Chapter 14: The Butterfly Effect
Bruno was released from his cell a few days after the event. And during his captivity he had plenty of time to think about the consequences of his actions. His actions though minor, would cause many changes in the timeline. Not only here in China, but on a global scale.
And the following two weeks of patrols proved this was correct. Bruno did not know exactly what transpired in the conversation between the Kaiser and the Tsar. But a full on negotiation regarding zones of responsibility took place for the continued duration of the Occupation of Northern China.
German and Russian soldiers had no direct contact with one another after the incident which Bruno was responsible for. And that was not the only change. Military Police began a thorough investigation of German troops and their movements during their patrols and punitive expeditions.
If anyone, no matter the rank or noble title, was caught engaging in crimes such as looting, murder of unarmed civilians, rape, et cetera. Then they would be summarily executed via a firing squad.
In addition to this, the Kaiser investigated what had been stolen from the Qing Dynasty by its soldiers who did engage in acts of Brigandry, finding that several cultural artifacts and relics were taken during the occupation.
The Kaiser immediately ordered the return of these items to the Qing Dynasty, and punished those responsible, as well as those up chain of command who either wittingly or unknowingly allowed such actions to take place.
Bruno's reputation was mixed after this. For those with a sense of justice, he became an almost mythical figure. And was well respected among their ranks. But for those who had more sinister personalities, he became a blight. The man responsible for the eyes of the Crown being set upon them.
In addition to this, the Company Commander who scolded, and recommended the imprisonment of Bruno following the incident at the Chinese Village was demoted, whereas Bruno was given a promotion to take his place.
In just a few weeks of being deployed, Bruno had been granted the rank of captain. And was now in charge of a full company of two hundred riflemen. Of which he had four officers beneath his command.
Two of them were Heinrich and Erich. Who were far more willing to back Bruno's commands in the field than the other two, whose loyalties were more towards their previous captain.
Following the incident between Germany and Russia, the other nations of the Eight alliance began to follow with Germany's strict adherence to the laws of war. Not wanting to suffer a similar incident, or spark needless conflict between themselves and the German Reich. The way which the Eight Nation Alliance conducted itself was vastly different than it had been in the life Bruno had initially lived.
The amount of suffering caused to the Chinese people was mitigated out of a fear of provoking the Kaiser. Whose sense of chivalry compelled him to punish his own men who engaged in such atrocities.