Stupid Luck and Happenstance, Thread III

Part 113, Chapter 1873
Chapter One Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-Three



20th August 1968

Hohenzollern Castle

“We are going to need you to get back to your room before you fall asleep” Kiki said to Ben who had been on the verge of dozing off.

Looking at Kiki in the dim light from the lamp on the bedside table, he realized that he would prefer to spend the rest of the night here with her. However, he also knew that this castle and the villages that surrounded it were full of people who loved to talk about whatever Kiki happened to be doing while she was in residence. His mere presence in her chambers late at night would give them loads to talk about for the next several years. He had only intended to talk about what had transpired over the last month before he left the next morning. With him getting grounded and how it had likely been her father putting pressure on his Commanding Officer in order to give her one less excuse to head for Poland over the summer. How they had made up for that afterwards was the sort of thing that would probably be a happy memory that would stay with Ben for the rest of his life.

Ben watched Kiki climb out of bed and pulled on her blue silk robe, much to his disappointment. He had rather liked seeing her without it.

“I mean it Benjamin” Kiki said pulling the blankets off him and throwing his clothes at him.

“Hey!” Ben yelled in reaction to suddenly finding himself in a draft while in a decidedly unclothed state. Then a cold, wet nose shoved itself into his ear. He realized that Rauchbier had decided to make an appearance, right before the dog started licking his face.

“You’ve made your point Kristina” Ben said once he pushed Rauchbier away so that he could put his clothes back on. “And I still think that you love the game, all this sneaking around.”

“Not really” Kiki replied, “I could live without it.”

“We won’t have to sneak around after next summer, now will we” Ben said.

“What is happening next summer that will change anything?” Kiki asked in reply and Ben wondered how she could be so obtuse at times as he finished dressing. He had loved every aspect of her since he had met her more than a decade earlier. However, whenever Kiki didn’t want to deal with something, she stubbornly pushed so far out of her mind it may as well not exist. That could be aggravating at times.

Opening the door, Kiki stepped out onto the darkened landing and peered down the stairs. “I can’t hear anyone down there” She said, “So, go now.”

“I love you too Princess” Ben said before he kissed her.

Ben saw the look of surprise and consternation on Kiki’s face before she closed the door because he had done that.

When he had put some distance between himself and Kiki’s room, he stopped sneaking and just ambled down the hallways humming to himself.

“Why are you up Herr Hirsch?” A child’s voice asked. Looking over, Ben saw two girls wearing the sort of flannel nightgowns that would serve them well in a drafty castle. Kiki’s guests, one with dark hair and brown eyes, the other was a dishwater blond with hazel eyes. Ben knew that the girl with hazel eyes walked with a bad limp and she used crutches to get around. He had assumed that one of her legs was broken or something and she wasn’t allowing that to get in the way of summer fun. Tonight though, he could see that she was leaning on her crutches with only one foot was visible, the other missing entirely. Their names came back to him. Sophie and Franziska.

“I couldn’t sleep” Ben replied, that seeming like a safe enough answer for these two.

“Marie said that she saw you go up the tower to kiss Kiki” Sophie said in a rather naïve tone that Ben suspected wasn’t as innocent as it seemed.

“Sure, to wish her good night” Ben replied.

“That was hours ago?” Sophie asked, “What sort of kiss is that?”

That was a question Ben was not about to answer, not in a million years.

“What are you two doing up anyway?” Ben asked changing the subject, hopefully to something safer.

“Ziska had to go to the bathroom and needed help” Sophie said, “Then she got to telling me about this Doctor she is supposed to see when she gets home… a, what did you call it?

“An Orthopedist” Ziska said, “Then I will be able to walk normally again because my leg is now too short for me.”

“Your leg?” Ben asked, wondering what sort of answer he was going to get.

“I left it in our room” Ziska said, “I told my mother that I thought it would be good for the summer, but I was wrong. It really is a bother.”

This wasn’t a conversation that Ben would expect to have with a pair of nine-year-old girls. He couldn’t help but notice that the way they came across seemed out of ordinary. Far beyond their years.

“Are you going to marry Kiki?” Sophie asked.

“I haven’t asked her” Ben said, because he knew that she would probably say no and had been trying to gently bring Kiki around to the subject.

“Are you?” Ziska asked.

“I would like to” Ben replied.
 
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I give you the 15cm sFH 18 "Evergreen" Howitzer, IOTL it remained in service until 2007. ITTL it has been coupled with a Panther hull so it will probably remain in service until the vehicles fall apart.

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Once into the ears of children, the whole world will know, Ben.

At least it's been obvious for years, now.

Indeed...

And at this point...Kiki can't go saying 'It'd never work/duty/etc.' Ben's a hero, someone who's in the public eye, and is now a member of the nobility. He is, quite frankly, an entirely eligible prospect for marriage to Kiki (I mean, at the time we're at now, nobody's going to care about that in a few years - odds are next generation of the Imperial family will be regularly marrying commoners, but still). Kiki is going to realise, sooner or later, the only thing in the way is her own neuroses. And since she's been with Ben on and off for nearly a decade now...I don't see her deciding there's better prospects :p
 
“We won’t have to sneak around after next summer, now will we” Ben said.
“What is happening next summer that will change anything?” Kiki asked in reply and Ben wondered how she could be so obtuse at times as he finished dressing.
“I love you too Princess” Ben said before he kissed her.
Ben saw the look of surprise and consternation on Kiki’s face before she closed the door because he had done that.

GAARRGGHH!!!

It is long past due for certain important introductions to be made.

The Universe and/or God: "Kiki, this is Clue-stick. Clue-stick, meet Kiki." WHAM!!!
Repeat as necessary unto the End Of Time
 
GAARRGGHH!!!

It is long past due for certain important introductions to be made.

The Universe and/or God: "Kiki, this is Clue-stick. Clue-stick, meet Kiki." WHAM!!!
Repeat as necessary unto the End Of Time

I swear, Kat, Vicky and Rhea need to sit Kiki down - tie her to a chair if necessary - and go through an in-depth presentation (with slides and diagrams) as to why there are now zero objections to be made from any external POV to the two of them tying the knot.
 
I think Charlotte will have to sit down with Kiki.
Her father could do it, but I think Charlotte has the experience, (not in this exact conversation, but with difficult conversations in general), to let Kiki make the right decision on her own terms.
 
Indeed...

And at this point...Kiki can't go saying 'It'd never work/duty/etc.' Ben's a hero, someone who's in the public eye, and is now a member of the nobility. He is, quite frankly, an entirely eligible prospect for marriage to Kiki (I mean, at the time we're at now, nobody's going to care about that in a few years - odds are next generation of the Imperial family will be regularly marrying commoners, but still). Kiki is going to realise, sooner or later, the only thing in the way is her own neuroses. And since she's been with Ben on and off for nearly a decade now...I don't see her deciding there's better prospects :p

sure she can, because Ben was never really the issue, see Louis sister.
 
I am now of the opinion that the best solution for the Kiki-Ben relationship impass is for Ben to just move in with Kiki. Either stealthily over a few months, or all at once while she is at work. Present her with a fait accompli, as it were, especially in her own castle. Just have the staff put all of Ben's stuff in her chambers. Have the local villagers & townspeople just start greeting Ben publicly as Kiki's Consort.

And when she tries to run & hide, have her father tell her that:
"Ben got tired of waiting for you to come to your senses & decided to solve the Gordian Knot of your relationship by employing the Alexandrian Solution, the banns are being read as we speak, the engagement party is tonight and the wedding is on Saturday. Oh, and that there is a hand-picked guard of KSK & MI with explicit orders to make sure that you do NOT escape. You WILL be marrying the love of your life and you WILL be happy. Even if we have to drag you kicking & screaming to the altar. You will then fly, under armed escort, to a remote atoll in the Carolines for your honeymoon."
 
I am now of the opinion that the best solution for the Kiki-Ben relationship impass is for Ben to just move in with Kiki. Either stealthily over a few months, or all at once while she is at work. Present her with a fait accompli, as it were, especially in her own castle. Just have the staff put all of Ben's stuff in her chambers. Have the local villagers & townspeople just start greeting Ben publicly as Kiki's Consort.

And when she tries to run & hide, have her father tell her that:
"Ben got tired of waiting for you to come to your senses & decided to solve the Gordian Knot of your relationship by employing the Alexandrian Solution, the banns are being read as we speak, the engagement party is tonight and the wedding is on Saturday. Oh, and that there is a hand-picked guard of KSK & MI with explicit orders to make sure that you do NOT escape. You WILL be marrying the love of your life and you WILL be happy. Even if we have to drag you kicking & screaming to the altar. You will then fly, under armed escort, to the a remote atoll in the Carolines for your honeymoon."

Yes. The Granny Weatherwax approach :D

EDIT: ‘Said guards will also escort you to your mother’s grave, so you can reassure yourself she can’t ruin this for you’.
 
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Nope, her Aunt on her fathers side also married a "commoner" nobody really cared that much...

The only person who really would have an issue would have been Kira.

My thoughts exactly. I doubt anybody'd care now if Kiki had married Ben as a commoner, and now that he's been ennobled? Not an issue at all.

Yeah. As you say, Kira would have...and now she's busy complaining to the Devil about the lack of sugar in Hell, so... :p
 
My suggestion to Ben would be is to tell Kiki that he loves her and wants to marry her next year and he is formally going to ask her father’s permission to do so in front of her family on her birthday.
Kiki doesn’t have to give her answer right now but this will give her time to finally make up her mind.

As for the suggestion that Kira is roasting in Hell, that is very unfair to her as I didn’t see her as a bad person but as someone who by the end of her life was because of the attempt on her life went overboard in trying to control the people around her in order to keep them safe especially her daughters.
 
As for the suggestion that Kira is roasting in Hell, that is very unfair to her as I didn’t see her as a bad person but as someone who by the end of her life was because of the attempt on her life went overboard in trying to control the people around her in order to keep them safe especially her daughters.

Eh, YMMV. I mean, the attempt on her life doesn't excuse trying to force her daughters in general and Kiki in particular into a mould that was already outdated, plus IIRC it was her who forced Gia out in the open rather than let her just live in obscurity, where she'd have been much happier. Plus, she's directly responsible for a lot of Kiki's neuroses - quite frankly, one of my favourite Kiki moments was when she clocked her mother one.
 
I am now of the opinion that the best solution for the Kiki-Ben relationship impass is for Ben to just move in with Kiki. Either stealthily over a few months, or all at once while she is at work. Present her with a fait accompli, as it were, especially in her own castle. Just have the staff put all of Ben's stuff in her chambers. Have the local villagers & townspeople just start greeting Ben publicly as Kiki's Consort.

And when she tries to run & hide, have her father tell her that:
"Ben got tired of waiting for you to come to your senses & decided to solve the Gordian Knot of your relationship by employing the Alexandrian Solution, the banns are being read as we speak, the engagement party is tonight and the wedding is on Saturday. Oh, and that there is a hand-picked guard of KSK & MI with explicit orders to make sure that you do NOT escape. You WILL be marrying the love of your life and you WILL be happy. Even if we have to drag you kicking & screaming to the altar. You will then fly, under armed escort, to a remote atoll in the Carolines for your honeymoon."

Kiki: “I won’t take this lying down. I will consult my legal team!”

Some time later .....

Kiki: “So, Herr Grabbitt what do you have for me?”

Herr Grabbitt: “ Well your Highness, your solicitors, the firm of Grabbitt und Runn have done a most extensive research.”

Kiki: “Yes, Yes, the results, please.”

Here Grabbitt: “Princess Kristina, according to the Marriage Act of 1437, as amended 1563, 1587, 1791 ,1833, 1901 and 1937, especially section 73 sub section 2A sub paragraph b. If the banns are signed by the each and all of the of following worthies, the groom, the father of the intended bride and the Kaiser then the bride is has no recourse but must submit herself to be married.”

Kiki: “ Well that’s Bullshit!”

Here Grabbitt: “As your Highness says.”

Kiki: “Wait a minute, my father is the Kaiser you just said three signatures were required, did you not?”

Here Grabbitt: “That is so your Highness.”

Kiki: “So they can’t make me!” (said she, with considerable smug satisfaction).

Here Grabbitt: “Unfortunately, I must inform you’re Highness that according the the Potsdam Statute of 1232. In instances such as these your father and the Kaiser are seperate legal entities.”

Kiki: Oh.

Here Grabbitt: If your Highness will permit me and forgive the use of legal terminology. Your Highness is as I said in legal terms, up shits creek without a paddle! Now if that will be all Princess Kristina I will bid you good day.....”

Just saying :openedeyewink:
 
plus IIRC it was her who forced Gia out in the open rather than let her just live in obscurity
It was Gia that outed herself as Grand Duchess Jehane Alexandria, The Last Romanov.
Gia was flirting around being discovered and then she would pull back until she did it again.
Maria figured out for herself when Gia was working as her intern, Gia all but told Nancy when they first met who she really was and what put it over the edge was when Gia started interacting with the new Russian elite after the war.
Furthermore discovery was inevitable after the war when people started to look deeper in to the events of Tumbler Ridge and found a lot of holes in the story
 
Part 113, Chapter 1874
Chapter One Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-Four



23rd August 1968

Kiel

As he walked into the dining room, Louis Junior realized that he probably should have thought through where he was going to meet Zella for lunch before he had suggested it. The hotel restaurant was the sort of place that wouldn’t let you in if you didn’t wear a proper shirt and tie. The informal Naval Officer’s “working” tunic that Louis was wearing probably wouldn’t make the cut, but it was not the sort of thing that the Maître d’hôtel would dare take issue with. The Navy had ruled Kiel for decades and that showed no sign of changing any time in the future.

Zella was even more outrageous though. She was waiting at the bar while wearing the same clothes she had worn on the long ride from the Hohenzollern Province. Fortunately, she wasn’t wearing the leather jacket at the moment, it was draped over the back of her chair. The grey button-down shirt, American blue jeans and custom-made motorcycle boots hardly cut a better picture though. There was plenty there for their stodgy host to take issue with. Louis knew that in such situations the fact that she was a bit of a celebrity as well as a Markgräfin usually meant that she got away with her unconventional behavior. Looking at her glass, Louis knew what she was drinking.

“Tonic water with a lime twist is actually quite appropriate for this season” Louis said as he took the seat beside her. “Probably the only thing about you that is.”

Zella smirked. “You were the one who suggested we meet here” She said.

“You are right” Louis replied, “I should have picked a dive bar right outside the gates of the Arsenal, someplace where the Other Ranks hang out.”

“You are cute when you try to play the snob Louis” Zella said, “But the smell of that winter you spent in Antarctica is all over you. I actually would have welcomed it if you had done that. Both my employers and my cameraman are asking what I am doing for my next documentary and I don’t have the first clue.”

Louis had not considered the consequences of volunteering to be posted to Wilhelm Station eighteen months including over winter, both good and bad when he had gotten back from the Sino-Korean War. For him it had been about the adventure of being a Polar Explorer, he had only half understood that it was both the place where the Fleet dumped those who had really angered the High Command and where the toughest bastards went to never have to prove a damned thing to anyone ever again.

Louis was saved from having to comment on Zella’s tastes in drinking establishments by the announcement that their table was ready. He knew that she had been a regular at the V8 Club in Berlin for the last several years and had been astonished to learn that it was on the list of locations that Naval personnel were advised to avoid with a G notation. Meaning that there was a high likelihood that it was a BND or BII front.

When they finally were seated at their table, they sat in silence for a few minutes until their food arrived. Finally, Louis asked, “How was Kiki doing?”

“She was well enough” Zella replied, “Still doing the whole birthday in August thing.”

“I wanted to go to that this year” Louis said, “But the Polish mess had Admiral Teichert tied up in knots because the Navy was providing the logistics for Army Group North, he had to deal with that as well as the rest of the Fleet. Every hour or so we would have General Schultz on the phone chewing out whoever he could get on the line of the highest rank, me quite often. It was not a fun way to spend August.”

“You can escape now right?” Zella asked, “For lunch anyway.”

“Yes” Louis replied, “But I am starting to wish I were back on the Windhund. The Albanians and Italian Mafiosos might have been shooting at me but at least it didn’t feel pointless.”

“I think that you might be the only person outside of Greece or Serbia who got anything out of that conflict” Zella said, “I hear wild talk that bodies are still getting washed down the Danube from Bosnia.”

Louis poked at his food, having suddenly lost his appetite. The way the latest Greco-Turkish War had turned out had left a terrible taste in the mouths of nearly everyone involved. The Greeks had gone out of their way to settle centuries old scores in the bloodiest way possible now that the boot was on the other foot. All the League of Nations could do was get agreements to help contain the conflict, because the nations that might send peacekeeping forces into the region either lacked the means to do so or else feared a spiraling conflict out of the Balkans along the lines of World War One. Louis also suspected that much of Europe would have been far more inclined to intervene in the conflict had it been anyone else besides Muslims getting killed or exiled.

“Yes” Zella said as she tried to get her thoughts in order. “The party was about as exciting as you could imagine, meaning that there were dozens of people who felt obligated to be there bored out of their minds. Kiki just isn’t a people person, which I’m sure you already know, and she is lost when it comes to entertaining. Her and Ben were at odds for most of the time he was there because it seems that your father had him grounded because of her.”

“That sounds horrible” Louis said, and Zella just shrugged.

“Kiki and Ben eventually had it out” Zella said, “Kiki refused to talk about it and got all flustered when I asked her, so the makeup sex must have been pretty good. The way she acts whenever the subject of her personal life comes up makes me want to remind her that her mother died years ago, and that Kiki needs to get her out of her head.”

“You do know that is my sister you are talking about?” Louis asked.

“And you asked me to meet you at a hotel in the middle of the day” Zella replied smugly.

“This isn’t that kind of meeting” Louis replied, “I only suggested this because it is in close proximity to my office and I eat here often.”

“I know” Zella said, “I figured that out when I saw your boss and one of the secretaries go into the elevator while I was waiting for you to show up and I doubt you would have made your suggestion if you had known.”
 
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