Ch 4 — Welcome to Imperial Norway Male

A black train in heavy armor plating rolled into the platform at Gothenburg Central Station. Vieregg stood next to Idun, watching the train screech to a halt. The train's bulky appearance made it stand out from all the other sleek trains at the station, which looked like they had been cut from bars of soap and colored with friendly hues.

Thin lines of red lights pulsated on the scratched black steel surface of the train. There was a loud sound of air released as the heavy steel doors slid open and people streamed out. The people coming out looked just as out of place as the train itself. Platinum blonde men and women wearing uniforms colored in red, black, and white. They looked like caricatures of fascists, Vieregg thought.

Vieregg looked at Idun's face. She was at ease, smiling. Vieregg was not. The train, the people—everything sent shivers down his spine. There was a reason he had never been to Imperial Norway since he left as a toddler.

Imperial Norway was not a place anyone visited for fun, especially not if you were a man. It was not merely an oppressive, militaristic fascist dictatorship. It was also a matriarchy. As a man, Vieregg knew he would be a second-class citizen. Once he crossed the border, he would need to rely on Idun to pave the way for him. She understood this alien country, as she was a woman. That was crucial to doing serious business in Imperial Norway.

Vieregg stepped into the train. It felt more like stepping into a heavy industrial factory than a modern train.

Vieregg shook his head. "Seriously, Idun, this is like a caricature of fascism. Why does it need to look like this?"

"Psychology matters in war, Vieregg. When I walk on the street today, guys whistle at me. But when I donned the black matriarchal armor serving in occupied territories, I became a different person. People instantly fear you," Idun said dryly.

Vieregg swallowed. He remembered her absurdly quick reflexes that first time they met. "It looks totally ridiculous, this train. It's like something out of a dystopian movie," he said while examining its interior. Vieregg looked at Idun, "I didn't know you served as a soldier."

They sat down. At least the seats were comfortable. He had feared they would be some uncomfortable welded steel contraptions. The interior of the car itself wasn't that bad-looking, despite all the black and brushed steel. Fascism had a certain attractive aesthetic, despite its heavy militaristic look.

"Well, you didn't experience the brutal Novi Soviet invasion and occupation. Nor the rebellion against their allies, the New Confederates. You guys just yielded and made peace with those bastards. We never want to experience that again. You keep the peace by preparing for war," Idun said.

There was a heavy clinking as the steel doors shut. Shortly after, he could hear the whirr of electric motors powering the massive train forward. The large high-voltage capacitors dumping massive loads of current into the electric motors to get the heavy beast of a train moving caused a distinct hight pitched sound.

"Why would I not have served in the army, Vieregg? I am a woman. All women serve in Imperial Norway. I am not the big-boobed bimbo you think I am," Idun said sarcastically. "And I don't think we should sit across from each other if you are going to stare at my chest."

"I'm not looking," Vieregg lied. How could she tell every time?

"Yeah, you were. You aren't very good at lying, Vieregg!"

"Okay, whatever, so I look at your chest! Maybe you shouldn't wear such tight clothing showing so much cleavage then," Vieregg answered, agitated. He wanted to make Idun feel welcome at Vieregg Industries, but he was getting annoyed at her always letting him down and complaining. He was her boss; shouldn't he get some respect?

"Slut-shaming, now, are we?" Idun said, annoyed. The train had picked up full speed now and the Swedish countryside was passing by.