Speak Your Mind

Screaming. People running. Fires bloomed and devoured everything in sight, as an unknown city was razed to the ground.

“Where am I?”

Shell after shell rained down. That she was somehow unhurt seemed a miracle amongst the carnage.

Or was it a curse?

She blinked. She was on a roof now, watching the devastation from above. A massive group of people were on the street below, running for their lives. Shapes in military garb stood or floated in front of the group. Others dotted nearby rooftops, like the one she was on.

A golden glow caught her attention. She looked up.

On a far-off rooftop, several figures in aerial mage combat gear stood, facing her direction.

Their uniforms… looked distressingly familiar.

“What…?”

Then, in unison, the figures raised their guns. One pointed directly at her.

Bang.

-=-=-=-

Saturday, 1924

Imperial War College Dorm

Capitol City Berun, Empire

Tanya jolted up in her bed, a startled cry on her lips. She held it back just barely. Her lungs wouldn’t cooperate for several alarming seconds. Then, it passed.

Tanya inhaled deeply, as though she’d been drowning. Slowly but surely, she got her breathing under control.

“Another one…” She murmured, still noticeably winded, “Fucking hell.”

This hadn’t been the first time she’d had such a dream. They’d been a sporadic occurrence throughout much of her life. Often times several months went by between them, and they generally never stuck around for long. If it had stayed that way, she might have been content to ignore the phenomenon the entire rest of her life.

…Then, she received the four-core computation orb known as the Type 95. She was lucky now to go more than two weeks without one. A particularly nasty combination of two such dreams in back-to-back nights and several extensive recon-in-force missions had left her with little-to-no sleep for 4 days straight.

There was definitely a connection. She’d have to be an idiot not to notice.

Worse, these dreams verged on the impossibly fantastical. She had seen indescribable things. More often than not, nothing made sense at all, but she had to try her best to understand. Places she’d never been to or heard of, devices she had no logical understanding or knowledge of. Visions of death and destruction on an unfathomable scale.

She’d experienced more than one headache trying to figure it all out. By now, she was too sick of the whole thing to even bother. It was just something she had to deal with now, no real way around it as far as she knew. Nothing she couldn’t handle.

They were just dreams, after all.

“Well, it’s almost 6 anyway. Time to get up.”

Tanya clicked on the radio while she readied herself for the day. It was a soothing background noise for her otherwise quiet dorm room.

“…this is your early morning update on the war effort. With the arrival of the Great Army in the west, the Republic’s advance on the western front has stopped entirely. Meanwhile, in the north-”

She switched the radio off, her time in the military having pressed on her the need to get ready quickly. All she had left was to do up her signature ponytail and put on her hat, which she did just as quickly.

“Time for another day.” The young aerial mage smiled faintly.  

Instead of worrying about getting shot, I can just worry about keeping my scores up. Truly the kind of life anyone with sense would strive for. I’ll enjoy this relative peace for as long as I can.

Her rifle is slung over her shoulder as she steps out of her room.

The western and northern fronts are a stalemate for now, but it won’t last. You don’t need to read the future to know that.

-=-=-=-

Later that Morning

Imperial War College Library

Capitol City Berun, Empire

Well, this is not how I expected my day off to go. How did I even get to this point?

“Please tell me, Second Lieutenant, what you think of the current war?”

Tanya had intended to spend the morning reading up on Hannibal’s strategies for extra credit on an assignment when she happened to run into the Deputy Director of the Service Corps. One of the General Staff’s most notable names, and she found him by sheer coincidence. This would be a great opportunity to pick his mind about anything and everything war-related.

Turns out, Brigadier General Zettour had the same idea. Before she knew it, the oddly insistent General had ushered her to a table he’d been using near the back. Apparently, he liked to hear out ideas from all levels of the Imperial military. A flexible and reasonable mindset for an important member of the Head Brass to have.

It was quite the oddly convenient coincidence.

Tanya wasn’t so naïve to think this a chance meeting. She was known among her classmates and instructors as someone who frequented the library. Her Saturdays always began here.

Had her reputation as the White Silver and the Devil of the Rhine become of interest to the General Staff? That was most likely.

I know what I want to say. ‘This war is huge waste of both men and money. I realize we can’t let the Entente’s initial invasion attempt go unanswered, but this is a little much.’ Yeah, I definitely can’t say that to a member of the General Staff.

“I’m sorry, General, but your question is too vague.” Instead, she’d force a more specific question that she might have a more acceptable answer for.

“My apologies. Allow me to specify, then.” He adjusted his glasses. “What direction do you think the war will take? What form might we see it develop into, in your opinion?”

“I’m afraid I can’t comment, officially. All due respect, Brigadier General, but I’m only a Second Lieutenant. It’s beyond my pay-grade to speak out about such things. I can’t help but speak my thoughts sometimes, you see.”

Zettour waved a placating hand. “Bah, don’t worry about that. I want to hear your unfiltered opinion. You have full permission to speak freely, so feel free to speak your thoughts, as you put it.”

Refusing anymore would be rude, and I don’t want to get on this guy’s bad side. A friend here could secure me a future spot away from the war. Maybe. I’m not foolish enough to think they’d keep me and the Type 95 away from the front, but if the war is easier on the Empire, they might make an allowance. I can mitigate some of the worst things I’ve seen right here and now.

“If you insist, sir.” Tanya took a deep breath. “From what I’ve seen on the battlefield, I believe this war will continue growing. It will reach beyond anything we’ve seen before. Several major world powers are already involved, and further intervention others is likely inevitable.”

Zettour leaned forward, “Hmm. Please elaborate further, Second Lieutenant.”

“Of course, sir. As far as I’m aware, the Empire is superior in both a technological and strategic sense. The rest of the world is lagging behind; this is a fact. Our soldiers are better trained, better equipped, and better off when it comes to decisions from higher up in the chain. This is why we can hold the Entente Alliance and the Francois Republic in simultaneous deadlocks. Having said all that, I can’t help but worry about our future.”

“Oh? Why is that?”

“To be frank, General, if the Empire continues on its current path, we will not survive.”

-=-

Zettour frowned, “Do you think the Entente Alliance and the Francois Republic constitute enough of a large enough threat for such a morbid result? As it stands, the Empire will have crushed both of our opponents before this time next year.”

The Second Lieutenant’s stare was piercing. Zettour coughed lightly into a closed fist to disguise his unease.

Is this how a mouse feels when it’s being watched by a tomcat?

“My own experiences in Norden and on the Rhine Front do lend credit to your claim. The enemy’s aerial mages are children next to a proper Imperial one. I would also argue that this is due to a a general unpreparedness for war, and it is not something that can be counted on the as time goes on. Some of the mages I faced in my last month before arriving at the War College could almost be considered halfway decent. Now in regard to the war in its entirety, as it stands I would say victory against our two current opponents is certain. Perhaps even before this time next year like you say, General.”

She delivers her ideas as though they were obvious facts that any fool should already know. And I can’t help but agree with her. But wait a moment, ‘current’ opponents? Zettour furrowed his brow. Second Lieutenant, you don’t mean to say…

The young woman emphasized her next words. “As it stands, this is the case. My worries here stem from my own history studies here at the War College in conjunction with my experience on the frontlines. I believe, if our methods remain the same, that the Empire will defeat the Entente Alliance and the Francois Republic. Even though our current methods are not the best they could be, we can win. I’m just not so certain about the diplomacy that comes after.”

“After?” The General echoed.

“Allow me to elaborate. The Empire is very powerful, and proud of it. And with that pride comes to desire to show off. Our blade is one so sharp that it would be a criminal shame hide it away. As such, we’ve taken every opportunity to display it. But we must also consider how this affects everyone around us.”

“And why do you think we should we care? Our sword is the sharpest of the lot, after all.”

“Even the sharpest lone sword will fall to multiple dull ones. Our enemies will seek to destroy us if we are not careful.”

She said it so absolutely that Zettour barely kept himself from agreeing outright.

“That was an awfully absolute answer, Second Lieutenant. How did you come by this idea of yours?”

Internally, he knew she had a point. Violence bred violence, and the Empire had violence to spare. If others wanted a fight, then the Empire should take up its sword and win that fight. At least, that was the general opinion of the General Staff. He wanted to hear her reasoning, though.

“History, sir. The Persians. The Romans. The Mongols.” Tanya spread her arms wide, as though silently referring to their own Germanian Empire as well as the others. “Each and every one which at one time possessed immense size and strength. Each and every one of a similar nature to our current Fatherland. And none of them still exist.”

“We’re far more advanced than they were, Second Lieutenant.” Zettour replied. “We won’t fall like they did.”

That’s what he said, but the teenager in front of him was making him question that. The gears in his head were spinning.

I wonder if the Romans thought the same thing. ‘We’ll never fall to some barbarians. Our empire is far too great!’ or something like that.

“Yes, I’m sure they all thought the same thing. I’ve researched extensively in my free time. I even wrote a report about it and planned to publish it at some point. If fear of the Empire’s power continues to grow unchecked, I fear we’ll end up as all the rest. Our Fatherland is great, but I don’t know if even the Empire could survive a battle against the entire world.”

Well said. Well said indeed. She has the mentality of a true patriot. Always thinking about the safety of the Fatherland, even too an extreme. Is she taking this too far? I don’t think so. I need to investigate more myself. Perhaps I’ll check with the Minister of the Foreign Office sometime next week.

“Let’s put a tab in that for now, Lieutenant. You bring up a point worth investigating further, but for now I’m more concerned with our current war situation. You referred to our current war methods insufficient. Would you care to elaborate?”

Tanya formulated her response, letting out a slow exhale to buy time.

“I won’t lie to you sir. The interior lines doctrine is much too slow. The strain on our railways from transporting the Great Army so quickly and on such short notice is devastating. Our inefficiency is off the charts. The Great Army’s purpose is as a reaction force to assist the Regional Armies.”

She put her hands together as if in prayer and chops them in Zettour’s direction.

“With how long it took for them to bail out the Western Army, I’d rather call them a ‘Late-Action’ force!”

So bold! This is the attitude I’d expect from an Ace of Aces. Speaking to a member of the General Staff like myself as an equal and raising ideas many would see as controversial, despite her rank. I like her moxie!

“If that’s the case,” Zettour responded, a dangerous gleam in his eye. Fortunately, it wasn’t directed at Tanya, but rather at the enemies of the Empire who would soon come to regret ever making Germania their opponent. Unfortunately, Tanya didn’t know that.

“What would you have us do? I’m all ears, Second Lieutenant.”

Tanya’s eyes widened slightly. Whoops, had she gone too far? This was an important member of the General Staff, so should she really be talking to him the way she had been?

She mentally shook herself. No no. She was fine. She’d done the research. She just had to present her findings and ideas in an appropriate manner befitting of Zettour’s expectations.

“My main argument consists of two points. I’d first like to address the General Staff’s definition of victory.”

Zettour motioned for her to continue, intrigued.

“The days of storming an enemy castle and forcing them to sign a peace treaty are behind us. Marching through the Republic and taking Parisee wouldn’t force the Francois to surrender. Their leaders could simply run away or escape. I believe the way to win this war is through survival.” Tanya narrowed her eyes. “In a battle between aerial mages, attrition is often the deciding factor. This is how we should approach the war. If we contain the enemy and destroy their ability to fight, whilst at the same time maintaining our own, we can claim victory by bleeding out the enemy army. An ‘Attritional Containment Doctrine’, if you will.”

Zettour was intrigued before. Now he was excited. “And the second point?”

“My second point regards the issue of response time. A new quick reaction force has the potential to solve many of the Empire’s current problems.”

The General steepled his fingers. “And what would this force of yours consist of?”

“Mages.” Tanya nodded confidently. She’d put a lot of thought into this on the Rhine Front, while cursing the slow response by the Central Army. “Mages are the best choice, as they combine mobility and firepower better than any other soldier type.”

“Mages? I could see that.” Zettour smirked, already mentally drawing up plans. “And how many mages would you need for such a force?”

“A battalion, sir. Preferably an augmented one. With the right training, an augmented battalion would be able attack large forces effectively while also maintaining an unmatched mobility. The perfect firefighters for putting out the Empire’s fires.”

The General sat in silence for a solid minute, mulling over her proposal.

It was perfect. She was perfect.

“An intriguing idea. Hmm… Alright then.” The General leaned back in his chair. “I’d like you to put together a formal proposal over what we’ve discussed. I like the way you think, Second Lieutenant. Don’t be surprised to hear from me again. Dismissed.”

“Thank you, sir!” Tanya saluted and left; her Hannibal of Cannae book quietly forgotten.

White Silver. Tanya Degurechaff. You might be the spark we need to blow this stalemate of a war sky-high. I can’t wait to see what you do.

-=-=-=-

A Few Weeks Later, Evening

Strategic HQ Army Dining Room 1

Capitol City Berun, Empire

“I have to say, First Lieutenant, graduating as one of the War College’s Twelve Knights is a truly a remarkable achievement. Wouldn’t you say so, General von Zettour?”

“Naturally, I have to agree, Colonel von Kordel. That she is also the youngest in our Empire’s history to do so makes such a feat even more astounding.”

The two shared a polite chuckle, though Zettour’s was a tad forced.

“A recipient of the Silver Wings Assault Medal, an Ace of Aces on the Rhine Front, and now the youngest War College Knight. I cannot wait to see where your career takes you, First Lieutenant von Degurechaff.”

Colonel von Kordel made sure to emphasize the words “first” and “von” there. Tanya was smiling on the outside, as was polite. Internally, it was a different story.

Work it harder why don’t you. She chuckled in the safety of her own mind.  I wonder if General Zettour is annoyed too. I’m sure he deals with this kind of thing often, so perhaps hearing the same pleasantries and platitudes is less aggravating to him.

“The General Staff is with you on that point. But never mind that right now. How is the meal, First Lieutenant?”

Zettour winked when Kordel wasn’t looking.

This guy gets it.

“It is certainly a meal. You would be right to call it that, General.” Tanya idly pushed a piece of K-Brot around with her fork. “Just… not a very good one. It makes me feel like I’m back on the frontlines, if I’m being honest.”

Kordel laughed heartily. It was a bit awkward. “Ha! An excellent way to describe it, I’d say. Perhaps we should rename it to the Frontline Cafeteria!”

“Please don’t.” Tanya muttered under her breath.

“That being said, I’m afraid this is where I must depart. Congratulations once more First Lieutenant, and good luck with whatever assignment you may choose.”

Zettour waved as Kordel got up to leace, “I’ll catch up with you later, Colonel. Thank you for your time.”

“Of course.” The Colonel took his leave.

The Brigadier General quickly motioned for the orderlies to clear to table and then had them leave the two alone for the time being. Then Zettour and Tanya spent the next several second waiting for all footsteps to disappear from their range of hearing.

Once that had occurred, Zettour leaned back comfortably in his chair.

“Now that’s it’s just the two of us, let’s get right to business.”

“Yes, Brigadier General.”

“First, let’s talk about your offers. Several departments have requested your assignment. You are a very popular recruit, First Lieutenant Degurechaff. The Planning Department, the Operations Department, the Railways Department, so on and so forth. Given your excellent record in both academics and on the battlefield, your wishes will be taken into consideration, as long as they aren’t too outrageous.” He passed her the aforementioned offers as he spoke, “You have a very bright future ahead of you, and these departments all want to be a part of that.”

“That’s great to hear, sir.” Tanya pretended to glance over them for half a second. “These are all very enticing offers, sir. Any one of these would set me forward greatly… but I don’t believe they’re what you have in mind. Right, sir?”

“Very astute. As expected of the White Silver.” He pulled out another paper from an inner coat pocket. “There’s one more offer, actually. Here. it’s from the General Staff. Now, keep in mind that Personnel has agreed not to interfere with your selection.”

Tanya could practically hear the ‘but’ at the end of that sentence.

“I assume they only agreed because they knew the offer I’d pick.”

“I will neither confirm nor deny that assumption.”

Tanya took the offer from Zettour and inspected it. Genuinely this time.

“In that case, sir, I have just one question.” She lifted the paper as though displaying it. A grin curled her lips. “When do I get my battalion?”

I’m don’t want war, but if I must fight, I’ll damn sure win. This is the right step forward to end this waste of a conflict.

General von Zettour smirked.

“As soon as you can build it.”

“Excellent.”

-=-=-=-

Indeterminate Time

Indeterminate Space

Heavenly Realm

“Excellent.” Tanya’s voice echoed from the screen.

“Excellent indeed, young Degurechaff.” Being X mused out loud, his bucket of popcorn refilling itself through some otherworldly magic. A frown crossed his face.

“I can’t have her succeed too quickly. That would be far too boring. It’s not every day I get entertainment like this. A push is necessary, I think. I haven’t spoken to her directly yet, so perhaps…”  

He needed to get a little more hands on. Within divine limitations, of course.