Operation Ark (1)

***

JUNE 20, UNIFIED YEAR 1925, IMPERIAL ARMY GENERAL STAFF OFFICE

As usual, Major Generals von Zettour and von Rudersdorf were washing down lumps of off-tasting glop that most would hesitate to describe as food with awful ersatz coffee in the dining room of the General Staff Office.

The cuisine did absolutely nothing to whet their appetites, but even more upsetting was plating such awful fare on beautiful dishes.

The expensive tableware was on par with what you might find at a court dinner, but as the pair carved into the lumps of what could maybe be called food (but maybe not), they were long past the point of frowning at it. The key was to pay no attention to what you were eating.

As they did their best to look at each other instead of their plates, the theme of today’s discussion was uncommonly abstract.

After the good news of the suppression of the Republic, the next debate was laying the groundwork for negotiating with the Kingdom of Ildoa.

“So? Do you think it would be best to arrange the surrender terms via the Kingdom of Ildoa?”

“Strictly speaking, General von Rudersdorf, the army’s duty is to protect the Empire. Diplomatic strategy is out of our jurisdiction.”

“Oh, well, that’s true.”

Rudersdorf felt they should perhaps put together peace terms, and Zettour advised him that doing so would be overstepping their authority.

Still endeavoring to keep their eyes off their respective meals, the pair were discussing policy not as the ones in charge but as a third party—a rare occurrence.

“That’s the job of the Foreign Office, so we should respect their work. And we should probably focus on our own responsibilities.”

“In other words, the administrative tasks surrounding the cease-fire, right?”

Which was why when Zettour reminded him of their job, Rudersdorf was quick to respond. Though it was only an administrative matter, managing the cease-fire would be a bit of a challenge. It was true that the one grumbling to that effect would have a pile of work to do as the one in charge of Operations.

Rudersdorf sighed. He still had to keep a tight hold on the reins and limit confusion to the extent possible.

“Out where they’re actually shooting at each other, the mentality could spell trouble, you know. With emotions running high, we run the risk of a mix-up. Why don’t we at least get an idea of what tack we’re taking?”

“For now, let’s draw up a cease-fire plan for the front lines. The standardized procedure for a local cease-fire should be applicable, but let’s check just to be sure. Then we just have to show it to Legal.”

Cadets learned the basics of forcing enemies to surrender and enacting cease-fires in the academy, but that was only a cursory look at elementary principles. When it came to officers in the Imperial Army who had experience dealing with the fallout of a major military clash between nations, there were only a few legal specialists, if that.

“Yes, if you want a status report, Lieutenant Colonel von Lergen just returned from observing in the field. Let’s have him fill us in.”

It was obvious that the knowledge the staff officer brought back from the front would come with extremely valuable suggestions, especially when the officer in question was a capable man whose reports could be trusted.

“That would be great… We have to finish this right. That was quite a show of confidence we put on for Supreme High Command. I have no intention of failing and ending up a laughingstock.”

“Go ahead. Everyone’s buzzing about how skillfully you’re handling things. You really saved me by getting supply lines into the capital. I’m grateful.”

The main thread of the pair’s conversation had shifted from diplomatic matters outside their jurisdiction to the practical matters they needed to handle. As capable businessmen, Zettour and Rudersdorf knew there were a mountain of pending issues regarding logistics and the front lines.

“That’s what friends are for. Well, you can thank me with coffee beans.”

“…As soon as this is over, I’ll get you all the imported coffee you can drink, you greedy rascal.”

Thus, even while joking, the only thing on their minds was smoothly accomplishing everything necessary to ending the war.

“You’re just as greedy. I’ll have you recall that the Imperial Army was set up to function along interior lines. Please understand how much strife you caused us by doing whatever you saw fit.”

“I do. Anyhow, shall we mop this up?”

“Indeed. Call Colonel von Lergen.”

They were brave, loyal soldiers. Not only that, but it was fair to call them outstanding. They, however, defined themselves as staff officers who had to be constantly engaged in military business. Soldiers were the ones whose duty was to focus on the fighting.