XIV – THE BEST WOMAN
“NATIONALISTS WIN CIVIL WAR IN SPAIN,
the last strongholds of the Reps in the south were conquered during the preceding days, and the Nationalists now control the whole of continental Spain. Generalissima Franca declared the war over. Wall Street as well as State department reacted very positive to this development...”
International Heraldress Tribune, September 23rd 1937


Reichskanzlei, Berlin, Germany, September 24th 1937, 10.35 hours

“Führa, this is Luitenant General von Richthofen.”
“I see. You did very well, Frau von Richthofen, I am very pleased with developments.”
“Thank you, meine Führa.”
Manuela saluted and bowed. The Führa starred at her with intense eyes.
“Do you think your Stukas can handle other areas of action as well?”
“Sure, meine Führa, the machines as well as the pilotesses are ready to go where you send them.”
“Good, dear von Richthofen, good. There will be work for you in the future. The Luftwaffe, together with our armoured formations, are my weapon of choice to change the face of Europe. I am convinced they will change warfare forever. The French dont grasp that, and they will regret it. Sooner than you might think. I want you to meet Luise Beck, chief of OKW.”
Manuela was introduced to the cool blonde Generaloberst of OKW.
The Führa left, talking with Goering on the way, who shot a glance of barely hidden hatred  at Beck.
“Well, Freifrau, Spain was a good training ground for our troops and doctrines. Do you really think this will work against the French, or the Soviets?”
“Surely, General Beck. The concept of interdiction and ground attack will disrupt enemy communications and logistics, strike fear into their troops and will help our Panzers to smash through the lines. Are the Panzers up to such a concept? I am hearing there is resistance in general staff against the concept of Deep thrust?”
“There is. Its a constant fight. Its easier for you at Luftwaffe. You are all aviatrixes and open to new ideas and technologies. The brains of most of our generals are dug into remembrances of the Great War. We need new, fresh brains. Ah, theres Frau Guderian and Frau von Manstein. Would you like to meet these two?”
“Sure, General, we must tear down the walls between the services. After all, Combined Arms is the way of the future...”
“Well said. Ever thought of wearing your hair open?”
“Well, in private, naturally, but for duty I prefer it that way.”
What was it with her hair, by the goddess of beauty?


CIA headquarters, Langley, Virginia, September 27, 1937, 12.06 hours

Jill grunted. She was skimming through press reports from Europe about the Civil war in Spain and especially the German Legion Condor. Looking down on an article in VÖLKISCHE BEOBACHTERIN (Observress of the people, “völkisch” difficult to translate), she could barely hide her disgust.
“Freifrau von Richthofen, leadress of LEGION CONDOR, was the decisive woman of the war. Strike after Strike of her Stukas hit the Republicans, causing heavy damage and casualties with lightninglike power and the precision we get accustomed to from our Luftwaffe. The Bolshevikas lived in fear of her and the Stukas. The aviatrixes of the LEGION called Frau von Richthofen the COBRA, a name very fitting. Beware, enemies of the REICH, least the COBRA will strike down on you!”
The Cobra, my ass! Jill thought. This new German Luftwaffe was a dangerous tool. No one else was employing planes in this fashion, as far as Jill knew. The Germans had clearly benefited from the experience in Spain. 
She eyed the picture of Manuela von Richthofen. A classical blonde, either with excellent longevity drugs or rather young. Jill suspected the gal was indeed young. Fresh minds, fresh, ambitious people were commanding over there. Thinking of the old dragons of Britain and France, Jill feared for the future. The fascists wouldnt leave it at that. The Germans werent ready yet, but in one or two years...
Why didnt anyone else see it coming? The Allies were weak. They didnt react with rearmament to the fascist threat as they should. The USA was doing nothing in this field. Well, the three infantry divisions had been modernized in the last months. But 3 divisions! They wouldnt stop the Germans or Japs for a single day.
Jill fumbled with her Lucky pack. Empty. She smoked too much, especially at work. Maybe she needed a few days of. Florence and the little one, let alone Beth, needed her too. Who was she that she thought to stop the fascists all alone? And by reading reports and writing memos, destined to collect dust in CIA archive?


Beyonce and Tom Tuckers home, New Orleans, Louisiana, October 12th, 1937, 19.14 hours

“Hmmm, this is delicious!”
Beyonce smiled at Tom and said with a certain pride:
“Well, Amy, my husband is a first class cook. His mother has a restaurant here, were he used to help out in his youth. Could have become cook everywhere.”
Amy busied herself with the meal, a steak with french fries and a sharp sauce. Tom beamed back at Beyonce and then watched Amy with delight. It was not often that his cooking talents were so welcomed. Beyonce was in Atlanta most of the time, and furthermore, was slightly obsessed with her waist and its size. Salad all the time...
“Beyonce told me you are a teacher at high school?”
“Yeah, Amy, I like to work with the young. There are still problems for blacks in society, and a good education helps.”
“Girls or boys?”
“I am teaching girls. Can give you a hard time occasionally. A male is unusual as teacher of math and physics.”
“I expected nothing but an unusual guy as Beyonces companion.”
Beyonce smiled at that and returned to their previous conversation.
“So, I fear this strike may be a big setback for the economy. It widens daily.”
“Hardly a surprise. Wall Street is booming, the companies making high profits... the gals at the working bench want to have their share. Participated in strikes myself, few years back.”
Tom grinned:
“So, Amy, you are a commie gal with Lincoln brigade, strikes and all that.”
“I have no illusions about the Sovietunion, I assure you. A bunch of thugsesses, with a mad killeress in Stalina. They betrayed their people. I think its impossible to build a really just world. Thats for dreamers. But I assure you, I am glad to live in America. From all bad, unjust systems, ours is the least bad.”
“I hear you,” Beyonce said, helping herself to a new Budweiser.
“I doubt the strikes will last long. But you are right, honey, they will hurt the economy.”
Tom offered Amy a second steak, which she took with undiminished appetite.
He asked Amy:
“So, Spain has gone fascist. You dont like this development much, I am sure.”
“Hell, no. Thought about my comrades, good gals all together. Even some males among them.”
“Males did fight there?”
Tom was intrigued.
“Sure, with weapon in hand, and no one was braver and tougher than these guys. I wonder what has become of them?”
“Probably nothing good”, Beyonce sighed.
“Would like to go in with the Deltas and take out this Franca bitch. Or even better, their COBRA. What a mean little slut.”
“I doubt we will ever be employed in this fashion, Amy.”
“Dont be too sure. The fascists wont stop now. There will be war in Europe, just wait and see.”
“Amy is a bit obsessed with the fascists and that we have to fight them someday, Tom.”
“Well, honey, maybe she is right. I wouldnt like seeing them marching in the streets and accusing us two of “gendershame”, would you?”
“Not you too, babe, please!”
Amy grinned:
“I think I like your husband, Beyonce. A good cook, handsome, and smart to boot.”
“Care to have him? I think I can do with a new one.”
Tom laughed:
“Sure, sweetie, watch for your words! Amy likes my cooking talents. I am feeling a bit undervalued in your hands...”
Amy announced, still grinning:
“Maybe we can have a  different arrangement for the night. Three can have fun too.”
Beyonce and Tom eyed her with curiosity. Beyonce took Toms hand and said slowly:
“What an intriguing idea...”


Ryder Tennis Club, Los Angeles, California, October 17th, 1937, 15.08 hours

The old ladies were still stunning beauties and still quite fast and agile on the court. The best longevity drugs available to womankind made it possible. After playing for  two hours, a long 
shower and a drink at the bar, watching young chicks sweating and running on the various courts, the four old ladies retired to a separate room in the back.
Some Californian wine, Cuban cigars for two, cigarettes for the others, the four settled down and got to business.
“This Roosevelt bitch is getting more commie by the day.”
“Yeah, even supporting the strikes. Getting calls from Hannah Ford and others nearly every hour back at the office. What has become of our country?”
“We are missing something, ladies. Domestic troubles are not the main issue today.”
“So? What else? The Japs? Spain? Be serious, Rowenna, will you?”
“I am deadly serious. Landon was as wrong here as the Roosevelt bitch. Two, three years, and there will be war in Europe. Lady Roosevelt is pacifistic to the bones. We might accuse her of warmongering, but she will never go to war over struggles in Europe and Asia.”
“We concur with her on that. So what?”
“The point is, we shouldnt. The fascists will overrun the Allies, bombing cities in the process, setting up terror regimes, closing the temples of Mother EARTH, and so forth. If we show this to the public, the opinion might change. The polls might change.”
“The French army and the Royal Navy are the biggest and best forces in the world. How do you think the Germans will beat them? Cant see that! This is stuff this Ryan told you. Miranda didnt like Jill T. Ryan, to say the least.”
“Miranda Landon is history. Was nothing more than our pawness anyway. Look, I imagine the fascists getting really dangerous, and our public opinion changing. What if we change our position in foreign policy completely. Not over night, slowly so. The fascists will give us ample opportunity, I assure you that. And in 40, we will go in the election campaign with a lady willing to save the world from evil. A lady fresh, young and determined. Someone with brains, not like Miranda.”
“What rubbish. The public will never follow up on this. We would lose again big time, and...” 
“Wait. Rowennas idea has merit. Lets discuss this. Ro, I take it you have a gal in mind already?”
“Sure. It must be the best woman for the job, and I think we have this woman already.”
“I am afraid, Ro, your speaking about the Ryan gal. Hell no, she is an outsidress, an academic, no ties to the companies. Ford and the others would never accept her.”
“She would be the best gal for the job.”
“So? What job, Ro?”
“Isnt it obvious? Imagine the fascists overrunning half the world, destroying old powers on the way, destroying the colonial empires. And then, we, ably led by young Jill, come to the rescue, like Mathilda Wayne in the Western. Who do you think will be the supreme power on the planet after our victory?”
“We fare best with isolationism. Do you want us to take over the colonies of the Britas and French?”
“Not directly. But the companies would be very, very happy with trade barriers gone and the markets of all these areas open to us. Then think of the destruction in Europe or elsewhere. Good opportunities to build all that anew again. There is more money in all this than Ford or Texas Oil ever dreamed of.”
“Now I see your point. Quite daring plan, old Ro. But Ryan is so young, and without any experience in real politics.”
“She will lead the nation. The dirty work is for us old dragons. But dont get me wrong, she has her own head and is very strong willed. We cant use her like Miranda or others. But she wants to save the world and destroy the Fascists. If we give her the opportunity, she will grasp it.”
“A crusadress, oh my. We have to think about this, Rowenna.”
“Think carefully. Well, whats for dinner?”



XV – FALLEN IN LOVE


“BOOTS AND GLOVES CONVENTION IN LONDON.
This week saw London City firmly in fashion gals hands. As every year, the new collections of boots were presented to the public. Overknee still rules, and, quite naturally, you still simply cant wear overknees without long opera gloves. The trend goes to shiny, and colors are black – as always -  but red, blue and silver too. France came to us with pastel shades and blossom patterns, while the classical Brit is a high heeled boot in red with a black stripe. So, this winter the modern lady is booted and gloved again...”
Boston Globe, October 25th, 1937


CIA HQ, Langley Virginia, November 21st 1937, 9.42 hours

“Jill, this is Arlene Jackson, Arlene, this is Jill Ryan from intelligence. Arlene was practically raised on Wall Street, Jill, and she will look into the economic side of the matter.”
“Hello, Arlene. Wall Street? I am surprised you left there. You cant make money here.”
“Oh, moneys no issue for me anymore, have made a nice pile of it the last years. I was looking for something new, you know. I am eager to start work on the fascist economies.”
“Good. Their economies are booming. Especially German trade with central and south America contributed to that.”
Couzens interjected:
“Well, Jill, thats the reason for the meeting. State department as well as Lady Roosevelt are concerned about German activities there, mainly on the diplomatic sector. The lady president is planning on starting our own diplomatic offensive, so to speak, but she needs some information first. You are to gather these, and I thought it a good idea to strengthen your group with Arlene. Shes a workhorse and surely a welcome reinforcement.”
“I see, Mam. Any deadline for the report?”
“Give it one week. Anything new from China, apart from what I see in the papers?”
“Not really, Mam, the Chinese have mounted some counterattacks the last weeks, but the Japs repelled them all. I guess the Japs are settling down for winter and will continue their advance next spring. But we have a report from Japan proper. Looks like they are building not only the super heavy battleships we already knew about, but also new aircraft carriers.”
“Did the navy see that report?”
“We send it over, havent got a reaction as of yet. As I take it, the navy gals are quite excited about the BBs, are lobbying hard for our own to be build.”
“They can lobby all they want, there is no budget. Maybe in a year or two. Europe?”
“Eerie quiet over there. Frau Hitler speaks about peace and understanding. Met Balkan chiefs of state. Looking for Allies, it seems.”
Arlene said:
“Cant believe this bitch. Must be a trick.”
Jill was surprised. This gal into Fascist bashing?
“Well, I mean, Lady Ryan, they are still aiming hard for an autarc system over there. You dont do that if your economy is so dependant on export normally. Doing this is nonsense. Unless you have a plan – like conquering the whole of Europe by force for example.”
Couzens laughed:
“You see, Jill, Arlene is your kind of girl. I am sure you will get along nicely. So, to the real important issues. Can anybody tell me why the Dallas Broncas lost yesterday again?”



Koenijklike Hockey Stadion, Amsterdam, December 16th, 1937, 17.25 hours

“I have to thank you for this opportunity, Your Majesty.”
“It is nothing, Lady White. I take it you are mainly working in Germany? Good hockey our neighboresses play, one has to grant them that.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Do you think they will win this tournament?”
“Uh, I am still hoping for our Dutch gals, but I fear the Germans will crush anything in their path. They have ANNIHILATED the Danish gals 11 to 1, for the goddess sake.”
The Amsterdam Indoor tournament was the highlight of the winter season in Europe. Being among the best on the field, indoor the Germans seemed to be unbeatable, having won the tournament for 5 straight years. Madeline usually reported on the event, and this year she took the opportunity to speak with the young Dutch queen, a cute blonde with open smile and good manners. You could hardly say this about her previous appointment with the French coach, a grim looking French gal, smoking unfiltered Galouises and bitching about the Britas, who defeated the French 8 to 5.
“I have heard you are a real fan of hockey, Your Majesty.”
“Oh, yes I am. Used to play myself, but my duties hardly allow for this now.”
“As an expertress, who do you think will win the world cup in the summer?”
“Well, everybody will name the US and the Germans. But I go for Brasil instead. They are on the rise, and I have seen them last summer on a state visit to Rio. Amazing style, real wizards with the racket.”
“Do you think they have the discipline necessary?”
“They have a German coach, she will teach them German style war virtues, I am sure.”
“Will you visit the World cup?”
“Yes, I will participate in the opening ceremonies in Rome and watch the Dutch games. Tough luck, in a group with Germany, Sweden and Canada. I doubt we will see the quarter final. Ah, the next game starts. I think the Germans will beat the Britas. English hockey isnt anymore what it used to be when I was a big eyed child with too long legs for the rest of my body.”
“If you want to watch the fight, I will...”
“No, please stay, lets watch it together. Ever met my husband? Peer, please meet Madeline White...”
One thing Madeline liked about the Dutch was their progressiveness. A queen married to a man... unthinkable in, for example, England. Being hetero herself, Madeline was heavy into males rights. Well, being allowed to marry a queen was not exactly as modern as being a male aviator circling the world, but it was a start. Didnt the Dutch even have male cops?


“BRITISH QUEEN PLAYS KINKY GAMES!”
“The Britas have simply no luck with their queens. After following her sister Mary on the throne last year, young queen Sabrina may be even harder to bear for the UQ than her older sister. An English pleasure boy named Peter Bronkhirst claims in British press he visited Queen Sabrina frequently, both wearing black leather, she addressing him as “master” and some whips and chains involved. The United Queendom is in turmoil. What is it with this Britas? Well, we all know, if it gets kinky, an English gal is usually involved, but the queen herself...”
The Dallas Daily, December 20th 1937


Home of Kathrin Kaskas, Hollywood, LA, California, December 27th 1937, 23.18 hours

“Ohh, ohh, yes! Uff... cig... cigarette, quick.”
Kathrin Kaskas rolled over to one side of the bed, she and her female lover covered in sweet. The Blonde reached for Kathrins cigarettes and, grinning widely, placed one between the Indians lips.
“You should break that habit, you know?”
“Why should I? I like to smoke. Especially after some sports in the sheets. You nearly killed me, Charline.”
“Did I? Well, my feelings for you cant have it otherwise than to give you the very best treatment available.”
“So? May I have a light?”
“Sure, sweet Kathrin, sure. Here...”
“Mmmhh, thanks, sweetheart. Hows your wife? And the kids? Did you have a pleasant winter festival?”
“Stressful, all the presents, you know, hardly anything religious remaining in this. All money...”
“Honey... your wife?”
“Kathrin, you know we live apart. I didnt sleep with her, if thats what you want to know. Its you who I desire, my cute Indian.”
“I am glad to hear that. Only desire?”
“Okay, I think its time to say that. I am fallen in love with you, Lady Kathrin Kaskas. I would die for you, to tell the truth...”
“Thats what I wanted to hear. What about a second round to celebrate your confession?”
“I can hardly wait. Its you who wanted to have a smoke instead.”
“Patience, sweet Charline, patience.”
The Kaskas smiled at her lover and took a drag from her cigarette. 
So, Charline Lindbergh, the great aviatrix, had fallen in love with her. Her case officress would like that, that she sure of…