Chilly Relations
November 1924
Imperial Army Norden Garrison Base
Norden Peninsula, Empire
“At this point, it is my belief that avoiding unnecessary losses and casualties should be the Northern Army’s priority going forward.” Major Tanya von Degurechaff intoned.
“That’s an oddly passive view from the one known as an Aces of Aces.” One staff officer replied.
Another indignant-looking fellow followed up. “We have the upper hand! Our power is far superior to the Entente’s. Should we not push forward while we have the opportunity? Why would we run away now?”
“Run away?” Tanya raised an eyebrow. “I never said that. The proper term is ‘strategic withdrawal’. A strategic withdrawal to conserve supplies and resources is necessary. This is the best option available, especially in the pursuit of a successful spring offensive.”
“Hmph.” the Deputy Chief of Operations from the General Staff, Brigadier General Kurt von Rudersdorf, let out a puff of smoke from his cigar. “As always, the views of an officer from the frontlines offers a unique perspective. How does Northern Command view the logistics of such a proposal?”
Northern Command’s general view was not positive, to say the least.
Tch. If General Rudersdorf was proposing it himself, we could retort. After all, the logistics and supply are so screwed because of Central’s relocation of the Great Army to the Rhine. But, since it’s an officer from the frontlines reporting it, we can’t refute or argue properly. Damn you!
“…Unfortunately, Major Degurechaff’s assessment is entirely accurate.” A monocle-wearing logistics officer was the one to respond. “The Norden peninsula is completely under our control, thanks largely to the efforts of the Major and her battalion. However, the increased territory to defend has created a larger drain than anticipated. Our supply lines are struggling to keep up. There’s very little that can actually be done about it, so it’s a real problem.”
“There you have it, gentlemen.” Tanya gestured grandly. “With the current supply drain, a strategic withdrawal and spring offensive are the best options to retain proper manpower and control. I rest my case.”
Lieutenant General Schreise spoke up. “We don’t have the time for a spring offensive, Major.”
“Hm?”
“This war has already dragged past the expected point. We can’t keep our troops tied in Norden forever. Finishing the war as soon as possible is our priority. Waiting for a spring offensive would only be a waste of time and resources.”
“You are correct, General. Except, you aren’t. A winter offensive will only play into the hands of the Entente Alliance’s troops, who are at home in the snow and cold. We are under no obligation to please our enemies by playing against their own advantage.”
She said this in a matter-of-fact manner. Many of the members of Northern Command listening to her felt like they were being looked down on. Which was a good catch, as she was absolutely looking down on them.
“Furthermore, our logistics can’t take the strain of an extended fight beyond our borders. You may consider waiting for the spring a waste, but a foolish winter assault with our current logistics troubles would be a waste on a much greater scale. I’ll say it again; it is foolish to push against the enemy’s advantage. The winter advance of an army is not fast enough. We will reach the point of no return too quickly.”
“We have the supplies for a quick offensive!” General Schreise exclaimed heatedly. He clearly did not appreciate a Major talking to him like he was five. Well, he should consider using his brain then, Tanya thought idly as the man continued. “Three weeks’ worth of supplies necessary for the assault are ready to go. What we have is sufficient!”
“That may be the case General, but is ‘sufficient’ really good enough? We’re talking about the lives of thousands of our own soldiers.” Tanya shrugged unapologetically. “With our enemies’ familiarity with the terrain and weather, how could we punch through the opposition in such a short timeframe? Once a certain distance beyond the railways is reached, human power is required to transport supplies. Winter conditions will make reliance on that human power practically impossible.”
She put a finger to her chin in mock contemplation. “But, well, I don’t know if you knew that. My apologies if you weren’t aware, though shouldn’t you know the situation in the field? Why, it’s so warm in here, and this chair is so soft. Good grief, I’m almost envious of you all.”
The General grit his teeth, looking one or two more thinly veiled insults away from a heart attack.
“The enemy is past their limits. Weren’t you the one who destroyed an entire enemy base with one spell? I was in the command room when the numbers came in. You have obvious experience in beating back overwhelming numbers, so surely a weakened enemy is of no consequence with you and your battalion on our side.”
“My own exploits may sound impressive, yes. However, as you yourself put it, the enemy is beyond their limits. Beating an enemy who’s already exhausted is, shall we say, closer to picking off stragglers than winning outright.” Tanya’s expression hardened. “An extended battle or offensive against an entrenched, determined enemy, regardless of exhaustion or material depletion, will never be an easy one. In fact, you could even call winning at all against such a foe a narrow victory.”
This time, the general thoughts of Northern Command strayed toward the incredulous.
Narrow victory? Your unit took out almost every target, and yet you downplay your victory to such an extent? The 203rd even foisted off some of the credit onto Viper battalion. Is Central trying to say “You owe us one” after all that?
Lieutenant General Schreise was about to pop a blood vessel at this point. Another officer, one of Schreise’s aides, responded for him.
“Major, though what you say may be correct, it must be stated that the 203rd’s cooperation with the Northern Army has yielded incredible results. Wouldn’t you say a continued partnership could produce such results again? With your unit’s help, a winter offensive should be more than possible. Especially after you destroyed the Entente’s main commando unit just the other day.”
“Thank you for your generous opinion of my battalion. However, I must restate that our overwhelming victory was most probably a logistical fluke under the circumstances mentioned earlier. Remember, my battalion has very little experience up to this point. What we can do with our current strength is limited. The last thing I want to do is overstate the 203rd’s strength only to get massacred in an actual combat zone.”
“Your humbleness is astounding.” Schreise stated drily, his anger somewhat abated.
“No, I think I’m merely being truthful.” She fired back.
“In any case,” The General said, now addressing the room as a whole “while I do recognize Major Degurechaff’s view, and her fear of a winter advance under the current conditions are valid, a swift resolution of the situation here is necessary. We cannot afford to wait.”
“As a frontline officer, I’m obliged to object to such foolishness. I do not intend for the Empire to become the next Napoleonic failure; as history shows, winter offensives do not work as intended. In all honesty, my first concern lies with the troop on the ground. How many will die from cold, or hunger, as opposed to the enemies’ bullets, bomb, and artillery? Oh, but…”
Tanya poured coffee into one of the overly fancy cups provided.
“…over on the Rhine Front, our comrades drink water filled with mud and go hungry from lack of supplies every other day. It’s a hellish wasteland out there, bereft of luxuries.” She took a long sip, then set the cup down on a similarly fancy saucer. “Aahh. I’ve had better, but the quality is wonderful. The officers up here are sure living it up, huh? How blessed, you all seem to be.”
General Schreise slammed his fist on the table, his anger returning in full force. “If you feel so dearly about it, then go back to the Rhine Front! The Northern Army doesn’t need cowards here!”
The White Silver smirked. “Is that the general consensus of Northern Command?”
“Shut up! Don’t forget where you are, Major!”
“I haven’t forgotten at all. In fact, you were the one to ask for my ‘unfiltered opinion’ just moments after I had entered. Apologies if my willingness to speak my true thoughts offended you.” Tanya stood and saluted. “Now, if that’s everything, I’ll take my leave. At this point, I don’t believe my presence will be necessary any longer. Good day, gentlemen.”
The door slammed behind her. Silence fell over the room.
A moment later, Rudersdorf leaned forward in his chair.
“Well, what did you think of the White Silver? We at the General Staff are all very proud of her. In fact, her battalion is necessary in our plan to put an end to the Entente Alliance. By airdropping them into targeted locations, we can destroy any issue with logistics. Take a look at the specifics, and you’ll see exactly how we can end this farce without shedding a single tear of our own.” He drew deeply from his cigar, before blowing out a large cloud of smoke. A confident smirk split his face. “Please approve of the General Staff’s plan.”
-=-=-=-
An icy chill burned the air around her. Gunfire all around assaulted her ears.
“-cover me! We’re taking that devil down now!”
What?
The water below was a frozen blue, a mirror of the sky above.
She looked up. Mages were attacking her, and…
Who? Where is this?
“FIRE!!!”
A bright beam tore towards her. A combined optical spell?
She had to move. That much power was dangerous, even against her.
It was too late…
FWOOOM
“Major! Ma-”
-=-
“-jor. Wake up, Major.”
“Eh?” Tanya blinked blearily. She must have fallen asleep at some point. This couch was just so comfortable. It was almost enough to fall right back to sleep. Except she couldn’t.
Gently shaking her awake was Second Lieutenant Serebryakov.
“Sorry for waking you, Major. I’m sure you’ve been exhausted lately.”
Tanya sat up. As she did, her adjutant’s coat slid off her shoulders. “…Second Lieutenant, did I say anything odd in my sleep?”
“Like, sleep talking?” Viktoriya tilted her head. “No, you don’t sleep talk. I would’ve noticed by now, with how long we’ve been around each other.”
“That’s a relief.” Tanya sat up and began rebuttoning her overshirt. “I’d be an awfully annoying bedmate if I constantly talked while dreaming.”
“I wouldn’t mind.” Viktoriya muttered to herself.
“What?”
“Nothing!” She quickly replied. The adjutant sat down on Tanya’s left. “General Rudersdorf requested your presence at his office. He would like to meet with you in 20 minutes. I made coffee so you wouldn’t be drowsy.”
“Thank you, Second Lieutenant.”
Viktoriya handed her a cup. Tanya, without hesitation, grasped the steaming mug and pulled deeply from her adjutant’s always fantastic brew.
“I also brought this.” She held up a partially opened can. Tanya looked up from her drink, idly noting the citrusy smell. Her eyes widened.
“Canned oranges?”
“I won- I mean, received it from Viper battalion as a thank you gift.” Viktoriya took an orange from the can and held it out, shuffling a tad in her seat“And I remembered how much you enjoyed them, from that time we raided supplies from a Francois camp back on the Rhine. Plus, I thought you might me a little hungry after your nap, so…”
“Oh.” An unfamiliar rolling warmth made itself known in Tanya’s chest. She took the orange, her fingers lightly brushing against her adjutant’s. “I- thank you. I appreciate your concern… Viktoriya.”
Viktoriya blinked, her face warming ever so slightly as her brain caught up with her superior’s words.
“It’s no trouble, Major.” She managed to squeak out. Under her breath, she added. “Anything for you.”
“Hm?”
“Would you like another orange?”
-=-
“I know what you’re going to say.”
“General, a winter offensive is far too reckless with our current supply line issues! I can’t stand by while mine and the Northern Army’s troops are thrown into such needlessly drastic, dangerous conditions. I have a duty to my men just as you do, so why would you agree to this?”
Rudersdorf sighed. “Major Degurechaff, I’m sure you hear this a lot, but I’d like to hear your honest, unfiltered opinion.”
The White Silver is known for saying what comes to her mind, but it also happens that her superiors have a habit of asking for her “unfiltered opinion”. She’s practically an honorary member of the General Staff at this point, with how often we listen to her ideas.
“With all due respect, General, I don’t believe that is a wise course of action. Especially if I wish to retain my position.”
Hmph. That’s an interesting way to say, ‘I don’t want to swear and curse beyond what my position as a mere Major will allow’. Our bureaucrats could learn a thing or two from her. Just how intelligent is she? So, attuned to the ways of false pleasantry and wartime double speak. I’m curious...
“I think I understand why Zettour is so fond of you now.” Rudersdorf grabbed a regional map from a nearby shelf. He unrolled it over his desk, placing paper weights on each corner. “With that being the case, I’m willing to hear you out further. Major, how do you feel about the winter offensive as a diversionary tactic?”
Tanya took a calming breath. Clearly Rudersdorf had something more in mind. She put a hand to her chin in contemplation.
“A diversion… Pardon me, General, but this would be on the assumption that another major offensive is occurring elsewhere?”
“You may view it that way if you wish. How do you think this hypothetical offensive will affect the front lines?”
“The front lines. Well, I can’t quite see it having a major effect…” She traced the Empire/Republic border with her finger. “Not in the West, at least. There’s no point attempting to divert Francois attention through a territory they aren’t connected too. An attack in the North wouldn’t work as a diversion for an offensive on the Rhine Front. The only front line that might be be affected is the one in… Norden. Hm.”
Tanya blinked.
-=-
Rudersdorf didn’t seem to notice her hesitation. “If our hypothetical diversion worked well enough, it would be possible to deceive and surround enemy reinforcements. They’d ultimately be helpless to an actual attack.”
There was something else though.
“…another major offensive is occurring elsewhere…” There are no major offensives currently being carried out by the Empire. Both the Rhine Front and Norden are stalemates. “You may view it that way if you wish” he said. So, it’s not a question of “is occurring”, but rather one of “will occur”.
“General Rudersdorf, I don’t think the Francois would risk sending any large number of reinforcements to assist the Entente Alliance. Certainly not enough to open the Rhine Front to attack. Only the Northern Front would be affected. If a hypothetical winter offensive were to be used as a diversion…
That’s it then. The winter offensive Northern Command is so insistent on. This diversion Rudersdorf keeps mentioning isn’t hypothetical at all.
“Oh? Go on.”
“…the main attack should then be focused up north. The winter offensive as a diversion would serve to distract the majority of the Entente Alliance’s forces, and as a result, they’d be focused entirely on the Northern Front. In our case, weak supply lines will only allow for the diversion in the short-term. Therefore, cutting off the enemy line would be essential to furthering our ploy.” Tanya bit her bottom lip. “So, is cutting off the enemy supply line the purpose of this attack? My unit has been ordered to prepare for airborne operation, so logically we’d be part of an attack cutting off supply lines somewhere in the… rear. In the rear…?”
Realization dawned on her face.
“Major?” Rudersdorf raised an eyebrow.
“…Or is it not a ploy? If the enemy’s focus is on our main forces, then wouldn’t an attack in the rear be the perfect solution? With my unit, we could drop in and secure the area for infiltration. After that, we could completely encircle the Entente Alliance from above and below with Imperial forces. Then by using the Entente’s own supply line, we can solve our logistics problems while ensuring the enemy is deprived in their own country.”
Pointing to a spot on the map, Tanya expression became triumphant, “And the place to do it would be the Osfjord! My battalion can take out their coastal defenses, and then Northern Command can send the Navy in bulk. The winter offensive would serve as the perfect diversionary tactic for such a landing, and then afterwards we can transition into a true offensive with our supply lines fully secured by the enemy’s own railways!”
Rudersdorf’s eyes widened. “Remarkable! Did you hear that from General Zettour?”
“What?” Tanya said bemusedly, “No, I thought of it just now. Is it not the most effective plan?”
The General shook his head.
“You keep amazing us, Major. Very well!” Stepping next to her, Rudersdorf placed his hand on Tanya’s head. “How interesting the conclusions you can reach on your own. Alright then! Your unit will be used in the operation after all. Your orders now are to remain on standby with the rest of your battalion at the harbor.”
He ruffled her hair, almost like a fond grandfather. “The 203rd will be the spearhead of the Northern Army. My expectations are very high. I’m sure you won’t let us down.”
“Yes sir!”
Rudersdorf took away his hand and made for the door. All the pieces were in place now.
“Sir? I have one more question.”
He looked back. “Yes, Major?”
“If this plan was already set, why did you allow me to criticize Northern Command’s winter offensive?”
“Ah, that was Zettour’s idea, actually.” Rudersdorf turned back to the door. “Personally, he would rather ignore the Entente Alliance, and mop them up later. If Northern Command hadn’t agreed to Central’s plan, we would have ordered a focus on internal defense while beginning preparations for a spring offensive. Either option was acceptable.”
He waved a hand over his shoulder as he left.
So, the General Staff does care for their soldiers. The Argent thought with a smile. That’s certainly a relief.
-=-=-=-
Later, Night
7th Imperial Army Base
Norden Peninsula, Empire
“So, Second Lieutenant Serebryakov, I’ve been meaning to ask…”
“Hm? What is it?”
The cold night air burned the lungs. To the two faithful subordinates of the Argent, this had never been more evident as they stood outside the base’s doors, waiting for their superior’s return.
“Well, I noticed that you and the Commander are quite close.” Weiss started. He blew into gloved hands in an attempt at warmth.
“Yes, I’d say so. We fought together on the Rhine Front.” Viktoriya rubbed her arms. “What of it?”
“Just curious. You know, she seems like a hardass at times, but she definitely cares more than she lets on.” He glanced up at the night sky. Snowflakes dotted the air. “When push comes to shove though, she really wants her subordinates to succeed.”
“That’s how she is. Even back on the Rhine she just wanted what was best. Two of my fellow cadets were sent away on their second day because Tanya thought they would get themselves killed.” She gives him a smile. “At first, it may feel like she’s being unnecessarily harsh, but soon enough you realize that it was exactly what you needed to hear. She’s amazing…”
Viktoriya sighed wistfully. Weiss eyed her for a moment.
An idea appeared. “Say, the Commander’s awfully cute when she wants to be, don’t you think?”
“Oh, you have no idea! You know, there was this one time-” She paused, “…What are you trying to say, First Lieutenant Weiss?”
The ice in her voice had nothing to do with the winter chill. Weiss barely kept himself from flinching.
“N-nothing, Second Lieutenant! Just, ah, pointing it out, that’s all. Sometimes, uh, it just really seems like- Oh, look! IThat should be the car carrying the Commander; we should get closer.”
He hurried to the curb as Viktoriya pouted behind him. Try and tease her, would he? Well, she’d been with the Major the longest; if anyone could put the fear of God in someone, it was her.
A minute later, Tanya stepped from her transport with a parting wave to the driving MP.
“Welcome back, Commander.” Weiss greeted her. He held out her a thick coat, similar to the ones he and Viktoriya were wearing. “Here, put this on. It’s awfully chilly out.”
“Thank you, First Lieutenant.”
The Vice Commander helped wrap the winter coat around his superior’s shoulders, brushing off her shoulders while she buttoned up the front.
“Shall we?”
“Lead the way Weiss.”
As the two approached Second Lieutenant Serebryakov standing near the base’s entrance, Weiss noticed something in his superior’s expression.
“Is everything alright?”
Her face twisted. “Hmph. Weiss, if I’m not mistaken, you aren’t a smoker.”
Viktoriya fell in step behind them as they entered the main building.
Weiss shook his head. “I’ve never been a fan, truthfully. I’d rather inhale sweets over smoke.”
“That’s a good mentality to have.” Tanya wrinkled her nose. “It feels like every member of the Head Brass smokes more than a chimney in wintertime. The smoke is so irritating, yet I must be around it constantly. I wish they’d be more considerate.”
Weiss chuckled. “You have a great sense of humor, Major.”
“I’m not joking.” Entering a break room, Tanya sat down on the nearest couch rather ungracefully. “The smell is disgusting. It hurts my nose. There’s no way breathing in that toxic fog is safe. If we weren’t at war, I think I’d worry that smoking is the closest thing to killing me.”
“Oh.” Weiss blinked. “So, how was the meeting?”
“Northern Command consists of a bunch a war-loving fools, in my opinion.” She waved a hand. “I don’t understand them. The idea of recklessly wasting money, men, and supplies annoys me. Grab a map Weiss.”
“Of course.” The First Lieutenant reached over to a shelf and grabbed one. Unrolling it on the room’s lone coffee table, he leaned forward as Tanya stood back up.
“The fjord is well defended, that’s for sure.” She rubbed her chin, tracing her finger along the map. A smile crossed her face. “But, with the General Staff’s plan…”
“The fjord? Are we participating in a landing operation?” Weiss glanced at where she was pointing. “That seems like a waste of effort, like you said.”
He glanced at her, then did a double take.
She’s smiling? Even after debasing the mission as foolish, she’s smiling confidently. Almost like, ‘No matter how foolish, we can prevail’. How encouraging!
“Pardon me.” Viktoriya walked in. “I brought coffee, Major.”
“Wonderful, Viktoriya. You do make the best coffee.”
The adjutant looked away, “T-thank you, Major.”
Weiss looked back and forth between the two women.
He grinned.
“Was the coffee at the meeting really that bad?” He moved over to Tanya’s side of the coffee table and slung an arm over her shoulder.
Tanya gave him a bemused look, before shrugging. “Half of them see me as a young girl, while the other half treat me like a deity. It’s an odd contrast. And annoying to boot. Even worse, you’d think old men would prefer darker coffee, but the only carafe they had was loaded with sugar and milk.”
“I’m not sure the coffee was why you were there, Major.” Viktoriya’s voice sounded the slightest bit strained. “How did your meetings go? What did General Rudersdorf have to say?”
She shot Weiss a glare when Tanya wasn’t looking. He stuck out his tongue in response.
“Well, I can’t go into detail. We’ll have to wait for specific orders. However, you should know this. It will be an all-out assault on the Northern Front.” The Major sighed, her eyes closing. “Let’s hope it isn’t wasted.”
Viktoriya made a throat-slitting gesture, which Weiss merely smirked at.
“I’m sure the Northern Army will be fine, Major.” He ruffled her hair with his other hand. “They have us in their corner, after all.”
“Oi.” Tanya brushed his hand away. “I suppose you’re right. We’ll do our best to ensure victory. As Imperial mages, I expect no less.”
She shook him off. Weiss took a step back, still smirking in Viktoriya’s direction. The Second Lieutenant looked ready to murder.
“To that end, I believe some morale-building is in order. We still haven’t celebrated our most recent victory. Viktoriya.”
The Second Lieutenant schooled her expression. “Yes?”
“Prepare the battalion budget. Spare no expense.” Tanya walked to the room’s door. “I want everyone happy and warm before our mission. Buy some wine, chicken, whatever tickles your fancy. I don’t particularly care. I’m off to bed. You both should rest soon too.”
She left after that.
After making sure the Major was gone, Viktoriya slowly turned to face the Vice Commander.
“Weiss…”
“What? I care for the Major too, Second Lieutenant Serebryakov.” Weiss shrugged. “Though, not as much as you, I’m sure. Maybe you should get on that.”