#tf2graymann

[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.”