small step forward on the path to finding myself. The words Gernhard hurled at me no longer mean anything to me these days. This family decided to take me in, and so I became part of this family who, like me, had been battling fate... none of us is perfect, but together we are...
Thanks to the Community!
@69761c39b282f74bb0d39ceb as Vice "Taru"
@69ad8b7df3ac80ad02de9706 as "Odonios"
@69e2b4ea75d82ea9ba19623d as "Dr. Schnabeltier"
@69b0472f6dcb0df73be37f66 as "Towelie"
@69b2c2baa08441c71e40b502 as "Rockz"
@699ead0d6c7f414821c891be as "Capitan von Vogtland"
@69a6df1fd43e5d2935ed804c as "Kaiser"
@69773c2781af219a70826739 as "Hook"
@69fb024627647a98c34e0b8a as "Chef"
@69762ff48082b20fde198f7d as "Roger"
@69cac4a1efd1d4e0154a3527 as "Brobertus"
@699a0bc442ad8230adf4d41b as "Christian L."
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