David H. Olivier 1. This is a work of fiction based on characters and situations created and copyrighted by Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha, Toei Animation, and others. No copyright infringement is intended, and no profit is sought through the creation and/or distribution of this work. 2. The ideas and opinions expressed in this work are not those of the original creator, the copyright holders, or this author. Some concepts described or actions taken may be deemed offensive by certain readers; reader discretion is therefore advised. 3. This is a work of fiction; any resemblance between any character and any persons, living or dead, except for specifically-identified historical persons, is purely coincidental. ********************* What has gone before: Kani Schmidt is a 14-year-old girl growing up in 1992 Berlin; however, this Berlin is the capital of a Europe still controlled by the Nazis. Kani also has a secret: she's Matrose Mond, secret defender of the world against the evil machinations of the Dark Kingdom. Recently, she and Luna, her talking cat and advisor, have gained new allies: Wilhelmina, a pretty but shallow rich girl who is Matrose Venus; and Rachel, a shy Catholic novitiate, who is Matrose Mars. Together, they have fought the evil menace of Jadeite, a general of the Dark Kingdom. There are still many unanswered questions, however: who is this mysterious Smokingmaske, who saves the Matrosen-Amazonen in moments of peril? Will Kani ever get a chance to express her feelings to him? What plans do the Dark Kingdom have for the Earth? And why is the SS so interested in all this? ******************** --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Matrose Mond" - Chapter Five Her morning chores were done. The younger children were dressed and fed. Mama was just getting up but, thank goodness, the sickness spells were over. Kani was finishing clearing up as her mother, now beginning to show the outward signs of carrying the child that would qualify her for a medal and, more importantly, a cash bonus, came into the kitchen. "Did Papa Hans make it home last night?" Mama asked. Kani jerked her thumb. "Snoring away in the sitting-room. At least he's got one less reason to try and make it to the bedroom." "Be nicer to him, Kani. You know, he is right about one thing: where would we be if he hadn't come along?" Kani tried to look appropriately chastened. "I'll try, Mama. But he doesn't make it any easier, does he?" Mama smiled. "No, he doesn't, dear. Still, he's the man your mother married, so he's due some respect from you." "Yes, Mama." Finished, Kani headed for the door. "Oh, Kani - one more thing. Was that you I heard coming in late last night?" "No, Mama," Kani lied. "That must have been Papa Hans. Good-bye, Mama." Kani kissed her mother, picked up her satchel, and headed for the door. The smile slowly faded from Mama's face. She knew Kani hadn't told her the truth, but she didn't know why. ***** In the past week, things had been remarkably quiet for the newly-christened Matrosen-Amazonen. Not since Rachel had joined the team had any youma appeared, nor had any strange occurrences taken place. Luna had made use of the lull to get the girls to practice their skills, both as individuals and as a team. The walled-in grounds of St. Cyriak's had proven to be ideal for their nocturnal meetings. Having Rachel join the group had also brought on another change for Kani: each morning she would walk to the Nonnenkloster and would usually see the novice busy sweeping the entrance. Today was no exception; Rachel was out front, brushing clear the seed-pods fallen from the trees. "Good morning, Rachel." "Kani! Good morning to you!" The novitiate delighted in her new friendships. "It's going to be a nice day today." "Thank goodness for that. Maybe we can hope for an even nicer day tomorrow." "Why?" "It's Saturday; no school." Rachel shook her head ruefully. "I'll still have chores to do. St. Cyriak's doesn't close for the weekend, you know." They chatted for a few more minutes until the chapel bell tolled for morning prayers. Kani bade Rachel farewell, then sped off towards school. ***** "You're late." "Sorry." Kani slowed to match her pace to Maria's. Maria looked across at her friend and bit her tongue. She'd known Kani long enough to judge the girl's moods. Kani's life had changed considerably in the past two months, and Maria was feeling left out. She chose her words carefully, then said: "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I know something is going on. Are you up to something, perhaps with that guy from the SS?" Kani stopped dead in her tracks. "You know I don't like him! What makes you think I'm doing something as crazy as what you suggest?!" Maria took a deep breath, composed herself, and readied the speech she'd been rehearsing for a week. "You've always been a straightforward and honest person, Kani, as long as I've known you. You were never any good at keeping things from me, just as I can't keep anything from you. Like I said, if you don't want to talk about it, then we won't. But if you ever need to, I'll be there." "Thanks, Maria. I appreciate that. And you can always count on me." But Maria didn't feel any better for hearing it. ***** Once again, Tristan and Andreas found themselves in the elevator going to the top floor of SS-Headquarters. "Wonder what the Hero wants us for this time?" mused Andreas. "It's been very quiet this past week. Not a peep on the meters. Maybe we're going to be promoted." "Or shot." Tristan leaned against the far wall, praying he would hold out the day. He didn't know which was worse, having the blackouts or waiting for them. The week had been nerve-wracking. The elevator stopped and the doors slid open; the pair got out. By now, the secretary knew them by sight, so she waved them through wordlessly. "Uh-oh, must be important. No small talk from Gretchen today," Andreas whispered. "You know her name already? What about Greta?" "A man's got to have a contingency plan, doesn't he? Unfortunately, I think she's-" There was no time to finish the sentence as they walked into Siegfried Koenig's office. The Reichsfuehrer-SS remained seated behind his desk. "Come in, gentlemen. Sit down." They obeyed; Siegfried continued: "I have a little assignment for you two, a bit out of the ordinary. How would you like to be my bodyguards for the day?" Both young men were puzzled. "Don't you already have a personal detail?" Andreas asked. Siegfried nodded. "I do, but this is an assignment that's a little out of the ordinary. Since you two have been involved from the start, I thought you might be best prepared for what comes next." He got up and went over to a filing cabinet. "However, it's best if you went fully prepared." Opening a drawer, Siegfried reached in, pulling out two compact submachine pistols and ammunition clips. "I trust you know how to use these." Tristan and Andreas exchanged glances. "Yes, sir," said Tristan automatically. "Good," Siegfried replied, and handed one to each. Then he returned to his desk, pulled his pistol out of its holster, checked it, then put it back on his hip. "If I might ask, Herr Reichsfuehrer, where are we going?" Andreas enquired. "Nowhere," Siegfried replied cryptically. "We wait." ***** It had been a long night for Luna. Apart from the nightly training sessions with the Matrosen-Amazonen, she was making use of her time to wander the city searching for something. She wasn't sure what she was looking for, just that she should keep looking. She yawned, realizing it must already be mid-morning. She'd taken to spending her quiet time at the Nonnenkloster, but that was too far away at the moment. Some secluded nook near Kani's would have to suffice. Either she'd been too tired to notice, or they'd been that good. When she looked up, Luna suddenly realized she was surrounded by a posse of the mangiest alley cats she'd ever seen. Somehow they could sense she was different, and they didn't like that. Just like humans, she thought, different was to be feared and, if possible, eliminated. The alpha of the pack padded forward, slowly baring his fangs in what wasn't a grin. Luna took a step back, then realized she was completely encircled. The leader hissed, and all his followers did the same. Luna waited for the inevitable. Suddenly, there was a snapping sound; falling from above, the skeleton of a fish embedded itself end-on in the pavement in front of the leader. He stopped and looked up in puzzlement at the source. A second later, he let out a yowlp' of fear, turned, and ran. The pack scattered. In seconds the alley was clear. With a deceptively soft touch, a giant blue-white blob of a cat came hurtling to the ground, landing where the pack alpha had been standing. He took a glance around the alley, growled with satisfaction, and sauntered up to Luna. "I suppose I should be grateful. Well, thank you, whoever you are," she said, and took a closer look at him. There was something about him, perhaps, something.... Her concentration was shattered when she realized he was preparing to accept her thanks in the only way he cared about. "Stop that, you!" Luna yelled indignantly as she pulled herself clear. "Just because I'm thankful for what you did doesn't mean you're free to-!" She took another step away, still furious. The huge cat meowed softly, as if to say he didn't care one way or another - there'd be other times - and took his leave. Luna watched him waddle down the alley until he rounded the corner and was gone. She was alone again. But there had been something about him. Wasn't that what she'd been looking for? ***** It had been nearly an hour. Tristan's palms were sweating, leaving tiny droplets of perspiration on the grip of his machine pistol. Andreas cradled his gun in his lap, his hands desperately searching for something to do in place of holding a badly-needed cigarette. Only Siegfried continued to sit still, a calm expression across his face, his eyes closed. The eyes snapped open. "It's time." Andreas felt a faint tingling at the back of his neck; he turned and noticed Tristan staring back at him. There was nothing. And then there was a swirl of flower petals. When the swirling ceased, the petals were gone but someone stood there. Dressed in a grey uniform with green piping, short white gloves, and high jackboots, the newcomer wore a slightly bemused expression on a pretty face. The orange hair done in a ponytail added to the mounting confusion. Only when he spoke was any doubt resolved. "My name is Zoisite," he said. Andreas and Tristan gripped their guns a little tighter. "And you have come to take us to >das finstere Koenigreich<," said Siegfried. It was a statement, not a question. The alien nodded his head. "Through here, please." A black portal materialized. First Andreas, gun at the ready; then Siegfried; then a slightly-trembling Tristan passed through. There was a second burst of flower petals and the office was empty. ***** Andreas looked around, trying to remain calm. Behind him he heard the Reichsfuehrer and Tristan: the former stepping forward, the latter standing still, as flustered as Andreas. Siegfried took another step forward and made a deep bow. "I am glad to finally meet you, Euere Majestaet." "As am I, Herr Reichsfuehrer." As one, Andreas and Tristan looked at the source of the greeting and where they were. The chamber was huge: the floor polished, the ceiling out of sight. The walls seemed to be rippling waterfalls of blue lights, different hues dappling down. Throngs of beings stood in rows on three sides. To the front, but off-centre, stood two men also clad in grey uniforms - a tall, fair-haired man with a cape, and another tall man with dark brown hair. The one called Zoisite joined them. Finally, there was the woman seated on the throne, an imposing figure in a purple gown. She was the one who had spoken. Recovering their manners, both men immediately bowed to the Queen. Beryl found their gesture amusing. "My thanks. I'm glad to have you do me honour." Then she returned her attention to Siegfried. "Only two? I would have expected an entire troupe of bodyguards, Herr Reichsfuehrer." "It seemed unnecessary, Euere Majestaet. Besides, I would like our relationship to be founded on mutual trust." "As would I." Beryl paused a moment, studying her visitor. "So, tell me: why do you come here?" "I seek power. I believe you possess power that can help me fulfil my ambitions." "And why, pray tell, would I want to do that?" "Because, in return, I can give you what you want." The Queen cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? And what do you believe we want?" "You're obviously attempting to gather energy from humans, Euere Majestaet, and for something you believe is worth giving that energy to. I would say you possess a very powerful, a very terrifying weapon, but one that requires a great deal of energy." Beryl chuckled. "If you are bluffing, you do it very well, Herr Reichsfuehrer. But I would think you need me far more than I need you. Soon, we will have all the energy we need, with or without your help." It was Siegfried's turn to smile. "It seems to me, Eure Majestaet, that your plans do not go as smoothly as you claim. I am very much aware of the activities of a certain fly in your ointment. Does the name Matrose Mond' mean anything to you?" There was no change in the Queen's expression, though her hands clenched the arms of the throne just a little tighter. "A minor annoyance, and one soon to be swept aside." "Indeed. And should that minor annoyance' prove to be more than you claim, remember my offer - as much energy as you need." He bowed again, then stepped back. "Euere Majestaet." "Very well, Herr Reichsfuehrer. I doubt we shall see one another again. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed our little conversation." Beryl turned to her generals. "Zoisite, return them to Earth." "Yes, Queen Beryl." Zoisite crossed over to the waiting trio, created a portal, and in an instant the three Nazis were gone. "Was that wise, Your Majesty?" enquired Nephrite. "Jadeite's efforts have been constantly thwarted by Matrose Mond. Perhaps that man offers us a better option or, at least, a contingency." "You do not believe that I haven't considered that?" "No, My Queen, but-" "Enough, Nephrite. That man is ambitious. Such men can be dangerous. Besides, I have complete faith in Jadeite - for now." Kunzite spoke up. "And what of Jadeite's plan, My Queen? He has been a week and has collected no energy yet. Is this how he obeys your orders?" "That is because this plan is not concerned with energy as much as it is with our little problems." Zoisite's eyes widened. "You mean Matrose Mond and her friend Matrose Venus?" "Indeed, Zoisite," replied the Queen. "This Reichsfuehrer may be able to guess at a lot of things, but he doesn't know about the Mondprinzessin. That's Matrose Mond's weakness. We shall be the ones to eliminate her, then to gain what we want - without help from any human." She smiled. There was a low rumbling from somewhere under the Throne Room. Beryl's smile faded quickly. ***** The trio materialized back in Siegfried's office. Andreas and Tristan wore glum expressions, but their leader was grinning and rubbing his hands together. "Well, that went better than expected," he said, barely concealing the glee in his voice. "What?!" the others said in unison. "Sir," added Andreas, "she turned you down flat." "Only for now," Siegfried said enigmatically. "She'll soon change her tune." He took the two machine pistols and replaced them in the filing cabinet. "Slight change in your orders, gentlemen. Find Matrose Mond. Be discreet, but provide what aid you can to her and the others. That is all, gentlemen." As they turned to go, Siegfried called Andreas back. He waited until Tristan was out and the door closed. "And make certain our mysterious ally spends a few moments with his young friends." "Yes, sir." "And one more thing." "Sir?" "Do a good job and I'll be happy to ignore that little exaggeration you told me about your impending marital status. I could even get her transferred to the army riding school, if you prefer." "Nein, Herr Reichsfuehrer!" Siegfried chuckled and slapped the horror-stricken Leutnant on the back. "Afraid of the competition, eh? Good lad. Now, on your way." He continued to laugh until Andreas had left. Then he settled back in his chair, ready to resume work on more mundane affairs of state. ***** "Das Schloss Traumprinzessin." "What?" Kani, Luna, and Rachel exclaimed in unison. "You know, die Traumprinzessin. It's the new attraction that's opened up at Hermannland." More blank stares. Wilhelmina rolled her eyes. "You don't get out much, do you? Hermannland is the huge amusement park on the Tegeler See." Rachel still looked confused, but Kani had caught on. "It's not like they'd advertise a lot in my neighbourhood. Nobody from there could afford to get to the place, let alone get inside." "You must have a reason for bringing this up, right, Wilhelmina?" asked Luna. "You're not just looking for an excuse to have fun?" "Of course not, you silly cat." Wilhelmina stuck out her tongue at Luna. "If we're looking for a Prinzessin, why not her? She's got a huge Schloss and every day at four they serve lots of fresh-baked Strudel and Kuchen and tasty treats-" "As I thought," interrupted Luna, "an excuse to eat." "But don't you see? She's a Prinzessin, and she's new. Isn't that what we're looking for?" Wilhelmina looked at the trio hopefully. "Or," said Rachel, finally saying something, "it could be a trap." The others turned to her. "Well," admitted Luna, "either way it might be worth checking out." "Great; tomorrow it is," exclaimed Wilhelmina. "Hold on," interjected Kani, "there's no way I can afford to go. Besides, my chores on Saturday-" "Get them done earlier; if you want, I'll even come and help. As for funds, it's on me. Daddy gives me a lot of pocket money. Why shouldn't I spend some of it on my friends?" "But I can't," reminded Rachel. "There's no way Mutter Oberin would ever agree to it." "Agree to what, my child, hmm?" The girls turned round; somehow the tiny old woman had come upon them unawares. "I want to take Kani and Rachel to Hermannland tomorrow as my treat," said Wilhelmina boldly. "What an excellent idea. Yes, hmm, Rachel, it's time you stepped outside these doors and saw a bit of the world with people your own age." Rachel's mouth dangled open in surprise. Wilhelmina smiled broadly. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow it is." "Only if my folks okay it for me," Kani repeated. "Details, details," Wilhelmina dismissed her friend's concerns with a wave of her hand. "Close your mouth, child, or a fly will get in. After all, it is Friday, hmm," Mutter Oberin said gently to Rachel. ***** "I know it's kinda short notice and all, but Wilhelmina's been very nice to me, and I think she'd be hurt if I didn't accept. Besides, I'll get all my chores done before I go." Kani sat at the dinner table, in chameleon-fashion keeping one eye on her mother and the other carefully skirting around her step-father. "What kind of girl is this Wilhelmina?" asked Hans abruptly. "She's - she's nice. She must be the daughter of somebody important; she comes to school every day in a limousine." Hans' tone changed in an instant. "Well, you are setting your sights a little higher. Better than that jeweller's daughter. Tell me, does this Wilhelmina have any brothers?" Kani kept her smile hidden; she knew her answer would clinch Hans' approval. "Three: all older than me, and none married." Hans looked across the table at his wife. "I think we can afford to be a little generous this time," then he turned back to Kani, "provided you get your chores done, young lady." "Yes, sir," Kani replied obediently. Mama nodded quietly. She knew the decision was already made for her. ***** "You're certain this plan will work, Jadeite? After all, your success record speaks for itself." Jadeite tried to ignore the Queen's sarcasm; his image in the crystal ball betrayed no emotion on his part. "Hints have been dropped in the right places, Your Majesty. Matrose Mond and her friend cannot ignore the possibility that the Traumprinzessin is really their hidden Mondprinzessin. Once they come to find out for themselves,...." He grinned at the thought. "Don't be too confident, Jadeite. And don't forget that other nuisance, Smokingmaske." Now Jadeite showed openly the contempt and resentment he felt for his caped adversary. "He'll regret interfering. I'll stuff one of his roses down his throat if he tries anything." "Good. Do not fail this time, Jadeite. My patience is wearing thin." "Yes, My Queen." Jadeite's image faded away, leaving the crystal ball blank. "A word, if I may, My Queen?" Kunzite stepped forward. "Yes, what is it?" "Do you believe it wise to continue making use of the crystal to communicate with Jadeite, My Queen? If that human was able to tap into it, then perhaps he can also monitor any conversation you may have through it?" The Queen's grin was inexplicably broad. "Exactly, Kunzite; exactly." ***** "Andreas, phone call." The orderly leaned through the doorway. "No need to hurry; it's only a girl." The young officer was there in a flash. " No need to hurry', indeed." He took the receiver. "Hello there; what can I do for you?" The instant he recognized the voice his entire attitude changed. "Leutnant, stand by for the Reichsfuehrer." It was Gretchen. On came the booming voice of Siegfried Koenig. "Leutnant?" "Yes, Herr Reichsfuehrer?" "You and Leutnant Erde might want to try visiting Hermannland tomorrow. I think that's where our friends have set up their base of operations this time." "Jawohl, Herr Reichsfuehrer. We'll be there first thing." "Oh, and you're in Zivil for this one." "Jawohl, Herr Reichsfuehrer." The line went dead. Andreas hung up the receiver, then looked at his watch. The Hero and his secretary must be working late tonight, he decided. Then he turned back to the sleeping quarters to pass on the news to Tristan. ***** Saturday was a beautiful, clear day. The big black car nosed its way onto the narrow cobblestoned streets. In the rear seat sat Wilhelmina, staring through the tinted windows at a world she'd never seen before. "How could anyone live like this?" she whispered to herself. Then she reached over and activated the intercom. "Juergen, are you certain this is the right address?" "Ja, Fraulein Wilhelmina; I'm just pulling up to it now," the chauffeur replied. The car rolled to a halt. Wilhelmina looked on in dismay at a row of grubby townhouses: paint and stucco peeling off the walls, windows needing a good cleaning, and rubbish strewn along the gutters. Juergen got out and dutifully opened the rear door. The first thing Wilhelmina noticed was the stench - rotting garbage, old fried foods, and some things she just didn't want to identify. With as much effort as she could muster, she tried to keep a straight face as she walked up to the front door of No.10. With some relief she noticed the windows here were much cleaner, the steps were swept, and there was nothing piled in front, save an empty beer bottle carefully standing sentry by the steps. She reached out and touched the buzzer. The door opened a crack, then swiftly closed again. Wilhelmina could have sworn she'd seen a cherubic if somewhat smeared face somewhere far down below; the sound of running footsteps told her she'd been right. From inside she heard a little girl's voice declaim in a loud lisp: "Ka-ni! You fwiend's here!" About ten seconds later the door opened again, this time in a much more welcoming fashion. A middle-aged-looking woman stood there, appearing about four months pregnant and wearing an apron, one corner of which was firmly in the grasp of a tow-headed toddler. "You must be Wilhelmina," she said. "Kani will be ready in a moment; she just has to take care of one or two extra things. Please, come in." She welcomed the blonde inside. Wilhelmina turned back to the chauffeur, nodded that all was well, and followed Frau Schmidt inside. For all its evident threadbareness and poor quality, Wilhelmina had to admit the house looked well-cared-for. She trailed behind Frau Schmidt as they went into the kitchen, not the sitting-room as she'd expected. She also noticed she'd attracted an audience of tiny heads watching from the safety of the stairs. "Are all these your children, Frau Schmidt?" she asked politely, barely keeping her surprise in check. Mama smiled, wiped her forehead, and resumed her daily struggle with the stewpot. "Yes, there's six little ones peeping around the corner at you, the clingy one holding onto my apron here, Kani's upstairs, I don't know where Sami has got to, and here is number ten." She pointed to her abdomen for emphasis. "If we ever move to another house, I don't want its address to be any higher." Wilhelmina smiled at the small joke, then heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs. A moment later, Kani arrived in the kitchen. "Thanks, Mama," she said, and kissed the woman on the cheek. "I'll take care of the little ones for you tonight. Bye." She then came across the kitchen, took Wilhelmina's arm, and led her out. By the entrance way stood Lothar. "Don't you wanna meet Papa?" he asked, his devious face betraying nothing but false innocence. He reached over and opened the sitting-room door. "No, Lothar, you little-" Kani reached for the boy, but he fled down the hall sniggering. Wilhelmina couldn't stop herself. She looked into the sitting-room. There, lying sprawled over the sofa, was the sleeping and snoring form of Hans Schmidt, unwashed, unshaven, half-dressed, and reeking of beer. Then Kani closed the door firmly. "Come on. We still have to go get Rachel," she said curtly. They left the house. On the way down the steps, Kani noticed the empty beer bottle. "At least he was neat about it," she growled softly. Then they got into the limousine, and set off for St. Cyriak's. ***** The curtain on the second-floor window fell back into place as Sami let it go. He sighed. And she was a blonde. ***** Wilhelmina waited a good minute before she asked the question. "Kani, why does your family - I mean, how does a family live like this?" "You mean why don't we live in a big mansion and have a fancy car and someone to do all our work for us?" "No, that's not what I mean. I mean, the State is supposed to make everybody's lives better. Yet, all the houses there were, well, they were...." She couldn't think of a tactful way to put it. "You mean why are there still poor and unwashed people in the glorious Reich? I don't know, Wilhelmina. I was born poor, I've grown up poor, and, unless I get very lucky, I'll marry poor and die poor, after raising a family of poor children of my own. Does that answer your question?" Wilhelmina stayed silent. There was nothing she could say. A few minutes later, the car pulled up at the front gates of St. Cyriak's. Standing there was Rachel, wearing a plain light blue dress and a navy kerchief tied firmly around her head; Luna lay draped over one shoulder. Although Rachel's new jet-black hair was continuing to grow at an unheard-of rate, the girl still kept her head covered at all times. Whether that was from a continued concern for her appearance, a religious conviction, or mere force of habit, she would not say. Wilhelmina pointed at the novice. "We have got to take that girl shopping. That dress is only ten or fifteen years out of fashion." "It's probably the only piece of clothing they have in the place that's not clerical and fits," Kani replied. Wilhelmina recognized the tone of voice. "I don't relate *everything* in life to money, do I?" Kani relaxed. "I'm sorry. That little incident in the house just put me on edge, that's all." Without even waiting for Juergen, Rachel reached over, opened the car door for herself and climbed in. "My goodness! This is big, isn't it? You know, this is the first time I ever recall being in a car." She smiled with excitement. Wilhelmina shook her head. How had she gotten herself hooked up with the two most underprivileged teenagers in Berlin? ***** For all its military might - the jet fighters, the tanks, the U-boats, the rockets - there was one enemy the Reich had not been able to defeat. A founder of the original Nazi Party might have proudly proclaimed: >Wenn ich Kultur' hoere .... entsichere ich meinen Browning,< but what was he going to shoot at - a celluloid rodent? It was true. Slowly but surely the insidious roots of American culture were making inroads into Deutschland-Europa. The Powers That Be eventually came to the conclusion that the best response was to beat the American cultural machine at its own game. And so Hermannland was born. Every schoolchild knew of the real' Hermann, the valiant Germanic chieftain who'd defeated the might of the Roman Empire. However, the unwashed, tree-worshipping, swarthy, blood-stained historical Hermann needed to be cleaned up' for his second coming. What emerged was a jovial, kind-hearted, broad-shouldered, blond-haired and blue-eyed Goth living in a village of equally kindly if somewhat eccentric friends. Many adventures of "Hermann der Gote" were published as comic books, then turned into animated movies; figurines and clothes bearing the characters' images were mass-produced for copious consumption. When the craze had reached a peak, the State began to build amusement parks. The first, the biggest, and the best, was the park on the outskirts of Berlin. Today, Hermannland was jam-packed. Children were dashing about screaming with joy. Parents were also dashing about, although their screams generally had little to do with joy. In the midst of this hubbub, two SS officers in seldom-worn plainclothes stuck out as much as they would have if they'd been in full dress uniform. "If das finstere Koenigreich picked this place as a base of operations, they'll have no problems gathering energy! Every parent in the place would be volunteering their kids for the process!" Andreas nearly shouted his words as another screeching throng galloped past. Tristan winced as three boys ran by, each one managing to tread on his toes in the exact same place. "Did the Reichsfuehrer say what exactly we're to be looking for?" "He suggested that if we have no luck doing a general sweep of the place we should try the Schloss Traumprinzessin at 1600 hours." "Great," Tristan groaned, "another place where we're sure to run into a ton of kids all hyped on sugar." "Come on; let's try a sweep of the place with the meter. If we get lucky we might get out of here sooner." "Somehow, I have a feeling this isn't one of those days." ***** "Yee-haw!!" Wilhelmina threw her hands high in the air and twirled around, her long skirt fanning out around her. "Well, what shall we do first: the roller coaster or the Ferris wheel?" From Rachel's shoulder came the sound of a cat sighing loudly. "I knew this was going to happen. Rides, games, food - what about looking for the Mondprinzessin?" Kani snorted. "All these people just running around and doing the strangest things, and to no purpose: well, we're not going to fall for it, are we, Rachel?" But the novice was staring wide-eyes at the sights. Slowly, an expression began to creep across her face, a look of pure enchantment. "Oh, Wilhelmina, Kani, Luna! It's - it's wonderful!" Kani and Luna rolled their eyes at the same instant. First, the Ferris wheel. Wilhelmina squealed with delight, Rachel marvelled at the height, Kani tried to spot her neighbourhood, and Luna wished she'd stayed on the ground. Next, the merry-go-round. Wilhelmina squealed with delight, Rachel marvelled at the beauty of the carved horses, while Kani stood off to one side ("kid stuff", she scoffed) and Luna got dizzy watching. Then, the bumper cars. Wilhelmina squealed with delight, Rachel tried to steer clear of everyone and apologized to anyone she did hit, Kani spent the entire time looking for a clear run at Wilhelmina, and Luna hid under Kani's seat praying the ride would end. Finally, the roller coaster. Wilhelmina screamed with fright, Rachel screamed with fright, Kani screamed with fright. And then they rode it again. And again. And once more for good measure. Luna stayed firmly on the ground. Between it all, they ate and ate and ate - waffles topped with apples and cream, pretzels, bratwurst smothered in sauerkraut, potato pancakes, and ice-cream. If there was a food stand they'd missed, the quartet couldn't think of it. Bloated, hoarse, and giddy, they staggered towards a lucky find, an empty bench, and collapsed onto it. After a few minutes of basking in the late spring sunshine, Kani was the first to speak: "That was great, but I guess we'd better get to work." "Spoilsport," was Wilhelmina's reply. "We haven't done the water rides yet, or the funhouse, or-" "Could we do those later? I mean, we did come here for a reason, and it would be a shame to waste a perfectly wonderful day by not doing what we're here for." Rachel looked at the others, then she smiled. "And then we can do all the other rides!" It was a plan of sorts. Luna agreed that the best thing to do was split up, in order to cover more of the park at once. "I'll go with Rachel," she ordered. "We'll meet at the Schloss at four." Kani gave Luna a dark stare as she watched the cat and the novice head off. She was now alone with her fellow blonde. "Oh, come on, sourpuss; it can't be that bad being stuck with me," said Wilhelmina. "You sure? You're actually going to pay attention to the job at hand and not go off on more rides?" "Okay, perhaps I deserved that. However, I was the one who first suggested looking for the Mondprinzessin here. Do you think I did that just to come here? I could do that any time, you know. Instead, I came with you, Rachel, and Luna. If we can find the Mondprinzessin and maybe, just maybe, you could smile once, it would all be worth it." Kani relaxed a little. "It's just sometimes you say the dumbest things, Wilhelmina, or you do something really silly. I would have thought you'd know better by now." "Is that why Maria hates me?" Kani stopped and turned to face the other girl. "Hates you? How can you say that? Maybe she's just not taken to you." "Tell me the truth, Kani: if I weren't Matrose Venus, would you hang around with me?" "I don't know," Kani replied carefully. "I only knew you for a day or two before you became Venus." Wilhelmina's head drooped. "I wish I could know for certain." Kani put an arm around Wilhelmina. "Don't you have any other friends?" "I have three older brothers and no sisters. My Daddy's always been very busy with work and stuff, and Mother keeps herself occupied with her things. None of my Daddy's friends or colleagues have kids my age; they're all my brothers' ages. I've been moved around to a lot of private schools; none of the girls there have ever really liked me, even though I try really hard to fit in. You and Rachel are something I've never had. But," and she jabbed a finger at Kani, "I don't want you forced to make a choice between Maria and me." "There's no choice to make, Wilhelmina. You can have more than one friend." "Okay, if you say so." They hugged. They'd wandered through their section of the park for some time, enjoying the sights and one another's company, but failing to sense anything unusual, when the bleating of an amplified ram's horn through the park's P.A. system startled them and many of the others around them: "Guests are reminded that the sweets party at Schloss Traumprinzessin will start at 1600 hours. You have fifteen minutes," said the announcer. "Aaack!" screamed Wilhelmina. "We're on the far side of the park! We'll never get there in time!" "Don't worry," Kani reassured her, "there's a train that runs around the park. There's a station over here. We'll catch the next train and be there in plenty of time." Luck was running in their favour; as they reached the station a train arrived, a miniature replica of an old-time steam engine pulling a string of cars with single-seats lined up behind, two to a car. The end car was empty; Kani grabbed the front seat, while Wilhelmina took the last spot on the train. They were making good time until, with a sudden lurch, the train screeched to a halt. The driver gruffly apologized for the abrupt stop and the delay. That didn't help Kani much. She'd lost her grip on the handrail when the train had stopped, and had done a face-plant into the back of the man seated in front of her. Holding her tender nose between her fingers, she started to apologize. "Sorry" was what she said, but it came out more like the moo of a sick cow. "Did you say something?" The man turned around, and Kani groaned. Of course, it had to be him, of all people. "Only one person in the entire world is out to get me, and I have to keep running into her. What have I done to deserve this?" Tristan threw his arms skyward as he bemoaned his fate. "Bad karma," said Andreas, seated in front of Tristan and watching with evident glee. He waved back at a wildly gesticulating Wilhelmina. "You really don't believe that, do you? I assure you I am not out to get you," Kani protested. "You could have fooled me." Kani started to do a slow burn. "Look, if I was out to get you, I could think of far better ways to do it than with my nose! I am not a demented woodpecker, you know!" "Maybe that's another question you missed on the test." Now her face was a deep crimson. "Driver, what's the hold-up?!" she shouted. "I want to get out of here!" "It'll only be a moment, Fraulein," the driver replied tersely. Sure enough, a few seconds later the train lurched into motion. Kani nearly lost her balance again, and Tristan held out a hand to steady her. "Whoa, whoa; next time you'll have me thinking you were going to throw me under the wheels," he joked. Kani yanked her arm out of his soft grasp. "I don't need you to save me from every little peril. I can take care of myself quite fine, thank you." Tristan smiled. "You may miss me someday." Then he turned back to face ahead. Wilhelmina leaned forward over Kani's shoulder. "Wow, that was a long conversation. What did your boyfriend have to say?" "He is *not* my boyfriend!!" "Okay, have it your way. If his friend's not going to make a move, I'll have to try him instead. I already have one advantage - he likes blondes." Kani bit her tongue and prayed for the ride to end. And yet, the warmth of his arm still tingled on her skin where they'd touched. No, not him. Definitely not him. ***** The tables were laden with food, delicious confectionaries designed to tempt any person. The interior of the Schloss was a spun-glass and gingerbread fantasy, a treat to the eye, nose, and mouth. In the middle of the empty room stood a vision - a petite young woman, china-doll-like in features, wearing a ball gown of shimmering silver and white. She stood, waiting silently, not moving at all, her eyes closed. In the shadows, a shape stirred. He reached out a hand, gave the merest flick of his finger - - and the eyes of the Traumprinzessin snapped open with a click. The shadows were empty again. ***** The chimes of the huge bell clock finished striking the last note. A few stragglers were hurrying to get inside the Schloss. Rachel stood outside, a worried expression across her face. Luna was at her feet, pacing back and forth. "I can understand Wilhelmina being late, but this is unlike Kani. Where are they?" the cat steamed. "Should I go ahead in?" "No - wait, yes. I don't like you going in on your own, but we need to see what's going on. I'll wait here for those two." "Don't worry; I'll be careful." Rachel turned and walked through the open doors. She was the last; the doors then swung closed with what sounded to Luna like a far too ominous slamming sound. There was nothing else she could do, though, but wait. ***** Part of Rachel's mind took one look at the seemingly endless supply of food waiting to be consumed and felt greedy pleasure at the thought of the feast. Another part chided her for contemplating the mortal sin of gluttony. A third thought dispassionately of how many of St. Cyriak's neighbours could have used a portion of the bounty to feed their families. Torn between such conflicting emotions, the novitiate unconsciously steered clear of the food, perhaps waiting until her moral debaters had settled affairs. Whatever scruples Rachel possessed seemed to be hers alone. Everyone else in the great hall was busy helping themselves. In seconds, hands and faces were smeared in powdered sugar, whipped cream, custard, and chocolate. The sounds of uninterrupted feasting filled the air, punctuated by the vacuum-popping staccato of finger-sucking. And then the Prinzessin was among them. The eating stopped. No one who saw her could resist her simple charms. She had a smile for everyone. She glided through the room as if on a cushion of air, her silver-and-white ball gown fluttering gently. Gracefully turning this way and that, she made eye-contact with all. Then it was Rachel's turn; for an instant, the smile faded. But the person beside Rachel was favoured with the Prinzessin's gentle upturn of the mouth, and so it went until she had made her way to the centre of the hall. There was an expectant hush. "Wilkommen im Schloss Traumprinzessin; welcome to my home. Is everyone enjoying themselves?" Hundreds of heads bobbed up and down noiselessly. "Excellent. It makes me so happy when everyone else is happy. That's my dream: to make everyone happy. Is that what you want, to be happy?" Again the heads nodded in pleasure. "Good. Then dream of happiness. You are in my Schloss, you are my guests. I will do anything to make you happy." Rachel looked around and realized some of the people around her seemed to be acting strangely. One girl bent down and began stroking and petting thin air. A woman was showing another woman something that wasn't there. In moments, everyone seemed to be doing something strange: everyone, that is, except Rachel. It occurred to her that perhaps she was unaffected because she'd not partaken of the food. Nervously, she glanced around - where was the Prinzessin? "I am over here. You are not dreaming; you must be very unhappy." Rachel whirled around, and was startled as an eclair was shoved into her mouth. She tried to push away the hands holding the pastry, tried to spit out the mouthful, tried not to swallow anything - - and there was the wall of roses at the Nonnenkloster, now covered in thousands of blood-red blooms. Rachel stood there, robed in brilliant white, her long black hair blowing free in the wind, a rosary clasped in her hands. She didn't hear the Traumprinzessin, carefully dusting the sugar off her long gloves, say: "Now that everyone is happy, it's time for all of you to have pleasant dreams." The gloved hand reached out, a finger extended to press the eye of a gingerbread man on a wall. There was a faint hum. Slowly, people began to collapse as their energy was gradually drained. No one felt a thing, not even Rachel. ***** Kani and Wilhelmina ran up to the entrance of the Schloss. Wilhelmina took one look at the closed doors and began to wail. "No! They've started! We missed the food! Stupid train!" She kicked the door, then winced from the pain in her foot. Luna came up. "Where were you two? Rachel's in there alone." "Sorry. We were on the far side of the park and tried taking a train here. Of course, it would get held up," explained Kani as she tugged unsuccessfully on the huge handles. "Yeah, and Kani bumped into her boyfr-I mean, this guy she keeps running into." Wilhelmina faced down Kani's piercing glance. "C'mon, girl, you gotta admit there must be more than just coincidence to you and him meeting like this all the time." "I'll admit it when he stops meeting me at my worst. All I seem to do is hit him with something." "Could we perhaps get back to the problem at hand?" interrupted Luna. "If the doors are locked, how do we get in?" "Do we need to get in?" asked Wilhelmina. "I mean, has anything hap-" At that instant, all three of them felt the wave of evil emanating from the Schloss. Wilhelmina stayed silent; it was Kani who spoke: "Well, that changes things. Rachel needs us *now*." "Coast is clear," said Luna. One brooch and one Stift were held high in the air. ***** The bleeping coming from Andreas' pocket meant only one thing: trouble. The SS officer pulled the meter out and looked at the readings. "The Schloss, and it's just after four. How does the Hero do it? Has he got a crystal ball, or what?" Realizing his partner hadn't answered, Andreas began to worry. "Tristan? Tris? Hey, comrade." "Ummf - sorry, Andreas. Thought I heard something." The dark-haired man shook his head; his eyes were slightly glazed. "C'mon, the Schloss is just around the corner. Let's get there," suggested Andreas. He took off at a brisk pace, only to find he was already being left behind. "Whoa, Tris, it's not a race." Andreas quickened his steps to catch up. ***** "So how do we get in?" Matrose Venus smiled. "Leave that to me." She took a balanced stance, pointed at the doors, and shouted: "Halbmond Strahl!" The beam of light shot from her fingertips and struck the doors dead-centre. There was a flash and a cloud of smoke; when they cleared, there was a large neat circular hole punched through the target. Venus blew imaginary smoke from her finger and holstered' her right hand. "Dey call me die Venus-Kind'," she mocked in a deadpan and very bad American western accent. "Yeah, die Venus-Kind' who was able to hit the target because it was the size of a Schloss," was Matrose Mond's rejoinder. She climbed in through the hole, followed by Venus with Luna draped over one shoulder. They found themselves in a long corridor, with doors leading off on either side. "Which way?" Venus asked. "I say straight ahead," Matrose Mond replied. "If we're expected, I suppose all we can do is be ready. The first priority, though, is finding Rachel." They set off, their footsteps echoing down the marble passage. Luna had jumped down and was making her own way. "I have a bad feeling about this," she said. And then the Prinzessin was in front of them. It was so difficult for the Matrosen-Amazonen to take their eyes off her; she radiated beauty and grace. Even Luna found it hard to resist the siren call. "Are you the one?" the cat whispered. "Are you the Mondprinzessin?" "I am who you want me to be. Dream of what you want and it will be yours." Then she breathed - - and there was no hallway, no Schloss, no evil. There was only a peaceful garden, a glade of haunting beauty. The Amazonen looked around, expressions of rapture on their faces. There was nothing more that could make this perfect. And then they heard the hooves of the horse. ***** The pair stared at the hole in the Schloss doors. "Whatever did that was pretty powerful," Tristan observed. "And it came from out here, so whoever's responsible probably used it to get inside." "Do we follow, Tris? Uh, Tris? Oh, scheisse!" The young man in the formal attire had already stepped through the hole and was on his way down the corridor. Sighing mightily, Andreas followed, feeling like a fifth wheel. ***** The mists at the forest's edge hid the rider from view. The clip-clop of the hooves echoed all around the garden. Matrose Mond whirled around, trying to see the source; Matrose Venus was busy doing the same. Then he came into view. The dashing, debonair rider on the horse was Smokingmaske. "Going my way, ladies?" he said, and smiled charmingly. They ran over to him, laughing and giggling. Then they were behind him, riding their own horses - or were they on the merry-go-round again? It was all so blurry, fuzzy at the edges, that when you tried to tighten your grip it all slipped away like a sunbeam - There was a cracking noise. Time to wake up. Matrose Mond opened her eyes; she was still in the corridor of the Schloss. She was holding a broom in both hands and was sitting astride it. Guiltily, she tossed it aside, hearing an identical noise a moment later as an embarrassed Venus did the same. Their alarm-clock remained sticking up out of the marble floor, a red rose in full bloom, swaying gently back and forth. "You," said the Prinzessin in a cold monotone. "You are not wanted here." The object of her wrath stood high above on a ledge. From well down the hall Andreas stood admiring the performance of his friend's alter ego; Smokingmaske had not only broken the spell on the two Matrosen-Amazonen but had found the only source of backlighting for his entrance. "Dreams are for sleeping, and for coming true through hard work and effort. Giving people the illusion of happiness is a lie, especially when you're prepared to use that illusion to cover darker purposes!" Smokingmaske turned from the Prinzessin to the heroines. "Ladies: beware! Don't let her lies deceive you again! Farewell!" Then, there was a rustle of silk cape, and he vanished. Andreas smiled and shook his head. Wonderful theatre, he thought. Then he suddenly realized he'd have to find his partner before the shock wore off. He turned and headed back to the castle entrance. That left the Matrosen-Amazonen and Luna facing the Prinzessin. "We're ready for you now, lady," Matrose Venus warned. "Are you going to give up, or do we have to get rough?" "Dreams have two faces: the good side is a pleasant way to spend your sleep; the other side - well, you must excuse me a moment." And the Traumprinzessin's head suddenly disappeared inside her body. There was the faint echo of Brahms in the air. The headless body began to rotate gently, the torso and arms in one direction and the wide skirt in the other. White changed to black, silver to crimson. Then the head re-emerged. The other face. It wasn't so pretty. Its eyes opened. "Dream a little dream with me," it said. Then it breathed. Again the corridor disappeared. Again the mists returned. "This is only a dream," Matrose Mond said, as if it were her mantra. "This is only a dream." "But it seems so real," replied Venus. "How? How is it so- look out!" she shouted, and shoved Matrose Mond aside. Mond whirled around and saw Venus lose her balance and fall right in front of the viper's strike. The tiara was off her brow, in her hand, in flight, and slicing the snake's head clean off. While she waited for the Diadem to return, she finally had time to realize what she'd done in a split-second. "That's it!" she yelled angrily. "This isn't real! I refuse to believe in it anymore!" And, like that, they were back in the corridor, just the two girls and the cat. "Come on." Mond grabbed Venus by an arm. "Before that little witch has a chance to regroup we've got to find Rachel." The pair set off, Luna running behind. ***** The object of their search was slowly struggling to her feet, spitting out crumbs of pastry. Because Rachel had ingested so little of the eclair, her body's heightened metabolism had quickly worn off the tainted food's effects. She still felt woozy, and knew she'd been sapped of some of her life-energy. Nevertheless, she stood up and looked around to see if anyone was present. Everyone else in the room was unconscious. Feeling secure enough, she reached into a pocket and pulled out her Stift. She held it high and called out "Marsmacht, schminke!" In an instant she was garbed in the shockingly brief - by her standards - attire of Matrose Mars. Still mildly embarrassed by her appearance, she started to move through the room, worrying that not everyone on the floor was unconscious enough not to see up her micro-skirt as she walked by. The doors at the far end banged open, and Mars instinctively assumed a defensive posture, then she relaxed as she recognized the arrivals. "Am I glad to see you two," she said to Matrose Mond and Venus. "How are you, Mars?" asked Luna, the last to enter. "A little weak, but I'm fine otherwise." "Ah, so you've made it here. Time for us to resume our little discussion." The dark side of the Traumprinzessin glided out of the shadows. "I think that you all need something very special." It moved towards the fall wall covered with gingerbread men. "No you don't!" shouted Mars. From nowhere, a rosary appeared in her hand. Holding the end with the crucifix, she whirled the long loop about like a lariat. "Weiche boeser Geist!" she yelled as she released the rosary. It spun through the air and landed around the Prinzessin's neck. The creature froze in mid-move. Its mouth drooped open slightly. "Help," it croaked. "Now! While it's helpless!" Luna exhorted. The trio needed no encouragement. "Mond Diadem Aktion!" "Halbmond Strahl!" "Feuer Seele!" Their attacks struck the youma simultaneously. The Prinzessin exploded in a spray of grey dust, followed by one of the gingerbread men's eyes popping. In seconds, everything around the heroines was dissolving into thin air. The castle and all its contents were gone. Slowly, the hundreds of people, now lying unconscious on a bare lawn, began to stir. The girls smiled at one another. "We did it again," said Venus proudly. "Well done, all of you," came Luna's words of praise. "Better find someplace quiet to change back." Together, they ran off. Three pairs of eyes watched them go. The first two turned as if to follow, then Tristan seized Andreas' arm. "Let them go." "But the Reichsfuehrer's orders-" "What good will it do now? We need to get to them sooner, someplace in battle." Andreas nodded. "Next time, then." Gratefully they headed for the nearest exit. The third pair of eyes belonged to a nondescript man in a janitor's uniform. The eyes were not happy. Jadeite knew he was in serious trouble now - Muurido dead, the plan in ruins, and now a third Matrosen-Amazonen. It all added up to very big trouble for him. ***** "Again?! Jadeite, your incompetence is becoming very tiresome! I'm not through with you; I shall have to decide on your fate soon! As for now, get out!" "But, Queen Beryl,-" "GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!!" Jadeite ducked as the wineglass flew towards him, then he vanished. Kunzite snapped his fingers and a full glass appeared in his hand. Bowing, he presented it to Beryl as she sat back down. "And now there are three Matrosen-Amazonen," he commented. Beryl took a sip. "We are no nearer to our goal and we now face significant opposition. I do not like this." "Will you consider the Earthling's offer?" asked Nephrite. "It does appear to be more attractive now," Beryl replied. "I do not trust him," Kunzite objected. "We know he seeks to serve his own purposes. What happens after together we've defeated Matrose Mond? How are we to be certain of keeping this man under our control?" There was a low rumble; the floor of the Throne Room shook gently. "There is your answer, Kunzite. Whatever he may be capable of, this Reichsfuehrer is only a human. And our Great One sees humans as a source of energy - even the ambitious ones," replied Beryl. She chuckled softly. "I think I shall see which man shall make me the better offer, Siegfried Koenig or Jadeite. May the better man win." She lifted her glass in a mock toast and took another deep sip of the blood-red liquid. ***** The doors to the study burst open with a bang. "Hi, Daddy, you're home tonight!" exclaimed Wilhelmina as she ran in and threw her arms around her father's neck before he had a chance to get up or turn around. "What'cha doing?" "Oh, more office work. So many files to keep up on." She ran a hand through his faintly silvery hair. "It must be break time, Daddy. Enough of this stuffy old work." He chuckled, extracted an arm from her embrace, and put it around Wilhelmina's shoulders. "And how was your day, meine kleine Schoenheitskoenigin?" She giggled at the familiar pet-name. "Oh, it was great. Me and Kani and Rachel had a wonderful time. We went on the roller coaster and the waterfall ride and the bumper cars and everything!" "Did you go to the Schloss Traumprinzessin?" She paused. "No. It was closed or something." "Oh; that's too bad." He smiled. "I suppose you've eaten so much that you won't want dinner?" "Oh, Daddy!" Wilhelmina protested. "Then you'd better go upstairs and wash up. It seems as though Gustav is nearly finished. Your mother, whose presence we are graced with this evening, will be upset if you keep him waiting; you know what kind of perfectionist he is." "Okay, Daddy. See you!" Wilhelmina turned and flew out the doors, her footsteps clattering on the marble staircase. Still smiling, Reichsfuehrer-SS Siegfried Koenig turned back to his paperwork. It had been a good day, and there promised to be many more in the future. ***** end Chapter Five. Glossary: >das finstere Koenigreich< - the Dark Kingdom. I use this translation in place of >das Koenigreich des Dunkeln<, as used in the German dub. Schloss - castle Traumprinzessin - dream princess Tegeler See - a lake to the northwest of Berlin. Kuchen - cakes. >Wenn ich Kultur' hoere.... entsichere ich meinen Browning< - "When I hear the word culture' ... I reach for my pistol". While often attributed to Hermann Goering, my edition of _Bartlett's Familiar Quotations_ cites one Hanns Johst as the originator of this saying in 1933. Hermann - also known as Arminius, he is a semi-legendary figure in German history. He was a tribal chieftan of the Cheruscans, but had been educated as a Roman; he was a Roman citizen and held the rank of equestrian. Hermann was the leader of a group of Germanic tribesmen who, in AD. 9, annihilated three Roman legions, about 20,000 men, at the battle of Teutoburger Wald (Teutonberg Forest). The loss checked any possible expansion of the Roman Empire across the Rhine River. The Roman Emperor Augustus is said to have foreverafter mourned the three "eagles" that had flown away, never to be found; he would wander the halls of the imperial palace, calling out the names of the commanding generals. (The reference is to the imperial standard of each legion, a banner held on a long pole, topped with a bronze eagle.) Indeed, the numbers of the lost' legions were never reassigned. The legend of Hermann is a strange one. His fame is due mostly to the praise of his enemies, especially through the writings of the Roman historian Tacitus, who lived a century after Hermann. It is not until fairly recent times, the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, that Germans began to think of Hermann as a worthy figure in their history. Eventually, his symbolic value was co-opted by nationalist movements as the first in a long line of heroic defenders of Germany and German nationalism. The Hermannsdenkmal (Hermann Monument), a 27 metre-high bronze statue, took 37 years to complete; it was unveiled in 1875. The inscription on the statue's pedastal reads: "German unity is my power, my power is Germany's might". It still stands today near Detmold, east of Muenster and west of Hannover. However, there is one thing historians and achaeologists are in agreement on: the site of the Denkmal is definitely *not* the site of the battle. Kind - child, kid'. >meine kleine Schoenheitskoenigin< - "my little beauty queen"