Support Class
Chapter 11: Infiltration
The desert sun is burning hot. The frequent climate change lately makes Hans discomfort. That doesn't have to do any good to the animals. But when he looks at them, they don't look like than they are feeling bad. Quite the contrary. The dog sits in the passenger seat, its head stretched out of the open window. Apparently, the Doberman enjoys the airstream. Archimedes sits with the robin and the macaw on the dashboard. They are snuggled close together. The eagle had settled on the roof of the van. Hans drives fast, but he doesn't have the fear that it makes a difference to the eagle. He is sure its claws are holding it. Whatever it holds on to. Mundy would freak out if his Van would got any scratches. And he wouldn’t like it when he learns what happened to his owl. It lies on his lap. The bird doesn't move but breathes regularly. The fever has already gone down. It will completely recover.
They have been driving for a while now. The city is already miles away. For Hans it feels like an eternity when he left it. He had really hoped to be able to return to his team. But he hadn't expected that. On one side he is happy about it, but on the other he is worried. They were not attacked by Gray Mann for the first time and they always beat him. What are robots against professional mercenaries? But now the old man seems to have changed his tactics. A tactic that will help him win this time? The fact that he actually managed to kidnap Spy and Sniper (Friedrich doesn't necessarily have to be mentioned) is really worrisome. And now Hans is on his own way to Gray Mann's headquarters. Without a plan. Well, there is a plan. Find and free his support colleagues. But what does he do if he is discovered before he can reach his goal? He doesn't have his weapons with him. The location of the enemy's headquarters is no secret. Gray Mann is part of their life. Without him, it would probably be a bit boring (if there were not Merasmus and his army of darkness). But right now everything feels so wrong. First Friedrich, and then the old man, who succeeded for the first time in his life. At least he managed to separate the team. And that is not a good sign. “What am I to do…?”
“What am I to do…?” “Hmm? Hey, Archimedes. Your dad seems distracted” notes the macaw. “Yes, I think he does not know how to deal with the new situation. He certainly thinks he has to face it all by himself.” “But we are here, too.” “He will not allow us to go in with him. After all, we are just birds. He does not want something to happen to us.” “Pah! Only birds. We drove with the van for a whole night. Without human!” “Do not be angry with him, Aberdeen. Papa do not mean it. Of course we will help him. Even if that will worry him. And I hate to worry my Papa...” Robin cuddles closer to the dove. “That will pass. We get them out there, defeat the evil robots and live happily ever after.” “Whether Papa and I are allowed to move back to base is another story.” “But you have to! After all, it is Medic who heroically opposes evil!” “I do not think that's a reason for the administrator to give him a second chance. Her decision is certain and she will stick to it. But that's fine. I was allowed to see you again. And for that I am very grateful.” The robin beeps happily.
“Ssss…” “Hey, slow worm. Crawl out of your hiding place and stick your head out the window. The wind is beautiful!” the squirrel calls. “I am not a ssslowworm, but a tree sssnake. And why ssshould I ssstretch my head out of the window? Am I sssupposssed to let my tongue hang out of my mouth like sssome kind of cur?” Dante makes a low growl. “No offenssse” reassures the reptile. “The squirrel is right, lad. Come out. Medic will not be afraid of you. He's a mercenary, after all, and slightly crazy on top of that.” Aberdeen notices Archimedes' reproachful look. “Y-ya know how I mean that.” “Actually, you're right. What do you think, dove?” “He will be surprised at most, but he will accept you. He has accepted Dante and the tree climber, too. Why should it be different with you?” Did he even notice the squirrel yet? “Becaussse I have neither feathersss nor a fur.” “Now come out there!” The snake hesitates. But the more she thinks about it, the more plausible the words of the others become. Medic is a mercenary. Although a former. He and all the others should really be the last ones to be afraid of a snake. After all, Spy is not afraid of her either. On the contrary. He even loves her. “All right, then.” Carefully, she wriggles out between the seats and curls up in the passenger seat next to Dante. In fact, this position is much more pleasant. She is safe. “Ah…? Wwaaaahhhhh! A snake!” “I knew it. Ssss…” With a surprisingly large force (presumably triggered by the panic), Medic grabs the snake and throws it with a tremendous force through the window of the moving van. “SSSSSSSSHHHH!” The animals are shocked. The squirrel, however, feels well entertained. “Ahahaha! Ahahahaha!! Did you see that? Just thrown out the window! Hahahahaha!!” The rodent is double up with laughter. “Oh dear…” “Adelar!” Dante barks. “Snake overboard! Get her back!” “Jarrrhh… This reptile means nothing but trouble” growls the white-headed eagle. But no soldier is left behind. With or without limbs. With or without feathers. With or without a beak. With or without... “Adelar! Get moving!” Scared up by the barking of the Dobermann, the bird of prey spreads its wings and lunges from the roof of the van. His keen eyes discover the reptile between dry desert grass as it writhes in pain. But Compatriot cannot take that into account. If he does not hurry, they could not catch up with the van. “Hold on!” “Be careful!” Compatriot grabs the snake with his big gripping feet and lifts she up in the air. As fast as he can, the eagle flies back. The van has not gotten faster, but not slower either. Compatriot's goal is the driver's window. With a targeted burst flight the big bird wants to fly through the this open window into the van. With all the strength that the eagle can muster, it bumps itself up in the air. In panic the snake writhes in its claws. “Not that high! NOT THAT HIGH!!” “Shut up, Big Maggot! And stop moving! Your scales tickle my feet!” “Are you ssseriousss?! Jussst don't drop me, you ssstupid poultry!” “I won't let you fall.” “Sss…?” “I will let us fall.” “What…?!” “A~ttaaaaack!” From ten meters high, the eagle plunges into the deep. “SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!” Compatriot is like a rocket that will sink a German submarine at any moment. The good old times… “Veer! Veer!!” Of course, Medic had noticed the eagle and his unpleasant souvenir and winded the window up within seconds. It doesn’t matter if the eagle sees it or not, but it keeps stubbornly aim for the van... and dashed against the glass like a bug. The animals inside the van stare wide-eyed at the eagle and the snake which are pressed flat against the outside of the van and finally detached from the airstream. Medic had been leaning away of the window the whole time. Now that the eagle and serpent are no longer visible, he gradually relaxes. The squirrel had made itself comfortable on the dog's head and is laughing even louder than before. With a skilful head movement, Dante throws the rodent in the air and catches it up with its muzzle, locking it in to silence it. But now it starts to protest loudly. The stick out tail whirls wildly back and forth. All eyes are on the dove. “My Papa is not afraid of snakes!” Archimedes tries to defend Medic. “He was just...surprised.” “We cannot leave these two here! Tell Medic to stop the van!” “I don't know if I can do that. He probably thinks it's a venomous desert snake that sneaked into the van. If she had not always hidden in front of everyone, my Papa would not react that way.” “If we have it all over, it will change. But now we have to come up with something, lads.” Dante drops the squirrel out of her mouth. The little animal falls over the passenger seat and stays on his stomach. It is slobbery from top to bottom. “Ewww! Dogs spit! That is so disgusting! Besides, you have a bad breath, you stupid cur!” But everyone ignores the squirrel. “I could jump out the window and get them.” “No! Robin flutters from the dashboard onto Dante's muzzle. An anxious face on its face. "Please do not do that! At this speed, you could hurt yourself!” “You worry about me?” “Of course! We are friends” beeps the little robin. Dante is touched by the words of the little birdie. She extends her tongue to kiss the little bird, but it sticks to her tongue. It flutters in panic with its tiny wings until it can finally free itself. Scared Robin stares at Dante. “W-were you going to eat me?” “Of course not. I wanted to give you a kiss.” “A…kiss?” “You know that dogs lick humans?” “Yes… I guess so.” “Well, they kiss them. In this way we show our affection. We cannot pucker our lips.” “But you can smile?” “I don't know if you can call it that…” “Please try it once! I have never seen a dog smile!” The fear from Robin has given way to excitement. He flies back to the others on the dashboard for a better look on Dante's face. The Dobermann hesitates. But then she raises her flews and her big, sharp teeth appear. “Oh… my… god… That’s freakin’ creepy!” The birds say nothing at first. They are too startled at this sight. Dante lowers her flews and asks playfully: “And? Don’t I have a nice smile?” “Are you kiddin' me?" the rodent exclaims. "That was a veritable hell grimace!” “What the…? A squirrel?” Robin flies back onto Dante's muzzle and touches her nose with his tip of bill. “?” “This way birds kiss.” Dante is touched. Aberdeen watches this scene very closely. Would Compatriot like it, could he see that? Wait a moment! “We have to come up with something for Compatriot, lads!” “HELP!” The cry for help comes from the squirrel. Medic had taken it by the tail and lifted it up. He stops the car, opens the driver's door and drops the rodent outside. As soon as it is sitting on the hot desert floor, it wants to jump back into the van immediately, but Medic had already closed the door again. It jumps against the car door and falls back into the dust. Then the doctor is moving off. “That can’t be true…”
“Owowowow! Hothothot!!” The squirrel jumps from one foot to the other. It does not last a second on this burning hot ground. Now it's here, dancing the dance of the death. No rescue in sight. No place to rest. So it will dance until it falls dead. “So I will die like this? Since I would have preferred to be eaten by the snake or these cur!” wails it heartbreaking. Speaking of cur... The thick saliva of the Dobermann begins to dry in seconds under the desert sun and the soft, fire-red fur begins to stick and takes the squirrel a little freedom of movement. “Great! Now I will die even faster! Oh Ma! Why did you throw me out of home? Now I will never see you again!” “Stop whining, rodent!” “Hah?” In desperation, the squirrel had not noticed the eagle circling above it. “Can we give you a ride?” the snake asks playfully. “Did you both bump your head on the car door too hard? Of course you'll take me with you! If you let me die here, I will haunt you in your nightmares!” “Calm down, cuddly wool. Nobody isss left behind. Jump in my mouth.” The snake opens its mouth wide. Since a lamb would have fit in it. And behind it the dark pharynx. “As if! I’m not that stupid.” “You would be ssstupid if you did not do it.” “You just want to eat me!” “Didn’t you sssay that you would rather be eaten by me than die in the desssert?” “That was just so said.” “Believe me. Only birdsss and their eggsss are on my menu.” “And why didn't you eat them yet?” “Yeah, Big Maggot. Why have not you eaten us yet?” “Becaussse firssstly you are too tall and sssecondly you all are malesss and therefore no eggsss. And even those would be too big to eat. At leassst the eggsss of Compatriot and Aberdeen…” “You can bet on it!” “And what about this robin? That's small enough.” “And thirdly, thossse ssstupid birdsss are like my family…” “Hah! And I always thought snakes were unscrupulous murderers. But you are an absolute sissy. You look weird and disgusting, but inside you're hand-tame.” “I am a female.” “What? Well then that's no wonder - Urks!” Lightning fast, the tree snake wraps its tail around the squirrel and lifts it in the air. “You better don't annoy me! I haven't eaten for two daysss and of all the animalsss here you are right at the top of my menu! Your fur will irritate my ssstomach, but that'sss what it'll be worth to me if I don't have to endure your cheeky mouth anymore!” The squirrel wants to answer, but the serpent suppresses this by strengthening its grip and suffocate the mammal. “I would like to ssstrangle you.” “I didn't know you were a constrictor.” “I am not, you hollow head!” “T-the v-v-v-an-!” The squirrel utters with all the power it can muster. “What? Ah! Compatriot! Quick! We lossse them!” “On my way! Hold tight!” “You are holding me – Sssshhh!” The eagle bumps into the air. “I think I must puke!” “Dare you! I'll let you fall!” “Shut up, maggots! I have to concentrate!” “What are you planning to do? You cannot make it through the window. At mossst againssst it. And even if we make it back into the van, Medic will kick usss out of there again.” “I will land on the roof.” “On the roof?! I don't know if you haven't already noticed, but we are here in the desert, with a cursed hot desert sun that bangs uninterruptedly on the roof of the van! If we land there, you will instantly become a grilled chicken, the snake a bratwurst and I become a steak!” The eagle starts to laugh. “Son, I was born in the desert! Heat doesn't bother me! That's why my wings are made of steel.” “I wasss alssso born in the desssert...” “Possible. But you've been hiding in the shadows all your life. So you are as soft as the rest of the others.” “Sss...” “Hold on!” “You better had do that!” “You better had do that, too!” “No one would misss you, I'd drop you now, you furry rat.” “My ghost would haunt you! Urgh!” The snake reinforces its stranglehold to silence the squirrel. After Compatriot has reached the appropriate height, he makes a nosedive. From the throat of the snake and the squirrel, a scream of horror tries to push its way out, but the wind, which strikes the snake at 100 kilometers per hour, takes its breath. And the squirrel cannot shout simply because the tree snake hardened its grip. Quickly, the van is within reach again and with strong wing beats Compatriot makes an upswing and reaches with his powerful claws for the roof rack and settles on it. “You crusssh me!” “Sorry.” The eagle lifts one of its feet and frees the snake from its grip. The reptile loses no time and winds quickly around the large bird body. “What are you doing, Big Maggot?” “I will cling to you until we reach our goal. The sssquirrel isss right. The roof of the car isss jussst too hot. I would sssuffer bad burnsss.” “Then just slough yourself.” “It'sss not that easssy!” The rodent was able to free itself from the snake's grip and climbed on Compatriot's head. “Great view!” “I’m not a lookout tower!” “Stay calm, big one. I promise you, you will barely notice me.”
“Adelar, is that you?” the Dobermann calls. “Positive! And the other two are here, too.” “Is one of you injured?” “We're fine. But it would be nice if Medic getsss a wiggle on ssso we could get down from here. I finally want to go back to the ground.” “I'm sure we'll be there soon. Hang on.” Dante turns back to Robin, Archimedes and Aberdeen. “They are fine.” “I knew Compatriot would do it! He is sometimes a twerp but you can fully build on him in such things.” “I heard that, parrot!” Compatriot shouts from above. “It's not that far anymore, right?” “We do not know that. We ourselves have never been to headquarters. But Medic sure knows where it is.” “But we are driving for quite a while now and the desert is big...” “Trust him, dog. We do that too. Besides, apart from that, he's the only one who can help now. Actually, it's perfect, the way it goes. Medic gets kicked before Gray Mann shows up, so nobody has him on-screen. Nothing and no one knows he is on a rescue mission. The element of surprise is on his side. And we are here to support him.” “Originally it was said we get Medic for supporting us.” “If he saved everyone, do you think my Papa will be back in the team?” “But of course, Archimedes!” the robin beeps confidently. “He has to. I mean, he's going to be the hero in the end. Since it is only natural to take him back. Everything else would be ungrateful.” “You probably forget something” Dante says. “First, the mercenary business is tough. Since you can't get further with nice things. Gratitude has no value. And secondly, how do you even know that your Medic will be victorious?” “I could tell you a thousand things. But the most important are, my Papa can fight, heal, he is a scientist and therefore very, very intelligent” reports the dove with pride swollen breast. “And he's crazy” adds the macaw. Archimedes gives the parrot bird a warning look. “I am s-sorry, lad, I-I just wanted to say that makes him more capable and a certain craziness is also healthy.” “…………” “Sorry…”
Medic glances over at Archimedes and the other animals. They sit together and, if Medic did not know better, talk to each other. It's like a dovecote in this van. His gaze wanders to his lap. The owl still does not move, but the breathing is regular. Hang in there, my feathered friend. I'll get Mundy out there and then he can take care of you. He knows for sure what to do. Seeing him could speed up the owl's recovery. Animals like them have a strong bond with their owners. The same goes for Archimedes and him. Hans sighs. He wonders how his other doves are doing. They will not lose their way, after all, they are the former wedding doves. But the desert is rough and full of dangers. I hope you are fine.
Team Fortress 2
“We're coming out of here because we're the mercenaries of Mann Co.” aps Friedrich Spy. The three support mercenaries have been trying for minutes to free themselves from their shackles, but all that brings nothing but maltreated skin of their wrists. The ropes are quite thick but they still cut them as well as thin ones. “I never claimed to be an escape artist. But if I 'ad my knives, that would be a trifle.” “In addition, Spook said with We come out of here not only the escape from this room, but from the building. Stage by stage, y'know? And those shackles are the first obstacle. Everything step by step, get it? We're getting out of here one way or another. So stop whining, medicine woman.” “Pah!” “Uh...yes. Thanks, Sniper” But Spy cannot stay serious for long and laughs at Mundy's words. “What’s so funny?” “Well, it's just... Pfffahahaha! You're a Bushman and you call ‘im a medicine woman. That's so fitting. Hahaha *grunt* hahaha!” “Why are ya laughing at it now? I often called BLU Medic that way.” “Yes, but now that we are so alone among us ’ere, I realize ‘ow funny it is.” “That's sexist and racist.” “Says the one who declares Russians as stupid, incompetent people who can do nothing but drink and to wreak everything and everyone.” “That’s the way it is.” “What about Heavy? You met him, Docteur. And surely you ‘ave noticed that ‘e’s not in the least like the stereotypical Russians in your imagination. In fact, ‘e looks a little stupid and his physique could actually scare you but I assure you that ‘e is very intelligent and anything but violent. But I think you know that. But you don't want to deviate from your picture of a Russian.” “That's my business.” “I think I ‘ave to repeat myself. If you stay with us in the future, we ‘ave to get along. And that will not work if you stir up ‘atred against individual races.” “I don't stir up hatred, I just despise. That's a difference. Besides, I didn't come here to make friends.” “Who would have guessed that” Mundy mouths in his nonexistent beard. “Do you now understand why we respect Hans so?” “Like will to like. I don't have to say more.” Aiméric gives up. Discussing with their new medic does not do any good. “Okay, let's concentrate on getting rid of these shackles. Of all the things that lie ahead, this is the easiest task.” “Are you starting to orate again? Why are we still not free then?” “As I said, I'm not an escape artist. But what about you, Bushman? Does a nature boy like you not learn ‘ow to do that?” “In the nature?” “Yes. For example, when you get tangled up in lianas in the Australian rainforest.” “First, I'm too professional to get tangled up in lianas. Second, even if, then I could free myself with my machete. Do I have my machete with me? No. They took all my weapons just like yours.” In fact, Sniper and Spy often tangled with one another, but at that moment, both provoke this to annoy Friedrich. He groans annoyed and suddenly starts to pull hard on his shackles. Mundy and Aiméric turn their heads to the right and left to get a better look at him. “Will that works better by force?” But Friedrich ignores Spy. Eyes fixed on the wall in front of him, he pulls and tugs at his shackles. It must be painful, but König doesn't make a face. Sniper and Spy watch him so closely that their own liberation has been forgotten. They feel much more fascination than surprise when Friedrich actually succeeds in pulling his red-maltreated wrists out of the loose loops. His hands must hurt, the sweat is on the forehead of the strict German, but he loses no time and immediately to deal with the rope around his upper body and legs. Spy have to admit that he feels a hint of envy inside him as he watches Friedrich rise from his chair and stretches. With a slightly sardonically movement, he turns to face them both. “It seems, gentlemen, you need an advanced training.” “We are mercenaries. Usually we are not abducted and tied up, but killed.” “Nevertheless, you should be prepared for all situations.” “I can't contradict you, Docteur.” Friedrich begins to untie them. First Spy, then Sniper. When Mundy's wrists are free, he rubs them and quite mockingly remarked: “You're probably an Übermensch, too, eh?” “Übermensch?” “That's how Hans always called himself.” “Oh really? That doesn't surprise me. His madness is exceeded only by his arrogance. No, I don't call myself a superman, but if it has needed be, I would have bitten off my hands just to get out of here.” “Are you alright, Docteur?” asks Aiméric, looking at his wrists. They are bleeding. “That's just a small wound. It will heal up quick.” He tears off a piece of his coat and wraps it around his wrists. “Let's focus on getting out of here.”
Mundy approaches the locked iron door and inspects it. Then he puts both hands on the cold surface and pushes, but it doesn't move a millimeter. Not even then as he exercises more power. “Heavy is never there when ya need him.” The speak of the name of the Russian gives Medic a scornful snort. “Not even this draft horse could have opened this door. I think it's connected to an electrical locking mechanism. Impossible to open it from this side.” “Ya said we should focus on getting out of here. Why, if ya know it's impossible?” “We have to think. That's obvious. I wouldn't have said that if we could just push the door open, am I right?” Mundy looks down and scratches his head. His expression changes suddenly. “Hey... where is my hat?! Where are my glasses?!” When Spy hears him say that, he also gets a shock and gropes his face. His mask. It's gone. He suddenly feels so naked and defenseless. An unpleasant feeling. “Oh my God! Spy! What a sight ya are.” Aiméric doesn’t like Sniper to respond to it but he tries not to show it. “Well, Bushman. I also ‘ave a face under my mask, you know?” “I always knew ya're two-faced.” “Not again! You two don't seem like mercenaries but kindergartners.” “We're just trying to lighten our situation a bit, mate.” “By constantly diss each other? You are both middle-aged men. Behave that way!” “If you want to stay with us, Docteur, you ‘ave to put up with it.” “We will see.”
“Hey, I remember... Gray Mann said there's something lurking behind this door that kills us when we leave this room.” “Maybe a lie so that we behave well?” “No. That's unlikely. We know each other long enough to know what the other person is capable of. Gray Mann knows we are mercenaries going through death. Come what may. Therefore, we should not be so stupid as not to take ‘is threat seriously. Despite the knowledge that we cannot break out of this room, but with the presumption that we can free ourselves from our shackles, ‘e ‘as placed the trap at the door. Just in case.” “Yes, but our data were fed into the respawn. If the trap kills us, it will bring us back to life, correct? Then we will automatically return to the base.” “That is correct, ‘err König. But the distance from our base and this ‘eadquarters is great. In other words, it could take ‘alf an eternity for us to be revived. And this time could be enough for Gray Mann to be victorious. Speak of the devil and the devil shows up! The others will already fight back. These are all professionals.” “So this trap is the only way out.” “Oui. Unless Gray Mann manages to destroy the respawn machine before our escape. Then we should not be killed.” “You think?” “Hey! I have an idea” Mundy exclaims excitedly. “We can get out of here without having to go through this door.” Friedrich and Aiméric look at each other. Both cannot imagine how that should work. But it doesn’t take long for them to understand what he means. “You're not talking about… killing each other?” “Ya got a better idea, Doc?” “We ‘ave no other choice. Gray Mann ‘ad probably not thought of that possibility.” “We only have to decide who goes and who stays.” “Goes and stays?” “Well, one of us has to kill the other two so they can go back to base. One has to stay behind. Unless he commits suicide. But the question then would be, how.” Friedrich massages his temples. “So, who of us sends the others back? Spy, ya have a strong karate chop. Ya could easily break our neck.” “Yes, I could. And believe me, I would love to do that. But I don't think you should go, Sniper.” Mundy puts his hands in the sides. As if he didn’t suspect the reason for Spy's words. “Oh? And why that?” “You're just useless against robots, Mon Chéri.” “And ya are more useful?” “Of course. It takes forever to kill a robot with a ‘ead shot. But I can disturb their circuits and immobilize them.” “Then ya're just as useless as me and I are as useful as you are.” “How do you mean that?” “I'm almost sure that Gray Mann also sent out his big robots. It's true that I cannot deytroy them with a single headshot. But if you attach your sapper to them, they will not become completely motionless. At most a little slow. That works for the little robots, yes. But I can also checkmate them with a single headshot. Ya see, you're as useless as I am and I'm as useful as you are.” Friedrich sighs. If he could, he would kill himself right away. He draws the attention of Spy and Sniper on himself. “Medic ‘as to go by all means.” “Yes. He is also the only one of us three who is always cry after for. However...” “’owever, we are not sure if we should really send you back, Docteur.” “Why?” “Well, for different reasons. You ‘aven't ‘ad any experience with Gray Mann and ‘is robots. Believe me, when you stand in front of a big robot for the first time, it can be quite overwhelming.” “I am not afraid of anything or anyone. And what are the other reasons?” “Well, you only ‘eal sporadically. You tend to go in the direction of a combat medic. And that makes you almost unusable.” “I heal when it's necessary. Where is the meaning of healing someone who is completely healthy? I can make myself useful with fighting, too.” “We are together nine classes and eight of them fighting. Six even with heavy weapons. Believe me, this team doesn’t need a battle Medic, who perforates the enemies with his syringes and bone saws.” “Other than that, these weapons are useless against the robots” Mundy adds. “Hans was indispensable because he always knew what to do and how to do.” “I'm tired of always being compared with Hans.” “Do you do that because of it? To behave differently in the fight than Hans because you just don't want to be like him?” “I AM NOT LIKE HIM. I do what I think is right. As long as nobody is seriously injured, I will fight. They can scream after me as long as they want.” Friedrich and Aiméric stand close to each other and look each other deep in the eyes. The German is two heads taller than the Frenchman. His eyes are so cold and unfeeling, but his look is definite.
Mundy suddenly starts to laugh. Aiméric and Friedrich look over at him in surprise. “What's up with you?” growls Friedrich. “Maybe we three are actually useless. We cannot even decide who goes and who stays. Maybe we cannot do more, actually” he just answered. “Are you Dumbo?” “Dumbo?” “Yes, Dumbo. The little elephant who thought ‘e could only fly with ‘is feather. You're the same now that your ‘at and glasses are not on your ‘ead and face. Are these things the only thing that makes you a mercenary?” “Are ya not too old for cartoons? All right. Then let's just puzzle it out. With rock, paper, scissors.” “I can’t believe it…” “Good idea. You cannot avoid it, Docteur.” “Hmpf!” “So. The one who lose twice, kills the others. Alright?” “That's ridiculous.” “You will not believe it, but our old medic has said that many times. However, in a different context.” “Do you ‘ave any scruples, ‘err König?” “Stop mocking me.” “Mates! Seriously. The longer we delay that, the safer we can be that we cannot get out of here alive!” Friedrich takes a deep breath. He does not like the idea of killing his own comrades, being killed by them, or committing suicide. It just feels so wrong. But that's all part of getting used to it. Some things still cause him some headaches and some things cannot be beaten by illogic. A world in which Hans did indeed fit in perfectly. And that brings Friedrich the decision, especially to stay with Mann Co.! And for that he now has to do what lies far beyond his human and logical mind. “All right. Let's get it over with.” “Excellent. Are we getting started, Bushman?” “With the greatest pleasure, Spook.” “On three. One two Three!” Mundy wins with scissors against paper. “That was foreseeable.” “Just don't be vain. This game is mainly based on luck and not skill.” “You're just a bad loser. Medic, ya ready?” “I have no other choice, do I?” “On three.” “Yes, I know.” Friedrich fills the whole room with his bad mood. “One, two, three!” And again Sniper wins. This time with stone against scissors. “I'll definitely go.” Sniper sits back in his chair, arms crossed, and looks expectantly at Spy and Medic. “And who comes with me?” “That is not a privilege. Let's just start.” “One, two, three.” Friedrich wins with paper against stone. “Merde…” “I'll think of you when I give the robots a bullet through their head. Now be so good and send me and the Doc back.” “When you're done, don’t forget to get me out of ‘ere.” “No one is left behind” assures König. “All right. Who wants first?” Suddenly there is a loud crash behind the steel door. The three jerk together as something heavy thunders against the door. “What the hell is going on?” “Are they coming to kill us?” “I don’t think so.” It seems like an eternity, until the noise finally subsides and silence dominates again. The three mercenaries are not moving and waiting for further outside activities. “Scheiße…!” Spy and Sniper are listening. They know that voice. And even for Friedrich, this voice is not unknown. “Gott, nein.” And then the door begins to open with the familiar squeaking and etching.
Team Fortress 2
Despite the strong tension in himself, Hans feels knocked up and the desert sun is becoming increasingly unbearable. Some time ago his eyes fell closed. Luckily Archimedes had woken him up, otherwise the van might have rolled over. Maybe a break would not be a bad idea. In the distance something starts to grow slowly out of the ground. At first, Hans does not pay attention to it, thinks it may be something of a mirage. But when he approaches this alleged glare of light and the lettering Mann Co. emblazoned in large letters and in a dominant red on the outer facade of a skyscraper-like building, he realizes that he has finally reached his goal. “I did it…” The tiredness and slackness are suddenly gone. Now he has to hide the van and find a way into it. He can simply park the car behind the building, hoping that no cameras are installed anywhere.
The front is surrounded by a wall, next to it are three small houses. As he drives closer, he discovers a railroad track, one end of which leads into one of the aforementioned houses and the other into the infinite desert. Presumably for a freight train that provides Gray Mann with weapons and tools, as well as metal. To build more robots. Where does this material come from? At the top of the building, where Gray Mann certainly has his office, spotlights throw their light beams into the sky. They are so bright they can even be seen in broad daylight. At night this has to make an impressive sight. Behind the main building, there seems to be a kind of factory connected to the skyscraper with a connecting bridge. There is a treadmill and big machines working tirelessly. The picture looks so impressive, but at the same time frightening.
Hans stops the van. He has to think for a moment. “OK. I park the van behind the building and try to find a way into it. Without being seen, of course. Then... I have to find out where Spy and Mundy are being held.” The Doberman next to him suddenly starts to bark. “Yes, and of course Friedrich. The building is huge. Where should I start looking? What is the old man is doing with them? Tortures them? What should I do? I have no weapons with me. I am trained in melee combat, but if firearms are to be expected, I will have no chance. Respawn is no longer an option for me. Just a mistake and it's over. How should I proceed?” “Coo~” “Hmm?” Archimedes pushes an object towards to him. Curious, he takes it in hand. “Hey... This is Spy's cigarette case!” Ludwig opens it. “But that does not help me much when I disguise myself as one of my former colleagues. Each of us is on Gray Mann's hit list.” “Coo~” This time, Archimedes brings his master a clock. “Yes! Archimedes! You are wonderful!” His dove jumps on his index finger and he gives her a kiss on the head. “What would I do without you?” “Coo~” “Hey, and what about us?” Aberdeen asks in a slightly offended tone. “Do you want a litte kiss from my Papa, too?” Archimedes asks playfully. “The kisses are all yours” Dante assures the former wedding dove. “Okay, that could work. I'll take the cigarette case with me anyway. Just to be on the safe side.” Hans starts the van. But he does not drive directly to the headquarters, but makes a big turn. Only at the rear of the building he moves closer. Two big cacti close together are the perfect privacy shield. But there is still a problem… Hans looks down at the owl in his lap. “What am I doing with you now? It would be irresponsible to let you in here.” Even with the windows open, the owl might get heat stroke and that would be the final death warrant. But that's not all. What if the van is discovered and thus the owl? Or poisonous animals like scorpions, spiders or snakes, like those a short while ago, could get into the car. Or vultures. They can detect injured animals for miles. “I'll have to take you with me.” Carefully, the former Medic caresses the animal with a finger over its head and back. But wait! The same is true for the other animals! Overwhelmed, Hans watches the birds and the dog - and they seem to watch him closely. The building is certainly cool. Maybe he finds a safe place in there where he can leave the animals and pick them up later. The headquarters is huge. There has to be such a place. “All right. You all come with me. But be quiet, okay?” Strange feeling to talk to a robin, a macaw and a dog…
Hans gets out and carefully takes the owl, wrapped in his coat, on his arm. The other animals leave the vehicle on his side. When the snake notices him, she nudges Compatriot with her nose. “Quick, take me in your beak!” “What? Why?” “I want to come with you. But if I wringgle after you, I will not be able to keep up with you, and if one of you isss carry me, Medic could ssspot me and throw me away. But you are an eagle. And eaglesss eat snakesss. If you hold me in your beak and I play dead, I can accompany you without danger.” “Do I look like a snake eagle?” “And not even those are real eagles but hawks” adds the squirrel. “Now you turn out even asss a sssmartasss? How do you know sssomething like that, anyway?” The rodent shrugs. “Was advised.” “Are not you afraid that I'll bite or swallow you?” “Well, I have to rely on it, that you do nothing like that. You'll probably manage that, will you? Now go!” Hans frowns in disgust as he notices the eagle and the dead snake hangs across its beak. It must have caught the reptile right away when he threw it out of the window. “You didn't waste any time, do you?” Hans sounded a bit too sardonically, but in reality he is glad that Soldier's eagle took care of the snake. And then there's this squirrel again. “And what about you? Are you the dessert? Whatever! I have to hurry up and get my former colleagues out there.” With the owl pressed protectively against his chest, Hans sneaks up to the building. He's keeping an eye out for any cameras, but he cannot spot any. “No cameras...? But the entrance is guarded with security for sure. Archimedes, fly and check that.” The dove does not waste time and makes its way to the front of the building. She wheels ten meters above the ground and looks around. The entrance consists of a canopy and two sliding glass doors. Through a gap in the 5-meter-high wall to get there, but first, a fence must be overcome. A guardhouse is located between the gap of the wall and the fence. From there, certainly is a wicket gate. If her owner has left that behind, he can approach the main entrance without any danger. Archimedes reduces her altitude and takes a look in the entrance area. He seems to be empty. However, two cameras hang over the main entrance. They don't move, seem deactivated. First step: Get Papa over the fence. Archimedes flies back and reports Hans what she saw. “I see. You did well, Archimedes. At home you get a big pile of oats as a reward. Well... whatever our next home will be.” “Coo~” “We can think about that later. I think I'll try the clock.” Hans takes it out of his pants pocket and examines it. A big button and six little ones. The screen above is empty. What does that mean?
“Archimedesss, he hasss to presss the left button of the top row and the middle button of the bottom row. And then the big one.” Hans flinchs when he hears a hiss. The eagle is sitting on the dog's back. The snake in its beak is still lifeless. To make sure it's really dead, he pokes it briefly. The reptile swings lifelessly back and forth. Must be my imagination. Probably the sun. “Don't you want to eat it finally?” The eagle sets his head aside. “Coo~” “Hm? What's going on, Archimedes?” “Coo~” “Oh…?” Hans presses the upper left and middle lower button. After that the big one. “Oh my god, it worked! I am invisible! Strange feeling... As if I sink into the ground at any moment... Fascinating!” Despite the invisibility, Hans is able to see the clock. A timer has appeared on the small screen. Ten seconds, which are counted down rapidly. What happens if the time is up? At zero he becomes visible again. “I see. So you cannot stay invisible for all eternity. I never noticed that at Spy. He really cleverly covered that up. But that should be enough.” Ludwig wears the watch on his wrist over and puts the cigarette case in his pants pocket (a bit difficult if you carry an owl on your arms). “Okay. Let’s go.”
The former mercenary walks around the building, always close to the wall until he reaches the fence. From the corner it is only a few meters to the wicket gate, behind which, according to Archimedes, there is a guardhouse. How should Hans get the guard to open him? Maybe he should climb over the fence? No. Above the fence is an aggressive barbed wire. Besides, that would not have gone undetected anyway. This is the headquarters, after all. Hardly anything in the world is better guarded. Maybe he was already discovered? Just because no cameras are here does not necessarily mean he remains unseen. But there is no alarm siren. And even that does not have to mean anything. The enemy might wait for Hans infiltrated and then get be surrounded by the guards. That's impossible. Not again. Ever since I had to leave the base, paranoia are constantly haunting me. But when I think about it, it's all more than justified. I am at the headquarters of Mann Co. The seat of Gray Mann. I'm in mortal danger with the knowledge, not to be restored. And on top of that, I have the responsibility for Archimedes and the animals of the others, who are just as mortal as I am. Hans looks worriedly at the owl in his arms. That's the reality. And it has me back.
He reaches the wicket gate and uses the clock once again to be able to look around unmolested. But to his surprise, he realizes that the guardhouse is empty. The entrance seems completely unguarded. But that can not be. His heart starts to beat faster. Was he perhaps correct in his assumption that he was already detected and the guard was withdrawn to set him a trap? But what should he do? Aiméric and Mundy are held in there and he is now the only one who can save them. Come what may. If he is killed anyway, at least he doesn't have to blame himself for not having tried it. “Archimedes, fly over and see if the guardhouse is occupied.” “Coo~” And again the dove flaps. Archimedes flies around the house once and looks through every window, but she cannot see anyone. It actually seems to be empty. Yes, it almost seems deserted. Because the interior looks a bit dusty. Archimedes reports that to her Papa. “Abandoned? That's strange. Can we trust that?” “Coo~” “If you say that. You did well, Archimedes. All I have to do now is figure out how to get over the fence.” With one hand he reaches for the fence and shakes it. Locked. Yes. Of course. “Verflucht…”
“Why is he not keep moving?” crows the eagle impatiently. “We have to cross the fence.” “Then why don't we just fly?” “And how do we get my Papa over there?” “It's always the same with these featherless problem makers.” Contrary to the expectation of all animals, this time Dante doesn't growls at this statement. Calm, she turns her head to her back, where the eagle is still sitting on. “Do not be so strict with us. Not everyone can be a considerable bird of prey.” When Compatriot hears this, he proudly blows up his chest. “In moments like these we need someone like you. You're the only one who can help us here, Adelar.” “She's sweet-talking to him” Aberdeen whispers to Robin. “I think they make a nice couple” Robin whispers back. “The stubby tail is the only one savvy here. Follow her's example!” “He is the only one who has no savvy” Aberdeen whispers to Robin. “Maybe Dante has a good influence on him?” Robin whispers back. “Whispering is not allowed!” “And how do ya want to get into the guardhouse, lad? It looks locked.” “Watch and learn, circus bird!” With these words the eagle flies into the air. “What are you doing?!” “You’re still in my beak?” “Did you just forget about me?” “That can happen from time to time. Normally, maggots wind.” “I am not a maggot! Why don’t you drop me before you do sssomething ssstupid?” And the eagle opens its beak wide and drops the tree snake. “SSSSSSS! CATCH ME! CATCH ME!” “Make up your mind” Compatriot falls behind and skilfully catches her with his beak. “You are a birdbrain!” “You are really brave to accompany me on my kamikaze mission.” “What?!” “If we die, we go down in history as heroes.” “You still have not told me what you plan to do!” Hans watches the eagle with a bad feeling. “Three! Two! One… GO!” Compatriot presses the wings to his body and lunges like a rocket from the sky, straight to the guardhouse. “I HATE YOU!!” In panic, the snake wraps its body around the neck of the eagle, which begins to gasp, but he doesn't let go of his route and at high speed the bird of prey breaks through one of the windows of the guardhouse. “Gott im Himmel!” slips out of Hans' mouth and grabs the fence with one hand while trying to catch a look of the eagle. “Did you see that... That was really cool!” the squirrel exclaims enthusiastically. “That was not cool at all! The two have never survived!” “Oh Adelar…” The robin starts to chirp in panic. Archimedes sits frozen on the shoulder of her owner. Her little heart beats painfully against her breast. How could this happen?
After what seemed like an eternity in a state of shock, the wicket gate begins to move and clears the way. Hans loses no time. The door of the guardhouse seems locked, but the concern for the bird of prey gives him the strength to break it open with a powerful kick. Inside, he finds the animal sitting on the control console, unhurt at first sight. He carefully places the owl on a metal table and inspects Soldier's eagle. “No bleeding wound, nothing broken?” The doctor without medical license spreads one wing, then the other. The eagle likes it although his wings are ticklish. “Thank God. You are truly a lucky guy, do you know that?” Hans examines the broken window. A few feathers hang on the remaining glass that still sits in the frame. “Incredible…” Dante and the other animals storm the guardhouse to check on Compatriot. “Are ya alright, lad?” “Don’t I look so?” “What were you thinking?” barks the Doberman. “You said that I'm the only one who can help.” “Of course! But I meant that you throw a stone or something in the window and not yourself! That's what I had in mind.” “It worked, didn’t it?” “Pah! Next time I ask the macaw for help.” “Are you kidding me? He is not even half as strong as me. I am made of steel!” “She was really worried about ya, ya know?” Aberdeen soothes. “And Aberdeen and me and Archimedes too!” Robin beeps reproachfully. “And if Sir Hootsalot were awake, he would have worried too.” “And you?” The eagle turns to the squirrel. “Me? I think that was epic! You are not such a bore as I thought.” “You see?” “No one caresss about the opinion of an infantile rodent!” The snake comes crawling out from under a cupboard next to the console. “I was wondering where you were. Are you all right?” “My body feelsss like pudding. But I think I'm unhurt.” “We both are brothers in war now.” “Ssstay away from me! Dante, may I piggyback onto you?” “Sure. It's not easy to deal with Adelar.” “The tree snake wiggles around the back left leg of the big dog. “And if Medic sees you?” “It’s fine for me! You are a suicide bird! Who would be able to handle you?” “Pfft! You are not birds, after all. So can't understand that! Am I right, Archimedes?” No answer. “Where is he?” “She” corrects Aberdeen the eagle. “Yeah. Whatever.” “Archimedes, Medic and Sir Hootsalot have continue. Let's go, lads!” The animals follow them outside. Except for the squirrel and the eagle. “The cupcake and his sugar glaze have just gone on” the eagle babbles to itself. “I think you're cool! They all have no idea. You’re a real war hero and comrade-savior. May I fly on your back?” The eagle looks at the squirrel with a stern look. “How much do you weigh?” “Less than a dog.” “Do you have fleas?” “No.” “Well, all right.” “Nice!” Quick and enthusiastic, the rodent climbs the raptor's back and flies with him to the others. They are all standing in front of the entrance to the main building. Compatriot settles on Dante's back. Hans views the cameras above the entrance. They look disabled. No movement, no red light, just nothing. There are no movements behind the glass doors either. If he did not know better, Ludwig would suspect the building is deserted. But it would be more likely to assume that the Armageddon is coming tomorrow. “!!!” Hans is startled when he realizes that he is visible again. He had not noticed. That's why he was so confident in front of the cameras... But that doesn’t matter. The cameras are off. However in the future he should be more careful. “Well? Shall we?” Almost reluctantly Hans and the animals enter the foyer. Empty. No living soul in sight. That cannot be… On the wall to his left is a counter that seems to have been unoccupied for some time. At each corner are large potted plants that are already withering. Two elevators next to each other and a staircase in the rear part of the entrance hall lead to the upper floors. A double door to his right seems to lead into a sort of assembly hall. Hans takes a look inside of it. Empty, of course. Everywhere are expensive-looking chairs and settees. He puts the owl down on one of the these settees. This place seems safe. Here he can leave the animals and go in search of spy and sniper. And the high backrest protects them from the burning sun that shines through the large windows. “Archimedes, you stay here, too.” “Coo~” “Since Saxton Hale has lost Mann Co. to Gray Mann, the HQ seems to have changed a lot. I'm pretty sure nobody will come here. You are safe here and you will not move, understood?” The animals look at him with their head on the side. “I’m counting on you, Archimedes.” “Coo~” And so Hans returns to the foyer and closes the double door behind him. The animals stay alone.
“What do you think, how long he will take?” asks Robin. “Hard to say” Aberdeen replies. “The building is huge. If he would let us help, the search would go faster.” “We will help him.” “What? Archimedes? It's out of character for you to be disobedient.” “Papa is in danger here. Something is wrong.” “The dove is right” agrees Dante. “Something is in the air. And I don't like it. So we should decide who stays with the owl and the rest should go. I think that the robin and the squirrel should stay.” “Nope! When the eagle leaves, I'll come with you!” “You were jussst a millssstone around our neck.” “And you would be more useful, you miserable creeper?” “Sssnakesss are naturally ussseful animalsss becaussse we eat dissseassse-transssmitting and annoying rodentsss!” “I've always wondered what kind of snake ya are.” “A tree sssnake. I've sssaid that a thousssand timesss!” “Alright, lad. But what exactly kind tree snake? Are ya a natter or a mamba or something?” “Uuh…” “Oh my God! You don't even know what kind of a snake you are? Ahahaha!” The squirrel doubles up with laughter. “Ssshut up! I wasss born in captive, okay?” “So you lied when you said you were born in the wilderness!” “I wasss embarrasssed.” “Ya don’t have to be embarrassed. I was born in captivity too. Never mind.” “Me too” Archimedes says. “I was not born captive, but I was captured when I was very young.” “And you, Dante?” jokes Compatriot in a serious voice. “Very funny. Now I think the robin, the squirrel and the snake should stay here.” “NO!” “Okay, no problem. Me and Robin stay here and take care of Sir Hootsalot” offers the Ara. “Is that okay with you, Robin?” “Agreed!” “Very well. Then let us go now. Dante, are you opening the door, please?” “Sure.” With ease, the Doberman stands on the hind legs and presses with her big paws the handle down. “Okay, we will try to hurry.” “Be careful!” Robin chirps anxiously. “Please, Archimedes…” “Don’t worry. We'll be back sooner than you think, and then we'll go home together.” And with that they have disappeared through the door. “………” “Don't worry, lad. Dante and Compatriot are with them. Nothing can go wrong.” “Compatriot? Are you sure?” “Well, he is a chaotic, but loyal and strong.” “You're right, Aberdeen.” The robin looks at the sleeping owl. “I envy Sir Hootsalot a little bit. When he wakes up, it's all over. I just hope he will not be in pain.” “I hardly believe that. After all, he was medicates by Medic. He is the best doctor in the world.” “But he is not a veterinarian?” “Those who can heal people without a license, don’t need a veterinary license, either.” “I guess you're right. As always. You are so clever, Aberdeen~ After all, you can also imitate the human language. That is very impressive.” “Thanks, Lad.” The macaw's chest swells with pride. “Will you teach me that? Then I can finally talk to Misha! Oh, how exciting!” “Oh uh... I think that will not be possible. Only parrots can speak human language.” “Oh…” “But to comfort ya, it's not really speaking. It's more repeating things. I pick up the words my owner says and repeat it. KA-BOOM! is my favorite word.” Robin jumps startled. “I see. It's still enviable.” “I envy ya, too.“ „What?! For what? I'm nothing special, just a robin.” “Of course ya are. Ya have such a beautiful red. I wish I had a nice red throat like ya.” “R-really?” “Of course. Red is one of my favorite colors. Especially when it shines so beautifully.” “Oh...” Robin hides his face behind one of his little wings to hide the blush in his face. “I also like this red.” Aberdeen puts a wing around the robin and presses it against his body. “I like you, little one.” “I like you, too, Aberdeen~” The two sit close together and watch over Sir Hootsalot, waiting for the others return.
“How did you actually meet Tavish?” “Haven't I told it yet? It was a funny story.”
