by Max Barry

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Region: Lazarus

R.F. Hovarth Bombing and Gunnery Range, southwest of the main base

The next thing that impressed Johann (and Ludwig) about the Viper BT.3 was that Adela was able to interface with the range's scoring computers from the cockpit and set up a bombing run that included multiple targets, simulated defenses, and even air opposition.

Sadly the only expendable ordinance they had was the practice ammunition for the Viper's cannon. They carried four captive training missiles, but no actual bombs, live or dummy. Still, they had great fun for an hour or so, strafing old trucks, avoiding SAMs, and "bombing" tanks, bunkers, and the like. Ludwig, once he got the hang of the control panels, managed a 25% hit rate within lethal radius of his targets, not bad at all for a noob.

Then fuel ran low, and they had to return to base. After the usual post-flight debrief, Bill and Johann were summoned to see Col. Soammes, the wing commander. It being near noon, Adela took Ludwig to the Officers Club for lunch. They had a somewhat fumbling conversation over an enjoyable meal, and then Ludwig asked a particular question.

"Major Tann, he has a very peculiar accent, ja? Very old fashioned, I should say," he clarified.

Adela, not knowing any better, nodded and said, "He's from Orovalo. Lots of Leonism Germans there. And he's a Freiherr, of course."

Ludwig blinked. "Freiherr?" he repeated. He knew the term, though it was no longer used in the Imperium.

"Freiherr von und zu der Tann-Rathsamhausen," Adela said. "Pretty fancy, huh?"

"Why doesn't he use his full name?" Ludwig said.

"I don't really know," Adela said, looking a bit embarrassed. "Major Tann has been a major for two years. My captain's insignia are so new they still squeak when I turn around. I don't actually know him that well, but I've heard the stories. His great-great-something grandfather either lead or took part in some kind of uprising. It failed, obviously, and the major's ancestors had to leave in a hurry. They came here."

"They kept the title, though?" Ludwig asked.

"It doesn't mean anything here, so it's just part of his name. The only people who take it in any way seriously are some die-hard traditionalists in Orovalo," Adela said. She gave Ludwig a thoughtful look. "I expect you know what the fuss was all about, back in the day?" she inquired.

"I do indeed," Ludwig nodded. "We studied it in, I believe you would call it 'junior high history'."

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