#tf2birds

[lykanthropa]

Support Class

Chapter 10: Who is the coward here?

When Medic wakes up in the morning, the cold had penetrated his bones. Presumably, he had been woken up by that, even though he was embedded in thick hay. But the barn has cracks and holes in its wooden walls that let in the cold air. At night it’s unbearable. He looks around for his dove. Archimedes sits on a crossbeam above him and watches over his owner. He had fluffed up and looks like a big plush ball. “Guten Morgen, Archimedes.” Hans' voice draws the attention of his dove and it flutters down to him and settles on his shoulder to rub against his cheek. “I know it's cold. You're not used to that anymore, are you?” “Coo~” “Maybe we should move to a state where it's always warm. Or are we too soft? Years of desert sun probably spoiled us too much. Or what do you mean?” “Coo~” “Hahaha.” “Are you talking with your dove again?” Hans' homeless roommate is just climbing the ladder up to their sleeping place. He hadn't noticed that he was not there at all. “Ah, Ben. Good Morning. Are you always awake so early?” “Of course. I never sleep long during the winter. The risk of freezing is far too great.” “Well, I don't want to take your hay from you.” “You are my guest. So you get the most hay. Besides, you are driving again today. Then I have everything for myself again.” A smile flash over Hans' face. “Tell me, does your dove understand you? Or is that just a matter of habituation? When you live alone, you start to talk to all kinds of things.” “Alone I was only in my childhood. And yes... I think Archimedes understands me. More or less. I definitely understand him.” “Is that so?” “Oh yes.” “How does this work?” “Well, there is no particular trick behind it. I have him for so long. The more time you spend with someone, the better ... the better you understand him...” Hans has to swallow a big lump when he realizes how homesickness spreads in him. Homesick for his family, deep in the desert. In the other world… “Then you are something like a pigeon breeder? So hobby-wise? Heard that these people should have a very intimate relationship with their animals. I wish I had a pet. Then I wouldn't feel so alone.” “Are here no stray animals here?” “In this town? Not at all. As you already know, this city is not very animal-loving. Here live smaller animals, such as birds and squirrels. Maybe cats or goldfish are kept in some houses.” “…... would you like to have a house here?” “As I said, this is my home town. No matter how cold people are here. Not for all the money in the world I would want to live somewhere else.” “I see. Where have you been by the way?” “Just outside to do a few warm up exercises. I do that every morning. Warm me up in the fresh air after a cold night. This is life. You cannot understand that, eh? I didn't mean to mention that, but you've appear very affluent on me since the first moment. But now I know that you are a doctor.” “Well, now that I'm away from my old job, I don't earn any more money and so I'm more or less destitute.” “Such a comedown can happen very quickly.” “It wasn't a comedown. It's just... My past caught up with me. I made only one mistake, and that cost me my old life.” The only mistake I made was that I ignored Friedrich's thoroughness. I should have known he made a copy of Mann Co.'s letter. I would have had to turn his whole office upside down. I maneuvered myself into this situation. It's all my fault. “You seem depressed right now. I'm sorry if I said something wrong.” “It's not your fault. Only mine. I have to rearrange my life. But that's not easy when people treat me that way.” “Don't forget that you have many fellow sufferers. Like me, for example.” “Yes, thanks… Ach, I should go now.” “Do you really want to go now? Wait for the afternoon train.” “No, I want to go now. The sooner the better. You have helped me a lot. Thank you for this.” “The nearest town is one and a half days away. So you don't have to worry about a night place. But if you want to take the morning train, we should go now.” Hans rubs the grit out of his eyes. Without water, it's a bit difficult. “If you want to wash up, use the snow outside.” “………” “Don’t worry, it’s white.” “I'm not afraid of foreign body fluids. It's just ... That just reminded me of someone.” “Coo~” “What did he say?” “Oh, Archimedes just wants to comfort me.” Hans strokes his dove's head. “I don't know what I would do without him, now that I have no one left." “Times can change.” “The same goes for you.” “My life doesn’t have to change. I’m really happy as it is now.” Hans nods. “Let's go. In ten minutes the train arrives.” “Alright. Come on, get into your cage, Archimedes.” He opens the birdcage and the dove flies in. He notices the grin on Ben's face. “I still can't believe it” he says, shaking his head and climb down the ladder. “Throw down your suitcase. I will catch it.” Ben skilful catches it, so Hans has a free hand to hold the cage and climb down the ladder. “Hmm... For having to start a new life, you really have little luggage. The suitcase is not even half as heavy as it looks.” “Heavy… Well, I'm just not a big friend of weighing tons luggage.” “I can understand that.” Hans pulls his jacket closer around the body before he divest Ben the suitcase and they step out of the barn. It's snowing again. The whole sky is gray. Just like yesterday too. It's really time for Hans to move on before Archimedes is getting sick. Hans himself already feels a little sickly. His thoughts want to digress back to his old life. He can only prevent this with great difficulty. The time heals wounds. At some point he will not think about this Team anymore. Maybe every now and then. But then these memories will be nothing more than faded, meaningless images without any meaning. Hans can hardly wait for this time. But he is afraid of dreams. The last two nights were dreamless. But eventually they will come. Them, Hans fears the most.

The streets are dead. Silence lies over the city. The only thing that can be heard are the crunching sounds that Hans and his companion make when they walk across the snow. “Beautiful, isn't it? This silence, this white and the almost invisible fog. Almost like a dream. I love the winter.” “That's why you always get up so early?” “Yes. Then it is as if the city belongs to me alone. But that's only in winter. In spring and summer people are more active. Also in the early morning. I don't feel well in these seasons.” “What about autumn?” “Hmm... autumn is a mix between winter and summer. Warm and cold. This season, I use to adjust myself. What do you like?” “Rain. I like the rain. Therefore, autumn is my favorite season.” Especially with lightning and thunder to expedite certain experiments. But that's all past now... “And then you choose a life in the desert? As far as I know, it rarely rains there.” “There are several reasons for this. Anyway, it was not a wrong decision.” “Well, in life, something changes again and again. And now it's time again to start a new section. Be glad that you get the autumn back. Unless you want to live in a desert again. There are more than enough of them in this country.” “No... no, I think a desert as a place of residence is out of the question for me no more. Well, I guess, I'm already too old for my former job anyway.” “Do you think so? Doctors can still practice their profession in old age. That is, as long as they feel fit. And you still seem to be very fit.” “Haha... Thank you. And um... would you like to be treated by a doctor who doesn't have a license to practice?” “You mean a license to heal? I'm not picky.” “Nice to hear.” “Besides, I think that these people have a certain amount of knowledge about medicine, otherwise they wouldn't decide for that kind of job. License aside.” That's how Hans met Ben. Completely optimistic. And that for a homeless man. It's almost a shame he has to leave this good man behind in this stuffy little town.

When they pass the main square, some townspeople bustle in front of a large building. “What is that?” “This is the house of the mayor.” “Standing every day so many people in front of his house?” “No, not really. Only if there is something to complain about. And I have the unfair feeling that you are the reason.” “My presence got about quickly.” “In a town like this, everything spreads faster than wildfire, which scares people here.” “Do no harm…” “What?” “This is written on the bust of Hippocrates.” “I'm sorry. But I don't understand that much.” “No problem. What I'm trying to say is that I've become a doctor to help people. Of course, you have to make a few sacrifices now and then, but that happens after all for the good of humanity and in the name of science.” Hans sighs sadly. “I miss the good old days of lobotomy. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to do it once. Which of course doesn't mean that I cannot do it anyway, hehe.” “There he is!” “Hmm?!” The cluster of people is suddenly moving toward Hans and Ben. Led by a small, fat man with a walrus moustache and a small cylinder on his bald head. Two meters from Hans, he and his followers come to a halt. Apparently they don't dare get any closer. “Hello, Mr… German?” “…my name is Hans Ludwig Freud.” Hans knows that he has to be patient with these people, but that greeting is already giving him a bad mood. “Okay, Hantz Lutwik Fruit.” “………” “My name is Benjamin Loire. I am the mayor of this small town.” “And what can I do for you?” “I really do not want to be rude, but...” The man in his mid-forties tugs nervously at his sash. “I have to ask you to leave this town.” When the mayor said that, he takes half a step backwards, while trying to look Hans in the eye self-confidently. Hans stays silent. Of course he should tell them that he is on his way to the train station, but he has just come up with a devilish idea. The people here really seem to be afraid of him. Why not take advantage of it? Hans puts down his suitcase and cage on the floor and takes a step towards the townspeople, on his face forms a malicious smile. “Why should I oblige?” It's clear to see how the mayor has to swallow a big lump. “B-because, because err…” “Because what?” Loire winces. The people behind him, too. They seem to say and do everything the mayor says and does. And if he's afraid of someone, then they are also afraid. “Heh! Why should I go? I like it here. I want to settle here.” “But you can not stay here! You are a… German.” “Hmpf! I didn't know you need qualifications for an American town to live in. And I've never seen a sign that says I'm not welcome here.” “Our town is small and is hardly noticed. We never thought that just a German would get lost here. And that you would make common cause with a German I would have thought like never!” The words of the mayor addressed to Ben are sharp. But old Ben remains unimpressed. “You don't care what I do. But as soon as I welcome a stranger, you notice me again?” “He is not just any stranger! He is a-“ “Enough! Bad enough that there doesn't seem to be any hospitality in this town. But treating someone like that from your own ranks is disgusting! I come from a place where everyone treated the other with decency and respect. Well, at least that's how it was most of the time... You don't care that someone born in this city has no home. Did you ever offer shelter to him? Do you donate food to him every now and then? Do you share your clothes with him so that he doesn't have to freeze in the winter?” The people stay silent. “I anticipated as much. I always thought that people, especially in small towns, take care of each other. After all, these are the places where everyone knows everyone. This man…” Hans puts a hand on Ben's shoulder. “He was the only one who welcomed me. He shared his food with me, although it was not much. Despite his position, he always had a smile on his face. And although he keeps telling me that he is as happy with his life as it is, I still know that he, too, has certain desires that he, as a homeless person, cannot afford.” Oh mein Gott… What am I talking about? Is that me? Or am I losing my mind? I want back home! “Be that as it may. Anyway, I'll stay here. And I'm sure we'll all get along very well, hehe.” Hans' devilish grin returns and the people move together closer intimidated. The former mercenary doesn't feel well with it. He would have liked to leave finally. But after this fuss, I cannot just go now. But whatever. Then this is just my new home. It's not that bad either. The repellent behavior of the people is very annoying, but after a few weeks they have become used to me. Maybe I should run for a post as mayor, no, as a god! Then I can shape this town and the people to my will. Muhahahahaha!! But first I need a job and a roof over my head. Hans claps his hands. “So, which house is still empty?” People stare at him with wide eyes. Wondering, Hans turns to Ben. He, too, looks at him with almost as big eyes. “What’s wrong?” “A-OK! But... If you really want to live here and win the trust of people to be voted as mayor, you should keep your diabolical laugh for yourself. Well, nevertheless, you already have my vote.” Ben knocks him friendly on the back. “Wherefrom...? Oh... I probably spoke my thoughts aloud.” “Loud and clear.” How uncomfortable. “Pah! As if a German could carry the office of a mayor! And that in America.” The little mayor suddenly becomes very courageous. “This is my town! And I will not let a megalomaniac madman take control! And you will not get a house here either!” “I have money.” “We do not want your Nazi Gold!” “My… my what?!?” Hans takes another step towards the mayor and his community. Immediately they make two steps backwards. “I said money, not gold. So much is this city not worth it anyway. Apart from that, you are the only Nazis here!” A startled murmur goes through the crowds. The people are genuinely shocked. “You are trying my patience. You should beg me on knee to stay here with you. I have medical knowledge that you can only dream of. You could learn a lot from me. I could turn this dozily town into a medical metropolis. You need to deal it. You are too cut off from the outside world. I know exactly how it is...” Hans looks deeply into the mayor's eyes. Fear and insecurity are reflected in them. And Hans realizes one thing - no matter how great the fear of him is, the hatred for Germans is even greater. Only over his dead body he would let Hans live in this city, much less give up his office. The reencounter with Friedrich was probably inevitable. But couldn't that have lasted a few more years? At least until World War II is no longer so present in the world. 23 years doesn't seem to be long enough.

An engine howls and suddenly a vehicle is driven into the main square. A van. Hans recognizes it immediately. “Sniper…?!” The van drives through the crowd. The people are running and screaming, disperse. Hans' heart beats like a steam-hammer. But not because people were almost caught by the car, but because he hopes that Mundy came here to pick him up and bring him back home. But something is wrong... Mundy drives like a beginner. Suddenly, Archimedes is cooing loudly in his cage. “What the…?” The Van comes slithering in front of Hans to a halt. It's only a few centimeters between him and the vehicle. He stares in disbelief through the windshield, where a yellow eagle-eye pair is facing him. The driver's door flies open and a black dog jumps out, runs up to Hans and grabs his coat with its teeth to pull him into the van. It's one of Friedrich's Dobermann dogs. He doesn't have a good feeling “L-let me go!” The eagle and a macaw also leave the car and grab his suitcase and Archimedes' cage. “Hey!” Hans can't oppose against the forces of the Doberman and he already stands with one leg in the Van. He hardly finds words when he sees all the animals in the driver's cab. The predator bird, the robin, a... squirrel? How did these animals drive the van? Is that even real? Can he trust his eyes? Maybe he is still sleeping? Or is he in a coma? Did the train have an accident? Is he half frozen in the snow? Anyway. Sniper will blame him in all three cases. “You have already mentioned this sniper several times.” Hans grits his teeth. Did he always thought aloud? Anyway, the others in Base never mentioned it. “Um…” Hans turns to Ben. “Sniper… is just a nickname. For the eagle.” “Is this a traveling circus?” “No… They are here to bring me back home.” “Home? Back to the desert?” “Yes.” Hans can only suppress a jubilation with difficulty. He is so happy to see these animals. From today, he will look at them with completely different eyes. The mercenaries must miss him so much that they sent their animals to bring him home! But that's what makes him suspicious. Had not Mundy said that he would come in person and pick him up? Apart from that, he would never allow animals to drive his beloved Van. So maybe they are not here because they want him back, but because something happened! It was clear that there would be trouble with Friedrich… Hans looks at Ben startled. But this time, his thoughts don't seem to have left his mouth. “You lived with animals all these years?” “May I introduce? My family.” “………”Suddenly Ben starts to laugh. “No wonder you behave like a madman. If a person lives among with animals for years, you just has to lose your common sense.” “You think I'm a madman?” Ben puts a hand on Hans' shoulder. “I do. But that's what makes you so likeable. We are not so different. I'm not at my best anymore, too. I'll miss you. But tell me... was that really serious that you wanted to stay here?” “Yes, but I have to say that I was a bit worried that they would hunt me with torches and pitchforks. You know, in Germany I was born in a little old town. They are comparable to small towns like this one. I didn't live on the street, but I was a misfit anyway. And everywhere hung torches and pitchforks on the exterior walls. You have to know, my hometown has an interesting past.” “But it was never used, right?” “It was. Once. Because I had... Oh, never mind. Anyway, people were happy to rid of me. At least I suspect that.” “But this shouldn't be an advice to leave here?” “No no. But on the contrary. If people abhor you so much, you should stay more than ever. But you don't have to do that on the street.” “Hmm?” “Where is my suitcase?” The eagle had dropped the suitcase in the footwell of the passenger seat. Hans gets it out there and opens it. “That's for you, my friend. For your generosity and hospitality.” Hans fetches several thick bundles of money out and presses them into the hand of the speechless Ben. “That's $ 500,000. I know people like you think nothing of that, but I'd like you to accept it. Because that's my way to say thank you.” “………” Ben stares spellbound at the money in his hands. With a big smile, Hans slaps on his shoulder. “Buy a nice house and a pet. Decent clothes and shaving kit. And then run for mayor.” “W-what…?” “Yes, I relinquish this office to you. Me as mayor? Ha! I am glad that this is spared me. But you're a good guy. You could make something out of this town. You know, hospitable. Maybe you'll get tourists or something like that. I'll come visit you in a few years. Then I want to see something, alright? If not, I will demand my money back, understood?” “Err… wow. I… I just don’t know what to say.” “You don’t have to say anything. Just let action speak.” The Dobermann pulls on Hans’ jacket. “I have to leave now.” He climbs in the van to the animals, closes the door and leans slightly out of the open window. “Take care, my friend.” “So you return to the place where skin color and origin don't matter? How are these things play a role when it’s about animals?” “Haha! Well, animals are easier to handle than humans. Anyway. That's where I belong. For me as a German the outerworld is no place. Not yet.” “Good luck out there.” “I have to wish you good luck.” Suddenly the Van jumps forward when the Dobermann throws itself on the gas pedal and the small town rushes past Hans. He presses deep into the driver's seat. His eyes move from one animal to another. The dog operates the gas and the eagle the steering wheel. “What is going on here?” Hans feels like a kidnap victim... He looks to the side. The robin sits on Archimedes' cage and cheeps loudly. Archimedes looks at Hans with his black button eyes, asks him to open the cage door. He does it. The dove immediately jumps out and cuddles up to the robin. The macaw jumps towards them and greets Archimedes with a light touch of his beak to his dove's and they begin to chatter. Almost as if they were talking. “…………”

“There they are! There they are!” Robin shouts excitedly and points with his small wing to a small crowd on a large square. “Archimedes and Medic!” Dante accelerates the Van and Compatriot steers it directly into the crowd. “Do you want to run someone over, you crazy bird?” “They'll get out of the way if they want to live on” the bald eagle answers relaxed. The people jump screaming out of the way and run away in panic. Dante jumps on the brakes to prevent worse. Only a few inches, they come to a stand in front of Medic. “See? All went well.” “Stupid poultry…” “Let’s get them!” Compatriot and Dante leave the Van. Aberdeen notes that the snake has disappeared. “Hey, where are you, snake?” “I’m here.” The snake looks out from under the driver's seat. “What are you doing down there?” “I'm hiding.” “Why?” “I had already told you once that people, at the sssight of mine, ssstarting to kick, to beat or jussst run away ssscreaming.” “Yes, but not Medic. You've been hiding in vain all these years for nothing, lad. Our Mercs don't even fear death. So how should they be afraid of you?” “Maybe you are right. But for now I will ssstay down here.” “Whatever you say.” Compatriot carries the cage of Archimedes in the Van, after he had already stowed the suitcase in the footwell of the passenger seat. He drops the cage on the passenger seat. “Archimedes!” Robin squeezes his little head between the thin cage bars. “Robin, you’re here, too!” “Da! I thought I will never see you again. Sorry that I did not say goodbye to you. I was so desperate... You are my best friend.” “It’s okay, little friend.” “Are you going to stay with me forever now?” “I don’t know… Why are you here at all? Did something happen or did you just miss us?” “Yes! Something terrible has happened!” “I will tell her!” “…her?” Robin lays his head on the side. At the same moment, Dante tugs Medic into the Van. He closes the door and the animals hope he starts right now. But they wait in vain. Hans talks to an older, dirty man. “Who are those old geezers?” asks the squirrel. Only then does Archimedes notice the new member. “The handsome man is my owner and the other was our host. And you are?” “I'm your new teammate. I'm faster than the wind, smarter than any creature in the world and more beautiful than a snow-white wedding dove on a bouquet of red roses.” “...which one of you left the window open?” “I didn't sneak in! The feathered knuckleheads here have to make amend something! After all, they almost ran me over and even wanted to eat me!” “Who wanted to eat you? Compatriot or the dog?” “The snake!” “Snake?” At the same moment, the reptile stretches its head out of its hiding place. “Nice to sssee you, Archimedesss.” “You are here, too?” “Isss that a problem?” “Not at all. I’m glad to see you.” “Thank you very much. Sss….” “What amazes me is that this dog is with you.” “Dante is very nice. She came with us to help us.” “What happened?” “We don't have time for that now, Maggot! Stubby tail, step on the gas! The two don't even stop talking!” The Dobermann operates the gas and Compatriot swings back onto the steering wheel and with a loud squeak the Van races off. The Medic is pushed into the seat. He looks quite confused and skeptical as he watches Compatriot and the Dobermann driving. Archimedes feels sorry for him. She would like to tell him what's going on. But even she has no information yet. He looks in her direction as Robin begins to cheep. He had sat down on the cage to ask Hans to open the cage door. Archimedes helps with her gaze and he understands. He opens the door and Archimedes settles next to Robin, whereupon he immediately cuddles up to her. She raises her wing and puts it gently on the robin. Aberdeen sits down next to the cage and he and Archimedes greet each other with a touch of their beaks. “Good to have you back, lad.” “You look as good as always, Aberdeen.” “I like to return the compliment.”

After driving a short distance, Dante stops the Van and turns to Hans. He sits on the seat with legs apart, so that the dog has space in the footwell. You can see that he fears the Dobermann could bite him at any moment in the crotch. “Why have we stopped?” “Sir Hootsalot is injured! Medic has to help him!” “He is here, too? Where?” “Down here!” the snake hisses in alarm. Aberdeen, Archimedes, Robin and Compatriot fly into the footwell of the passenger seat and look under it. The owl lies motionless in the shadow of the seat. The healthy wing is firmly pressed against the body, while the injured wing hangs limp on the ground. “How did he come down there?” “He hasss to feel ssso badly that he hasss hid himssself away.” “But… animals with such injuries only hide themself away to… die...” the robin gasps. “What happened?” “His wing is broken. Do you think Medic can manage that?” “For sure! There's nothing my dad cannot do. Dante, right?” Archimedes turns to the Dobermann. The dog gives a good account of herself to prove the dove that she is peaceful. The last meeting of the two was not so peaceful. Dante is a little ashamed of that. “Yes.” “Do you think you could bring him out without hurting him?” “You want me to do that? Do you trust me?” “Well, everyone else seems to trust you, so you have my trust too.” “Thank you.” The big dog squash herself past Medic's leg, whereupon he squeezes his legs tight, glad, to have the Dobermann no longer between them. Dante puts her head under the seat and takes the tail feathers carefully between the teeth. Slowly she pulls out the big bird under the seat. Sir Hootsalot still doesn't move. Robin is scared. “Is…is he dead?” Now Dante takes the owl by the neck and lifts him up. Carefully, she puts him down on Medic’s lap. Petrified, he stares down at the bird. “What the…? This is Sniper's owl...” Carefully he takes the seemingly injured animal in the hands. Archimedes flutters on the knee of her owner. “Coo~ Coooo~” “What? The wing is broken? And it also has a fever? Oh no…” In the eyes of her dad blazes the hot-blooded fire of the Medic he has always been. He pushes the cage aside, takes off his coat, carefully wraps up the owl in it and places it on the passenger seat. Then he puts his hands on the steering wheel, depresses the gas pedal fully with his foot and they are racing through the city. “Where does he want to go now?” “Trust him” begs Archimedes. After a few meters they stop in front of a larger building. “Where are we?” “That’s the hospital.” Medic opens the car door, picks up the owl and gets out. “Dante, accompany him!” “Why?” “They will try to stop my Papa. You have to help him.” “Understood!” The Dobermann jumps out of the Van and follows Medic. “Why should they try to stop him?” “It's obvious! The patient is an animal, and they are not an animal hospital, Maggot!” “You always know everything better, or, lad?” “That's not it” Archimedes answers sadly. “These people here don't like my Papa. They think he is something, but what he isn't. I'm so glad we're leaving. But now explain to me what happened.” “I would like to know that too.” “Ssshut up, rodent. Thisss isss none of your businesss. When all thisss isss over, we'll cassst you adrift anyway.” The snake peeks out from under the seat and gazes with her yellow eyes at the squirrel, which has made himself comfortable on the headrest of the driver's seat. “Well, I want to see that. You will not get rid of me anymore.” “Listen, Archimedes. Sniper, Spy and the new Medic were kidnapped!”

Hans hurries towards the hospital. Out of the corner of his eye, he notices something black. He stops and looks down in wonderment. It's the Dobermann who follows him. The animal looks up to him, expecting. Hans feels uncomfortable with Friedrich's dog, but at the same time he feels as if it wants to help him. What is going on with these animals...? Despite all confusion, Hans bethinks of the essentials again. Namely, to treat this owl as soon as possible. And nothing and no one will stop him! Determined, he enters the building through the double door. The woman at the desk (Mrs. Kelly?) makes a startled face as she recognizes him. It was exactly the same scared face when she learned that Hans was actually a German. A face as if she must be terrified of him. At the beginning she was so nice...

Hans rushes past her. Somewhere in this building there must be a lab or a storeroom where he finds everything necessary to help the animal. Something to splint the broken wing and a homeopathic remedy for the fever. Maybe he even has to operate the owl. “S-stop! You just can’t…!” Kelly calls after him but Hans has already disappeared through the next double door. She doesn’t run after him but she will left no stone unturned for sure to stop him. With a quick step Hans hurries through the wide corridor, right and left doors with labels. Mundy's owl doesn't move. Hans is not sure if it's still alive... Is there a defibrillator in this wannabe hospital? What you use for a human cannot be bad for an animal. At the very end of the corridor, a sign points out to the lab. It has to be right around the next corner. “Freeze!” A doctor obstructs him. Hans recognizes him immediately. It's Mr. Burnsfield. The man who claimed that there is no place for Hans in this hospital. But he is not alone. Another man, presumably also a doctor, goes to his rescue. But that's no reason for the thoroughbred Medic to stop. And if he has to break through the two! He already holds a protective hand over the injured animal, but fortunately it doesn't have to come this far. The Dobermann sprints forward and growls and barks. Startled, Burnsfield and his colleague retreat. The dog pushes the two out of Hans' way and holds them in place. Watch out with bared teeth that they are not getting too close to Hans. It gives the impression of a wild beast. “A wrong move and my Dobermann will rip you apart. You know that a Dobermann is a German dog breed, right? And since you're such smart men, you know, of course, that everything that comes from Germany is dangerous. Therefore, you should take my warning seriously.” With a schadenfroh laugh Hans continues his way to the lab. Finally he can do his job.

The lab is behind a normal, white door. Usually such areas are strictly secured by titanium doors and a numeric code. But this door is not even locked. Once again Hans realizes how lucky he is not to have to work here. All this is below his level. Far, far below his level... I should stay fair. After all, this is a small town, cut off from civilization. These people probably knows Metropolitan crime only from books. The doors here don't have to be locked. Almost like in Rottenburg... The lab is small and lucid, but it contains everything Hans needs to handle the owl, and he sees it with just one glance. An operation on the bird would have been nice, but there isn't enough time for that, so a conservative method must be used. Hans places the owl on the counter and carefully palpates the injured wing. “Ah ja… Don’t worry, my winged friend. Soon you are as good as new.” Luckily Hans doesn't have to dig through the cupboards. Everything he needs is already at hand. The damaged bone must be returned to its proper anatomical position. Of course, since he cannot use human splints, Medic quickly grabs a wooden clipboard nearby and breaks it in half. The two halves are just the right size for the big wings of the owl. After that is done, he grabs a small bandage role and carries everything to the animal. He rolls off one meter of the bandages, puts the two wooden halves on the broken wing and fastens them with the white bandage. “So, that should hold. And now…” On the wall in the back of the laboratory hangs a small cupboard with a sliding glass window. The content - small, brown vials of various pharmaceuticals for injecting. Not even that is locked… Already through the glass window Hans discovers the vial with the inscription Metamizole. He takes it enthusiastically in the hand. “Metamizole. You can even use that with animals. Perfect! Hmm?” Shouting is heard in the corridor outside, but the Dobermann makes for loud barking and threatening growl for instant silence. I should hurry up. Hans hurries back to the bird, grabs a syringe lying loose around, fills it with the metamizole and injects it into the bird's neck. “Now we can only wait…” He picks up the owl wrapped in his jacket and leaves the lab. In the corridor are now three people who are guarded by the dog. Mrs. Kelly had arrived. Probably to check what happens here and was promptly taken hostage by the Dobermann. Just like her male colleagues. Presumably the screaming came from her, startled by the big and threatening-looking dog. All three are pressed close to each other against the wall and hardly dare to breathe. A picture that would normally make Hans burst out laughing, but the patient in his arms needs urgent rest. “Thank you for letting me use your laboratory. I found what I needed. Then I don't want to harass you any longer with my presence and that of my animals. Auf Wiedersehen~ Bei Fuß!” And indeed, the Dobermann reacts to his command and together they leave the hospital and return to the Van. Hans places the owl carefully on the passenger seat. The Dobermann finds its place in the footwell of the passenger seat. When Hans finally sits back in the car, a weight is lifted from his mind. But suddenly Archimedes lunges at him, clawing at his shirt as he beats his wings wildly. “Was ist los, Archimedes?” “Coo~! Cooo~!” “Hmm…!? What?!? Spy, Sniper and Friedrich were kidnapped? By Gray Mann? At least that's a guess?” “Coo~!” “My goodness. How could that happen? Well, that would explain this situation.” Hans looks at the animals. “Okay then! Off to Gray Mann's headquarter! Hehe! I cannot wait to see Friedrich's stupid face when I come to free him. Then he will owe me something.” He owes me my job as a mercenary of the class of the Medic and that he quickly goes back to Germany or anywhere else. But Hans knows better. Neither he, nor Friedrich can decide about it. Only the Administrator. And her words were more than clear. Whether mercenary or not. He feels responsible for his former colleagues. And he would always come to rescue them. Even if he have to travel to the end of the world for that. “Haha… Nun, that was very cheesy.” Hans notices the eyes of the animals on him. “Well. Here we go!”

Team Fortress 2

When Spy comes to himself, he feels absolutely whacked. Even before he opens his eyes, he feels that strong pain in his back, as if he had remained in one and the same position for hours. He automatically tries to push his back, but notices that he can barely move. His eyes open and a gray wall stares at him. “What the…?” slips out of his mouth and then he already feels the ropes, which are tightly wrapped around his wrists and upper body. Even at the ankles he was tied up. They are furthermore tied to the legs of the chair he was placed on. Double hedging. Somebody wanted to play it safe. And then, the memories come back. “Merde… I’m too old for this nonsense.” “Finally awake, Spook?” “What?” The voice behind him makes Spy turn his head. Like a lightning strike, the pain runs up from his back into his neck. “Damn it! Ahh…” “Rusty?” “Just shut up, Bushman! And after all, you were the first one to be overwhelmed. I kept up at least for so long that I could find out who we owe our kidnapping to.” “I would like to finally have an explanation, too!” “Our dear docteur is also awake.” Spy turns his head (carefully) in the other direction. As far as he can tell, their chairs are standing back to back. Then he starts to take a closer look at his surroundings. A small, colorless, empty room that probably has never been used. Till this day. “Hmph! Such a big headquarter, and our lounge is a shithole.” “Honhon! You are a Bushman. You should be used to that. Wait a moment. So you know where we are? Did they mention Gray Mann to you, too?” “Nah. But who else should be interested in kidnapping us?” “Pah! You seem to be awake in quite a spell. You ‘ad plenty of time to think about it. Because you're not quick-witted.” “Oh, make yourself invisible, Spook.” “Unfortunately, I lost my watch.” “Could someone finally explain to me what's going on here? We are tied up here, not knowing what is going to happen to us, and you have nothing better to do than to dis each other! What is wrong with you?” “Oh, right. You didn't ‘ad the pleasure with Gray Mann yet.” “Who is that?” “A phenomenon that does itself the ‘onor every now and then.” “So that has happened often?” “Well, he attacked us once or twice. But that he kidnaps one of us is new. That means the wanker is planning something new. Maybe he even kidnapped the whole team.” “I don't think so. There were three of them and one of them was a ‘ulk, but they would ‘ave a tough time with Heavy. No, no. I think, only we came into the firing line of Gray Mann. The support team.” “Why us?” “Just as I know Gray Mann, ‘e's already paying us a visit and telling us ‘is plan. We just ‘ave to wait.” “Wait? How about we try to free ourselves?” “Docteur, sometimes it's just better to stay calm and to let the opponent make their move.” “Apart from this, you're really the last person who should complain, Doc. After all, you absolutely wanted to take over Hans' job.” “It was planned from the beginning that I work as a Medic! I am your Medic! Still, it would have been helpful for me to have taught that we have more enemies than the BLU team! There was nothing in the contract about that!” “Why should it? As Spook had so well formulated, Gray Mann is a phenomenon. Also, the Mann Co. contract is from the time before Gray Mann showed up with his robots.” “Robots? What robots?” “Yess~ Robots built after our image.” “Our dead ringer.” “…what?!” “The robots look like us. They are designed to resemble us in everything, but are ten times stronger than we are.” “Maybe you're lucky and he's rebuilding the Medic robot in your own image. That's a certain honor.” “I ‘ardly believe that. I don't think Gray Mann knows we ‘ave a new medic right now. And even if, I don't think ‘e'll make that effort. ‘e's already old and building robots is a tough job now.” “I think I am losing my mind. Whenever I come in contact with Hans, something happens. This guy is a walking jinx. How much trouble have I had with him in the past? And now that!” “Sounds almost like you want to quit this job.” “I have to defeat your hope. I will stay.” “Don't blame Hans for all your failures, Docteur. If you are 'onest, you 'ave contributed a certain amount to it.” “What do you mean?” “’e told us everything before ‘e left. ‘e told us ‘ow you caught ‘im by doing one of his experiments. You threatened to report ‘im to the university administration. You both knew that would ‘ave meant the end for ‘im. If you ‘ad left it at that, Hans wouldn’t ‘ave ‘ad to take revenge on you.” “Leave it at that? He had removed the skeleton from a living person! It was my duty to report this! Hans is crazy and a danger to humanity! I would have never forgive me for letting this man set onto patients!” “You are very responsible. But Hans, too. Okay, his methods may be a bit stubborn. But he has always kept us alive. He even got me back from the dead once.” “And now you just sit in this mess because you thought you must taking what you deserved. If you stayed at ‘ome, it wouldn’t ‘appen to you now.” “There is even a word for it. Karma.” Friedrich sighs resignedly. “Apparently I am the only normal person in this damned desert. Nobody sees what a maniac Hans is. But on the contrary. He is even being protected. That is not normal here.” “You seem to forget that you are now a mercenary. We ‘ave different rules.” “Yes…” Aimeric had heard a certain tone in Friedrich's voice. This man is easily overwhelmed. But he tries not to show it. He is still cold and distant.

Suddenly, a deafening squeak echoes through the small room. Aimeric bites his teeth tightly, his eyes tight as he tries not to let the aching sound penetrate too deep into his pinna. Now even headaches are spreading. “I already imagined that you are already awake. Damned mercenaries…” Aimeric has the door in his back, but he doesn't have to see their visitor. He immediately recognizes the old, scratchy voice. Gray Mann comes with his wheelchair driven into the room. “Now comes the part in which the villain reveals his plans?” Mundy sneers. “Pfah... As disrespectful and loudmouthed as ever. I do not think I have to explain my plans to you.” “It's always the same. You're trying to kill us to get Mann Co. We know this. What we don't understand is why you let kidnaped us.” “I have changed my plans slightly.” While Gray Mann is talking to them, he drives slowly counterclockwise around his prisoners and stops by Friedrich. With a scrutinizing look at the new Medic, he answers monotonously: “And you too, apparently. What did you do with your old medic? Do you have two now? It would be annoying to have missed one of the support team.” “That sounds like you see us as the greatest danger.” “I do. Support... What would we humans be without it? Without support, our goals were unequaled. I need my robots to support me to destroy your brood. Helena needs the support of the mercenaries to defend Mann Co. And both the offensive and the defensive needs support. In other words - you.” “So you really think that we were the reason for your previous defeats?” “Not the only reason, but the main reason. You are hard to grasp during the fighting. But that's no wonder. Because you are cowards.” Again Gray Mann circles them, slowly, with a smug smile on his wrinkled face. “Snipers. You can safely attack from a distance while crouching safely and hidden in your hiding place, far away from the battlefield.” Mundy makes a puffing sound. “Spies. With your small, sophisticated toys, you could either make yourself invisible or imitate the enemy. You're sneaking from behind to stab your opponent in the back. You do everything to win. But woe, you have to face your enemy eye to eye. Then you also like to make yourself invisible. Hehe...” “…………” “Medics…” Again, Gray Mann comes to a stop in front of Friedrich. “You heal, you revive. You stand at the front, but you don't fight. You are doing everything to keep your allies alive. But also to stay alive yourself. And for that you hide behind your healing subjects. Use them as human shields. And should your healing target die, you're just looking for a new one to use it as a shield as well. Everyone should be hit by bullets and missiles, the main thing, you will be spared. You are like parasites. So, the question is... who of you is the biggest coward?” “I hide behind someone?” Friedrich replies suddenly. “Preferably behind this Russian, right? Pah! I am not hiding. Never.” “I don't care who you are or why you now the medic in this team. But you chose a bad time to ally with Helena. Because soon you will die. You all will die.” “Do you suffer from amnesia? We can't die just like that” Mundy growls. “Ahahaha! Of course, I haven't forgotten your respawn machine. How should I? It's after all an invention of my stupid brothers. They are long dead, but still I curse them for it. With the mercenaries now having to fight without their precious support team, it will be a lot easier to get to the core of the respawn and destroy it. And with it you too.” “I think you underestimate the offensive and defensive. Just because we are no longer, doesn't mean that they will lose.” “We will see about that. We'll see... My robots are already on the way to your base with the transport tank. When it's over, I'll personally give you a bullet in the head. I hope Helena will enjoy the show as much as I will. Farewell, mercenaries. Oh, and ... don't try to escape. Outside this door a nasty surprise would await. And you are unarmed. Please don't take the fun from me of killing you personally.” And so the old man leaves the room, the door behind him closes automatically (again with a deafening squeak). “How dare he call me a coward? The job as a sniper is noble and connected with concentration and responsibility!” “I understand you. I also didn't like ‘ow he vilified my profession.” “He was right about you, Spook. Your spies are really cowardly and devious. Bloody Spoies.” “…I will remember that.” “Could we focus on getting us out of here?” Friedrich spits. “You sound irritated, Docteur.” “I am! I am reluctant let me kill idly.” “We will get out of ‘ere.” “And how can you be so sure about that?” “Because we are the mercenaries of Mann Co.”

[thejellyfinn-blog]

Surgical Dove

This is the Medic from TF2, inspired by an achievement you can get in the game, called Surgical Prep, but changed prep to dove, since that’s what medic is in the photo.  No Shit, Sherlock

The reason why Medic is a bird, btw, is because there are cosmetics in the game, and one lets medic become a dove, so there. 

One last note, I wanted to make Medic bird menacing but looks cuter than he thinks, hence the gloves and the shade near his eyes and beak.

Speedpaint: https://youtu.be/w0mbYc6kHjI

[lykanthropa]

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.”

[lykanthropa]

Support Class

Chapter 9: Love & Nuts

Olivia stands in the middle of the 15-meter-long metal bridge of the hangar and looks down over the railing at the robotic army. Accurately, they are standing down there and wait silently and motionless to be activated and sent into a new battle against the mercenaries. A fight that many of them will not be able to ride it out. As last time. They consist of nothing but metal, while the mercenaries are men of flesh and blood. And yet, Olivia is of the opinion that they are the ones who have no soul. She reluctantly recalls the memories of the last fight. That's a year ago. Her father's robots were destroyed one by one. And the mercenaries had laughed. They had laughed. It gave them great pleased to kill them. No, Olivia is sure that the mercenaries are those who have no soul. She hates them from the bottom of her heart. The dim light of the ceiling lamps makes the metal old gray and shiny. “You are so beautiful…”

“Olivia?” Graymann comes with his automated wheelchair on the metal bridge. Main building and hangar are connected with only one door. And from this he came. Beside her, he comes to a halt. Just as Olivia always does, she sits down on his lap. “Why are not you in bed? It's the middle of the night.” “They must fight again soon. I want to spend time with them as long as possible before they are again final destroyed.” “I can build them again and again, you know?” “Nevertheless, they are always the same, which must always experience the same fate. I hate the mercenaries for hurting them.” “…then you must hate me as well. After all, I send them into this fate.” Olivia eyed her old father with her big, gold-yellow eyes. “I don't hate you. I know how important it is that these mercenaries must be eliminate. And you and I cannot fight for ourselves. But somebody has to do it...” “I bought you a beautiful canary. Why don't you busy yourself with it?” “The bird is safe in its cage. So I don' have to worry about it.” “I gave you this bird, so it take your mind off things.” “………” Gray Mann sighs. He stroked Olivia's head and looked down at the robots. “Come now. It’s sleep time. The men have just contacted me. In dawn, they will be here with the support team and then the robots will be loaded into the transport tank. And you want to say goodbye to them before, don’t you?” “Yes, father…”

Olivia closes the door behind her, crosses her large, hall-like room, and enters her winter garden, where the aviary, covered by a blanket, stands. And therein is the little yellow bird. A gift from her father, so she is not so lonely. Sure, Olivia has neither siblings nor friends. But she does not need it either. The robots and her father are the only company she wants, needs and appreciates. She slams the blanket back. The canary sits on his sleeping pole, on one leg and the head turned backwards, hidden in the plumage. She still has no name for him. But do birds need a name at all? Do they feel something? Can birds build a relationship with a human being at all? Olivia has the bird just a few days. And he always shows her that he doesn't want to know about her. He never flies to her, never sits down on her finger when she holds it for him. He's avoiding her. He doesn't like her. That's okay by her. He doesn't have to love her.

She opens the cage. The clacking of the cage door and the movements startles the canary bird out of its sleep. She reaches for him. Panically he avoids her hand. A chase begins. The little bird jumps and flutters from one side to the other. He escapes again and again. But Olivia remains obstinate. Finally, she manages to grab him when he is already completely weakened. Firmly in her fist, she takes him out of the cage and looks at him. He defends himself, tries to free himself, and makes constant cheeps noises. She loosens her grip somewhat, but not too much so that the bird cannot free his wings. She looks down at him emotionlessly. “Why do you want to get away from me? Don't I give you everything you need? I give you food and water. You have a big cage. And yet you show yourself ungrateful.” The Canary had for a moment stopped fighting back when she began to speak. But now he starts anew. He opens his beak wide. “And now you're threatening me? Why are the creatures just like that? They are ungrateful, selfish and destructive. Only when you have realized this, you will realize how wonderful the dead things are. My only friends are my father's robots. Since I can remember, I always had them around me. They always took care of me. I just wish I could be there for them like they for me. But I can do nothing to keep them from their fate. They have been built to fight. I cannot fight. I am still a child. I don't know what makes my father wrong that they are destructible. Is it because he does not love them like me? Is love missing? One day I will follow Father's footsteps and then I'll be able to build them. Build them with so much love that I feel for them that they will be indestructible. Will the mercenaries be still to witness this? Will you still be?” The canary now lies completely exhausted in her fist. Olivia clearly senses the little heart, which frantically beats in that little breast. “………” She puts him back into the cage. As by a miracle the vigors come back and the canary flies into the rearmost corner of the cage, the wings spread apart. Olivia closes the cage, looks at the bird for a moment, and covers the cage again with the blanket. Now it's time to sleep.

Team Fortress 2

The little robin beeps during sleep. The tree snake observes the small featherball in the middle of her curled body. Then she turns her gaze to the owl. Sir Hootsalot sits rigidly on the dashboard, trying to keep his balance with the healthy wing. The snake knows that he has great pain. His broken wing must necessarily be fix. But what can they do...? “Hey, owl.” “…what do you want?” “Come down there and ressst a bit.” “Rest? I'm nocturnal, y'know? And it's night.” “You are hurt.” “That's none of your business, snake.” “I am not heartlesss. Even if everybody likesss to think ssso.” “The giant maggot is right, mice eater. A soldier cannot fight if he's under the weather.” “We are no soldiers but birds, you birdbrain” replied Sir Hootsalot toneless. “Ay me…” Aberdeen twists his eyes. Compatriot leaps at the owl. “Now listen to me, you night-shadow-bird! You do what I say!” The white-headed eagle reaches for the owl with his claws, with the intention of pulling him down from the dashboard on the passenger seat. “Let me go! Are you crazy?” “I call the shots! I am the King of Birds!” “The king of birdbrains is much more relevant!” While eagle and owl fight together, the steering wheel remains ownerless. And soon the van starts to swerve. “Put your claws back to the wheel!” Dante barks. But the eagle is not listening. So she takes the wheel. With paws, however, this is not so easy. She slips off again and again. The van is getting swerve even more. The feathers of the fighting birds whirl around the driver's room. The snake holds its tail end over the little Robin. “That’sss enough! Aberdeen, ssstop the vehicle!” “Y-yes! I try it! But I forgot where the brake is!” “There, where isss not the gasss pedal!” “Oh yeah!” “But ssslowly!” But too late. The macaw jumps from the gas to the brake. The vehicle makes a full braking. Compatriot and Sir Hootsalot are pressed against the windshield. The broken wing isn't leave unscathed. Dante's muzzle lands on the horn and then crashes into the footwell, landing on Aberdeen. By her weight the gas pedal is activated, the van jumps up and dashs forward. Compatriot and Sir Hootsalot are thrown back and thrown off the dashboard. They fall exactly on the snake and the robin. The tree snake reacts immediately, wraps herself completely around the small, sleeping bird and brakes the weight of the two birds with her upper body. “Brake! Brake!!” Suddenly the van makes a gigantic jerk. The animals are shaken when they seem to have been driving over something hard. Aberdeen was able to get free himself under the dog and jumped on the brake. At the same time, the Dobermann dog pressed a paw onto the brake pedal. Aberdeen is clamped between pedal and paw. A squeal escapes his throat. Again the van makes a jerk and finally stops.

None of the animals is moving. It almost seems the time has stopped. The snake notices Sir Hootsalot, as he lies motionless beside her. He moaned softly in pain. “Owl! Are you alright?” “…yes…” The Dobermann dog jumps back on the driver's seat. He growled furiously at the eagle, who is caught between the driver's and the passenger's seat. “You stupid bird! Did you want to kill us all?” “It's not my fault you dogs cannot drive.” “Excuse me?” Dante bares her teeth. “Stop it! Don’t you realize that we are always in trouble because of these constant arguments?” All eyes are directed to the macaw. Rarely have they been able to experience him so angered. Usually the parrot bird is peaceful and very patient. “Aberdeen isss right. You have to pull yourssself together.” “Why you? Didn’t you mean we?” “No, I have behave completely correct ssso far.” A slight movement in the snake's body tells her that the robin is awake. She unrolls her body. Robin looks at her with sleepy eyes. “Are we there yet?” “No, not yet, little one. We have only a little breakdown.” Now the little bird is wide-awake. “Oh no! We are stuck? Oh? There are feathers everywhere...” “How is it that you have not been hurled back and forth, snake?” “I already sssaid that my body isss a complete mussscle. And ssso our little robin remained unssscathed.” The snake pets Robin's head. “What are you talking about? What happened?” “We should check whether the van is all right.” Dante opens the driver's door and jumps out. “You ssstay here, owl.” “Why?” “You have a wounded wing. And by your fall it might be worsssened.” “Pfft! As long as it doesn't descend, I don't need to be treated like a deathly ill animal.” “No, deathly ill animals will be euthanized.” “Shut up! This is all your fault! Every idiot knows that he doesn't have to let go of the steering wheel during the ride!” “Then why didn't you steer, maggot?” “Because I have a broken wing!” “Let'sss get out of here too” says the tree snake to the robin. “Da.” Robin is glad to get away from the quarreling. He hates it when they argue. And in a situation like this. Outside, they meet Dante, who had once circumnavigated the vehicle. “And? What'sss it like?” “The van seems to be unscathed. At least I could not find anything.” “What luck” Robin squeals. “Then let'sss have a look at what we've drive over.” “Hopefully not an animal.” “Don't worry. Compatriot is the largest animal in this desert.” “Really? The donkeys in Germany are much bigger.” The snake laughs hissingly. After a few steps they find railway lines along the way. “Well, well. Ssso here we are.” Aberdeen and Compatriot joined the three. “What’s going on?” asks the macaw. “We have reached the railway tracksss.” “Are we right for here at all, stubby tail?” All eyes are directed at the dog. Dante looks down on the ground. “I've lost their track…” “I knew it! If you were made in America, it wouldn't have happened!” “What are we going to do now?” “…I have an idea.” “Tell us, lad.” The snake rolls her lower body together to be at the same eye level as the others. “We drive to the next town and pick up Medic.” “M-medic…? But it can take hours to get to the next city.” “What elssse ssshould we do? Besidesss, we need him. He mussst reduce Sssir Hootsssalot'sss wing and ssshould really Gray Mann behind the abduction, we need Medic to help usss. We asss animalsss cannot do much alone. In addition, I think it'sss in his interessst to learn what happend to hisss former team-matesss. I'm sssure he'll help.” “And how do we make him understand that?” “Well, we have Archimedesss.” “A-archimedes…?!” Robin's little heart makes a jump. He will see Archimedes again! His best friend! “What are we waiting for?” The robin flutters back into the van to report to Sir Hootsalot. “I think we have no choice. But when I am honest, I feel more secure with the idea of having a person with us.” “Hans is not just a human, stubby tail. He is a mercenary. Our mercenary.” When speaking, Compatriots feathered chest swells. Even if the eagle and the soldier often complain about the others, one can be sure, that the two are always behind the team. “Aberdeen, will you help me in again?” “Sure, lad.”

“Are you serious? You want to pick up Medic?” “Do you have a problem with that, Owl?” “…no. Not at all.” “Very good. Then back to your ssseatsss and let usss go. We know the eventual ssstay of our ownersss. But we ssshould ssstill not dawdle. It could take hoursss to get to the next city.” “It doesn't bear contemplating what Gray Mann is doing in the meantime with the support.” “He won't kill them. That's for sure.” “He cannot do that anyway. As long as their data are computerized in the spawn system, he cannot harm them.” Aberdeen disappears back in the footwell of the driver's seat and presses the gas pedal while Compatriot sits on the steering wheel. The snake rolls back on the watch and her owner's cigarette case, the robin in her middle. Sir Hootsalot wants to climb on the dashboard but fails this time. “Hoot…” “Hahaha!” “Be quiet, snake!” “Don't worry. You can join me and Robin.” “………” Sir Hootsalot hesitates. But then he gives in and lies down beside the snake at the window. “There we go. Don't be always so stubborn. Or are you afraid I bite?” “…I don't understand you. Although Spy was abducted and you have no idea what will happen to him, you still make your jokes. Are not you worried?” “Asss I had said before; you cannot underssstand the relationssship between me and Ssspy. Of courssse, I am worried in sssome way, but I alssso know that he isss clever. I'm sssure sssomething will crosss hisss mind to maneuver himssself and the other two out of their dangerousss sssituation.” “And who said that Sniper isn't going to save Medic and Spy? Do you think he is stupid?” “I didn't sssay that.” “Snakes are sneaky. Just like Spy. If he were the one who should be responsible for their escape, then only because of dirty tricks.” “Any problem with dirty tricksss?” “It's dishonorable.” “Please do not argue any more... I do not want that.” Snake and owl look at the robin. It looks very sad. “I'm sssorry, little Robin. We will not argue any more. Isssn't that ssso, owl?” “Sure…mate.”

“Adelar and Parrot, if one of you wants to rest, I can take up your job.” “Thanks, lad. Maybe I'll take up on your offer.” “I'm not letting you on the steering wheel anymore, stubby tail. And stop calling me Adelar. My name is Compatriot. Remember this at last! In addition, Adelar sounds like a female's name.” “You think so? But Soldier is called Jane. Is not that also a woman's na-“ “Jane is a good name!” “I see. Then I will enlighten you. Adelar is Old German and means eagle.” “Wow, I'm honored, maggot.” Compatriot doesn't bother to hide the sarcastic undertone in his voice. “I am glad to hear that” Dante answered playfully. “Then you will surely like it when I say that the word eagle in Germany stands for nobility, host and warrior.” “Aahh~ That sounds much better. When you exchange the word host for army and warrior for soldier, it's perfect. Hmph! Maybe you Fritze ain't that bad.” Compatriot turns his head back to the Dobermann. Aberdeen can observe this. Suddenly there is a strange mood in the air. Do they flirt? The macaw looks over to the passenger seat. Snake, owl and robin have closed their eyes. Are they already asleep? What time is it now? It’s very dark outside. The only light the animals have when driving is the pale moonlight. “Say... do we drive in the right direction at all? I mean, we are just following the tracks without thinking about which direction the town might be.” “We are right! Don't you trust my sense of orientation?” “If you ask me so, lad... no.” “Hold the beak and step on the gas, parrot.” “I am a macaw…” “You have beautiful feathers.” “Oh er… T-thank you very much.” Compatriot makes a contemptuous sound. “What is so great about a colorful bird? You look like you've escaped from a circus.” “Envious?” “About your fall in the color pot?” “That Dante gave me a compliment.” “Calm down, boys. You are both odd birds. I like you.” “Can you fight, Dante?” “Fight? Well, I'm a Dobermann. We are not fighting dogs, but we are classed as dangerous. I have a steel jaw. Where I bite, no grass grows anymore.” “If you are so dangerous, why does your master keep you?” “We are not unrestrained beasts. Sure, there are Dobermann dogs who have attacked people before. But the people are wrong. There are dog breeds that are far more dangerous than we are. We are not even in the top ten.” “But to protect your master, you would become a beast, right?” “Of course. Protecting him has top priority in my life and that of my brother. To save him, I'd even bite a pufferfish.” “What is so special about a fish?” “Pufferfishes are highly toxic.” “Oh… I see…” “How do ya know anything like this at all?” “I am from the city. I am not surprised, however, that someone does not have this knowledge, who lives in a place without water. But honestly. Would not you die to protect your owners?” Compatriot and Aberdeen are silent for a moment. “We never thought about anything like that. We didn't have to. When they die in a fight against the BLUs, they return to life.” “Oh right… They respawn, right? How does this work?” “Don’t know. We only know that their data are computerized into the respawn-device.” “Where not the data of your old Medic been deleted?” Eagle and macaw are silent again. “If we get your old Medic and go with him toe-to-toe with Gray Mann and his robots, then he will get killed in a possible fight and will never return.” The two had not thought of that. But Compatriot knows exactly what he has to say to calm himself. “He is and remains a mercenary, a soldier. If he dies, then for a good cause. And we are not immortal either. We can just as well die. But you're not afraid of death, aren't you, stubby tail?” “Not at all, Adelar.” Ay, they are flirting again… “You said that your master saved your life and that of your brother. What happened?” “Nothing unusual. The owner of our mother was a very strict man who earned his money by selling her puppies. Zerberus, me and some of our siblings were the last litter. He could sell them profitably. But my brother and I were weak. Weaker than it is normal for puppies. He could not use us. Who wants to buy sick, weak dogs?” “That's just understandable” Compatriot answered. “He grabbed us by the nape and wanted to drown us in a rain barrel. Our mother had probably guessed what he had planned and bit him into the calf. I remember that I had the strong scent of blood in my nose.” Dante lifts her muzzle into the air; her nose moves violently as she tries to recall the scent of the blood. “And then ... I got no air. Everything around me was wet and dark, and I struggled with my legs in panic until I was completely exhausted. I tried to find my brother with my eyes, but the breathing trouble obscured my senses. I think Zerberus and I were already as good as dead until we were suddenly pulled out of the water. Strong hands held us, but this time they felt different. Still, I bit as hard as I could. I was panicked, I froze. But I did not let go. And then I heard his voice.” Dante closes her eyes and recalls the memory. “It was quite different from the voice of the man who wanted to drown us. It was calm, dark, and warm. And that made me pull my teeth out of his flesh and look up at him. The blue-gray eyes immediately fascinate me. He was so beautiful...” “………” “………” “And that is why I would die for him. This is the only thing I can give in return. Through His love we have become big and strong. We are even stronger than the average Dobermann. This was 10 years ago...” “Don't be angry with me, lad, but... your master doesn't look like he can give love.” “The exterior does not say anything about the interior.” “Hmph. This is probably true. If an outsider would see our Mercs, he would probably think they were psychopathic killers. But Tavish is a kind-hearted man and a loving son. And basically the Mercs do this job only to make the life of their loved one's at home better. They just do it for their families. But ... for whom does it Friedrich? Does he have a family in Germany?” “No, Zerberus and I are his only family.” “So he just dislodged Hans in revenge.” “Well, my owner does not like it when he is shortchanged. In fact, he always had thoughts of revenge. I am really sorry for your old Medic.” “No one can replace him. Not even your master. And it's absolutely null and void whether he's good or not. Hans belongs to us. And when we have him with us, you will understand why.” “Hans and Friedrich are not so dissimilar. They both come from Germany, are doctors and have no family except their animals.” “And I thought all the Germans were the same. Blond, blue-eyed, brainwash doctors...” “Do not start to think, Compatriot. You always get headaches. That's why his head is so white. There is no blood in it.” This makes Dante laugh. The white-headed eagle, however, makes an ear-splitting cry that startle the owl, the snake, and the robin out of their sleep. “What isss going on here again? Can you not pull yourssself together for one moment? Imbecile!”

Team Fortress 2

Already very early in the morning, the squirrel leaves his safe and warm tree cave to look for food. Although he doesn’t feel like it. After all, he hasn't collected food before the winter began, either. But after his parents had thrown him out of home a few weeks ago, he is now on his own. They said he was now old enough to live his own life, and they only let him live with them for so long, because he was the baby of the family. The squirrel thinks very bitterly of this meanness of his family as he runs through the snow. The cold immediately sinks into his bones. But the only good thing about it is that he can now do what he wants. Without rules and teachings. Sure,at parents home he was very spoiled ripe. Especially from his Ma. There was tender loving care and always enough to eat. But he could never do what he wanted. And what he especially hated was the hibernation. The only good thing about it was the gorge like there's no tomorrow before sleeping. But sleeping as such was grotty. But the squirrel is lucky. His dwelling-place is in the middle of a small town. There is food from the people to steal and pets to annoy. But in winter he is rather sluggish. “Shit instincts. Hmm… I woulda hungry for pancakes.” Some people leave their freshly baked cakes on the window frames in the summer to cool them down. Often he had filled his tummy with these nom noms. But this of course involves danger. Once he was almost killed by a broom. How can they do that? He is the sweetest and sexiest squirrel in the world! But that's no problem. He's as fast as the wind.

He jumps through the snow to a house where an old woman lives. She is alone and has no family. Only her tomcat lives with her. A black, fat cat with white spots around his eyes. Often the squirrel had seen him sitting at the window. And he does so again. The squirrel jumps on the window board and both animals look at each other. The tomcat lays his ears back, a rather unwelcome expression on his face. The rodent lays his head on the side and knocks with his paw at the windowpane. The house cat looks away. He ignores me! Well, it's all the same to me. He jumps from the window and slips under the house. There is a tiny circular opening. From there he reaches the kitchen. The hole is under a cupboard and the rodent crawls out of it. He perks up his ears. Nothing to hear. He has to take care of that the old woman does not suddenly stand in the kitchen. He's sure that old people love squirrels (especially him). But because of their bad eyes, sweet squirrels can quickly become to disgusting and disease-bearing rats. And then the broom is swung again.

The kitchen is searched for esculent. But there is not much to be found. He knows that a lot of food is kept in the refrigerator, but he will never be able to open it. He is just too small. “Aww crap…” “How did you get in here, you vermin?” The squirrel just sits on the kitchen counter to examine the sugar cans when the scratchy voice is speaking behind him. He whirls around and sees the old tomcat standing in the doorway. “Why don't you sit at the window as is right and proper for a grandpa?” “I have a very sensitive nose.” “Do you want to tell me I'm stink?” “You have no business here! Go outside where you belong.” “Calm down, jeez. I just want to take some food.” “You will not take anything with you. This is theft.” “Pfff! Sue me. You're also a fur-bearing animal. You should have the best understanding for a comrade who has no food in the merciless winter.” “Then you should have collect your nuts before the beginning of the winter.” “Are you kidding me? I cannot burn fat in sleep. I don't want to look like you when I wake up in spring. I don't attract girls with fat mass, y'know?” “I'll give you one last chance to leave this house.” The tomcat remains surprisingly calm. “Anything else? Will you eat me then? Contradictory to your appearance, I have to ask you whether you get nothing to eat from your owner. Well, the neighbor has also starved her bird to death because she has thrown the birdseed next to the cage instead in the cage because of her bad eyes. That poor nowt…” “You've missed your chance.” From the throat of the cat sounds a sinister and menacing sound. But the squirrel has only a weary smile for him. He wobbles with his little squirrel-butt in his direction. “Well, then show me what you still can do at your ages.” And then the cat shoots off without warning. He's fast as lightning. With a single bound he jumps on the kitchen counter and snaps with his sharp teeth at the rodent. The squirrel cries out frightened and wants to rush away, which does not work very well at first, because the kitchen counter has a very smooth surface and the squirrel runs on it in lost motion. Finally, he makes a jump and can thus escape the teeth.

A wild chase through the kitchen begins. Anything that is not rivet and nail-proof is overthrown and even fractionalize into individual parts. It rattles and crashes. The rodent runs for his life. Actually he had wanted to provoke a chase, but since it had not yet known that the old house cat is still so fast on his short legs. With ease, the rodent would be flee through the hole under the cupboard, but he has decided not to leave this house without something to eat. He only has to hang on until the tomcat is completely exhausted. Maybe he will even get a heart attack? Would be ugly, but it would not be his fault. A heart attack is ultimately a natural cause of death, which gives the squirrel the opportunity to search the house without ruffle or excitement for food. The squirrel flees from the kitchen into the living room. Agile he climbs up the window curtains. The tomcat follows without difficulty. The thin curtain rod does not hold the weight, however, and breaks through. They fall to the ground. While the squirrel falls on his butt, the cat lands gracefully on his legs. No matter how long the squirrel is running, the tomcat does not seem to runs out of breath. Come off it! I can't stand it any longer… Now the rodent decides to disappear again through the hole, and he runs back in the kitchen. The kitchen floor is covered with smooth tiles. Once he puts the first paw into the kitchen, he slips it out and falls to the ground. The cat jumps onto him. With the last force, the squirrel bobs up but the tomcat gives him a push and he falls again. Through the speed both animals slide across the floor through the entire kitchen and are finally stopped by the kitchen sink cabinet. Now the rodent lies helplessly on his back, above him the fat cat. He does not seem to be out of breath at all. “How…how is possible?” The squirrel utters exhausted. “In my youth I was the most notorious mouse and rat catcher far and wide. I was quick and had a very high stamina, which I still own today. My owner has got a lot of money for me to chasing mice and rats in many houses. I had a success rate of 90%.” “Haha… And what about the remaining 10%?” “They were just like you. Have occasionally sneaked into houses and stolen food.” “But I'm not a mouse. I'm as cute as a mouse.” “Squirrels are rats. You are too big, you stink and you are thieves. At that time I eaten you vermin for breakfast.” “A-are you kidding me? Ha! And I thought, just people mistake us with rats. Well, the age, what? Aut I'm not just a squirrel. We are called as cats, too. Do you understand? Viewed in this light. We both are, therefore, not only fur-bearing animals but also closely related to each other. We should rebel against the people together! They take cats as prisoners and us they flay us alive and make clothes from it. We mammals must finally hold together! What do you say?” “Humans are also mammals.” “That's quite untrue!” “It’s enough!” The squirrel jerks. “You don't really want to eat me? I mean, apart from the fact that you're too fat, I don't taste at all!” “I told you already three times that you should leave this house. You didn't want to hear. If you don't want to listen, find out the hard way. I hope for you that you will be reborn in the next life with a little more brain.” “Why more brain?” “So you don't break into houses where cats live. Just because an animal is old does not mean that it cannot be a calamity for you.” Now the squirrel starts to whine terribly. “Oh no, please! I regret it! I regret everything! I regret everything I've ever done! Ma! Ma! I want my Ma!” The cat sighs and lets the rodent be. “You are still a child. Therefore I put mercy before justice. Go now and never come back.” “What's going on here? Cuddly blanket! What have you done?” Suddenly the old housekeeper stands in the doorway. With shocked eyes, she looks around the kitchen. The cat swirls around to her. This chance uses the squirrel to jump up and bite the cat in the tail. It was really very generous of him to let him alive. But the tomcat needs a dressing-down for humiliating him. After all, he had made him cry (of course, the squirrel would argue that this was only tactic). The cat jumps in the air with a loud cry of pain. Now cut and run! Quickly as the wind the squirrel escapes under the cupboard into the hole and runs under the house on the snowy road. There he stopped and looked at the house. He rubs his paws against each other maliciously. “Hehehe. Hopefully, the old woman will pull your fur over your ears. Nobody chases me like a prey, get it? Whoever is mess with me, will bitterly regret it! And besides, I always have the last word!” The little stomach starts to growl. “Aww crap…” And no food, again.

When he finally leaves the house behind to find the next one, it sounds like something heavy moves on the snow, followed by car squeaks. The rodent swirls around and sees a large, slightly wagging car coming right on his way. The sight of the approaching monster paralyzes the little mammal. As if rooted he stares at the car, knowing to die now. His short life runs away from his inner eye and, at the same time, he thinks with relief that even before his death he could fight with a mature cat and won. A place in heaven is certain to him. The last few seconds before the collision, the rodent squeezes his eyes tightly together.

Team Fortress 2

“Finally. The town. We did it, lads!” Aberdeen sits on the dashboard and pushes his beak against the windshield. A few hours ago the macaw had accepted the offer from Dante to take over his work on gas and brake. All along, they and Compatriot had a nice conversation, while snake, robin, and owl slept. It was nice. However, the eagle hadn't speak for a while. “What? Are we already there?” Robin asks sleepily. The tree snake and the owl are awakening, too. “We should not look forward to early. First we have to find your medic” Dante replies. “Who knows if we are in the right town at all.” “We are right. I'm sure I can feel it.” Robin flutters to Aberdeen on the dashboard and looks at the snowy environment. “I have not seen snow for so long. Misha would certainly like it here.” “Where should we start with the search?” “The firssst ssstep of a perssson in a ssstrange city isss to look for a hotel room. We ssshould look for sssomething like thisss.” “Hm? Oh! There is a squirrel in the middle of the road” notices Robin. They drive straight to it but the eagle doesn't seems to make any effort to dodge. “Er… Compatriot?” “………” “Adelar? What is wrong?” Aberdeen bends over to the eagle and notices that his eyes are directed straightforward. "Compatriot?" The eagle doesn't react a bit. And then Aberdeen realizes why. “He’s sleeping!” “Are you kidding me?” “Wake up, Compatriot!” The macaw shakes at the eagle, which scares out of his sleep. He moves the steering wheel involuntarily back and forth, so the van starts to swerve. “Dante! Step on the brake!” The Dobermann dog sits down with all his weight on the pedal. The tires squeak and the van makes a strong jolt. Compatriot and Aberdeen bounce with their heads against the windshield. Robin lands in the soft plumage of the macaw. The van slides over the snow until it finally comes to a halt. “Oh no! We runs over the squirrel!” “What squirrel?” “You ssstupid fowl!” the snake hisses at the eagle. “Dante, pleassse open the door.” She follows the snake's request, and the animals leave the van to look at the mess. Only the owl remains behind. It does not matter to him either. Sir Hootsalot does not feel able to do anything. And indeed. A squirrel lies motionless on his back, just a few centimeters behind the vehicle. The tongue hangs out from its mouth. Robin buries his face in the feathers of the parrot bird, appalled at this sight. Aberdeen holds his great wing protectively over him. “Shhh… It’s okay.” “Great job, Adelar.” “I just rest a bit” the eagle defends himself. “I told you that I can take the steering wheel if you get tired!” “And I told you that I would not let you take the steering wheel again, stubby tail!” “You slept with your eyes open!” “A soldier must sleep with his eyes open, otherwise he will be surprised by the enemy slyly!” “Well, you've surprised a young, innocent squirrel with your carelessness and now it's dead.” “It's his own fault. Why does it just run on the road? Aside from this, these creatures are keep hibernation, don't they? If it had remained on his tree, nothing would have happened.” “I'm really glad when we finally found your Medic. A person at the steering wheel is far less dangerous. Apart from that, cars were built for people only. And I think that should remain so.” “What are we going to do with the little one now?” asks Aberdeen, distraught. "We cannot just leave him here.” “I will take care of that.” The snake position herself at the feet of the rodent. “What are you up to, lad?” She opens her mouth wide. “WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?!” The reptile sighs annoyed. “It’sss a sssmall, dead animal and I'm a sssnake. I'll devour it now. Had not expected that I get breakfassst today.” “Oh no! Oh no!” The robin whimpered, pressing himself even more firmly in Aberdeen's chest feathers. “Don’t look, if you cannot ssstand the sssight.” Feet and legs of the squirrel slowly disappear into the snake's mouth. “That's disgusting…” When the squirrel is already in the snake's mouth until the belly, it suddenly comes to life. When he realized what was happening to him, he cries terribly loudly. He scratches the snake and bites her into the nose. Immediately she lets the squirrel be and wraps herself, burying her head in her body. Panic, the rodent bounces up and only then notices the other animals. Confused, he looks back and forth between the birds and the dog. “What the hell is that crap?” “It lives!” Robin flutters to it and hugs it with his little wings. “What's going on here? What happened?” “We thought we had run over you.” The squirrel's gaze remains hanging on the van. “I… I live... And you wanted to eat me!” “Ass already mentioned; we thought you were dead.” The snake has now recovered from the bite. "We didn't want to leave your unsssightly body lying here, you ungrateful brat.” “Why don't you checked the pulse before? And what do you mean unsightly?” “Thisss isss not worthwhile for sssmall animalsss like you.” The squirrel wants to answer, but stops and looks again back and forth between the animals. “What is going on here? Who are you? Circus animals or something?” “No, we're on a mission” Robin replies. “Mission? That sounds exciting. Can I join?” “No way! You have nothing to do with it.” “Dude, you almost drove me over! You owe me something.” “We are on the way to a dangerous place. There you could be killed, lad.” “It's still better to die on an adventure than to die of boredom in this wretched town. I have imagined more for my life.” “You mussst be joking!” “Anyway. You have to take care of me now.” “Where are your parents, rodent?” “They threw me out.” Robin is terrified. “That's horrible.” “Yeah, yeah. Can we go now?” “W-wait a moment!” But the squirrel has already jumped into the van. “Oh! An owl!” “That cannot be true… Dead it wasss more pleasssant.” “Well, we could need a little help, right?” “Squirrelsss are uselesss, Robin. What ssshould it do? Asss sssmall asss it isss.” “So… you think I am useless, too?” “Oh no, no. I didn't mean that. You are a bird. You can fly. The sssquirrel not. What isss it going to do if it getsss in trouble?” “………” “Well, we can still throw it out. But it's now more important to find Medic. Don't you agree, Dante?” “The macaw is right. Let's the little one be and concentrate on our mission. And who knows? Perhaps the rodent is quite useful.” The serpent sighs annoyed, again. “Whatever. But if it becomesss a burden, I will devour it.” The reptile hopes very much that the squirrel does her this favor. So that she still get to her breakfast today. “Hey, maybe it has seen Medic. We should ask it.” “Okay, everyone back in the car!” Compatriot orders. In the van they find the rodent, as it had made itself comfortable on the motionless owl. “Aahhh ~ Nice warm here.” “Come down there immediately! Don't you know that owlsss eat sssquirrelsss?” “Eagles, by the way, too.” “Really?” “Naturally. You mammals stink and are dirty, but you are good snack.” A throat clearing on the part of Dante. “What?” “I am also a mammal.” “Dogs are not mammals.” All eyes are directed at Compatriot. “Naturally. And next, you will say that humans are mammals.” “Just shut up, Compatriot.” “You are strange creatures.” “You seem so, too. Don't do squirrels hibernate in winter?” “Life is much too short to sleep through a whole season of the year. And I would have to spend the whole autumn collecting nuts. These are then two seasons that fall away to have fun. I think I'll be fine with you.” “Say, did you see a man who is new to this city? So around the 50 with black hair and a curl?” “No, I don't think so. I'm not so interested in the activities of the people here. Besides, this city is full of old people. They all look the same anyway.” “And I always thought squirrels are alert.” “I told you. It’sss absssolutely ussselesss.” “Hey! I'm not useless! I am fast, intelligent and handsome.” “What has beauty to do with benefits?” “Well, when I have to bewitch a pretty girl to get information, or something like that.” “Do you fancy yourssself asss a ssspy?” “At least I would be a better spy than you, you worm.” “Hey... Something's wrong with Sir Hootsalot” Robin remarks worried. He shakes him slightly with his little wings. “I think his condition has deteriorated.” And indeed the breathing of the owl has slowed down. “Quick, everyone back to his position! We must find Medic.” “Will he die?” “He will not die! And even if ... Medic can revive him. He had already done this with Sniper and Archimedes.” The eagle flies back on the steering wheel and Dante takes care of the gas pedal. “Wait… YOU drive the car?” “Of course! What do you think?” “…cool.” The tree snake, Robin and Aberdeen lay down to Sir Hootsalot. The owl's eyes are closed and he does not seem to make the impression of wake up again soon. The squirrel had settled on the headrest of the passenger seat. He takes a little distance from the strangers. Not least because there are three of them on whose menu the squirrel stands. It observe the situation. Is this situation I got into a good thing? In this car there is a really bad mood. I had imagined it differently... Well, even that's still better than anything else I've ever experienced in my dull life. In addition, many interesting words have fallen. Resurrection, danger, mission ... No idea what these guys are. But I feel as if I belong here, to them. Now my life Begins.