by Carlo Zen
You could also say he had no choice but to learn it all because of Lieutenant Colonel Tanya von Degurechaff.
"Hrm, that call's a bit hard for me to make. I doubt there's any problem with it, but..."
"So if that's the extent of it, then there's no issue, correct?"
"There probably isn't a law that prohibits using fuel in this country."
"...Then could our army participate in these exercises?"
"That would be..." Calandro was lost for words, but then he must have understood what Lergen really meant. His face tensed slightly.
"As long as you're paid, it won't be a problem, right? I realize there are technological hurdles, but if you could help us out with flight training, that would be wonderful."
"Colonel von Lergen, as a neutral country, I'm sure that's..."
"Ohhh, so it's military use that's the problem?" He nodded exaggeratedly as if to say, I get it now.
I can't get myself to like imitating Degurechaff, but when you give it a shot, it's actually pretty fun to sarcastically pounce on someone's imprecision like this.
"So then, would we be able to get some for civilian use?"
"C-civilian use?"
"As you know, there are many uses for high-octane fuel."
"Isn't it against the law of war?"
"Well, that's unexpected. Is there a law prohibiting civilian use of high-octane fuel? I'd just like to request fuel for civilian pilot training and the civilian aviation industry."
Technically he was talking about soldiers flying civilian planes, but...in theory, that wasn't against the law of war. It was certainly a gray area, and what's more, it wasn't even out of the question going by the "spirit of the law." There was no reason to punish someone for doing something no rule prohibited.
The law of war was full of holes, and Lergen had studied it to death in his time at the General Staff.
The world of statutory interpretation was a profoundly mysterious one where potatoes counted as "war supplies" and small arms turned into "tools for civilian self-defense."
"Is that a request based on the premise that I'm a special envoy?"
"That's right. I hope you'll consider it."
"...I'll be sure to bring it up with General Gassman."
AROUND THE SAME TIME, SOMEWHERE ON THE COMMONWEALTH MAINLAND, INTELLIGENCE AGENCY HEADQUARTERS
"This is a report from the officers we sent to Ildoa. It's awfully intriguing, gentlemen."
The pragmatists trying to reach their own conclusions let Major General Habergram's prefacing remarks go in one ear and out the other, but even they perked up upon reading the latest typewritten report.
"...Lergen? Is this Colonel von Lergen from the Empire's General Staff?"
"That's quite a big name for the two ravens to be using as a messenger pigeon."
Habergram waited for the right moment to pointedly ask the specialists on the Ildoa situation, "What faction is Colonel Calandro? That's his contact there."
"He's in General Gassman's center faction. They don't stand out much, but they're top figures in the Royal Ildoan Army administration."
"Hmm." Habergram pondered a moment before bringing up another question. "Give me your opinion, gentlemen. Should we interpret this as working-level discussions?"
It wasn't particularly strange for people in charge of practical matters in the Imperial Army and Royal Ildoan Army to meet. Though the countries' relationship had chilled somewhat, they were still officially allies.
"I don't mean to disagree, but wouldn't that mean the leak on the Ildoan side is gigantic?"
"Isn't it too obvious?"
Their analysis offered much to agree with. He didn't think his subordinates would be wrong. Still, Habergram wanted to know not what it seemed like but what it was. A hundred percent and 99 percent meant different things.
"...Gentlemen, I don't want guesses. I want evidence on which we can make a call."
"Even if it's not unnatural for colonels of the two allied countries to be chatting during exercises that we were also invited to observe, we can't rule out that they're trying to send a message."
"I know that."
This sort of thing happened all the time. And when both parties were in the same business, there was a sort of formal beauty about the way they could guess each other's hands. The other side was well aware they were being read.
Which is why... Habergram was so frustrated, he didn't have a confident answer.
"Makes me think it's time for a craniotomy."
Just seeing what Ildoa wanted them to see wasn't going to get them anywhere. Ultimately, they would have to slice right into their scheming brains to see what was inside. If they didn't poke around in there, they would never be sure of the truth.
"In any case, keep sounding Ildoa out. We can leave being tricked by posing and signaling to the morons. I would hope you gentlemen are not morons."
"Yes, sir." And it wasn't as if they were incapable. If they were fools who would betray his trust when he told them to finish the job, he would simply dismiss them.
It might be hard to find replacements, but having talentless idiots in seats where they didn't belong was more harmful.
Oh. Habergram switched gears at that point. "So? What else do we know about the situation in Ildoa?"
"We've confirmed that it has violated its neutrality. Ultra said they were supplying the Empire with high-octane fuel. There's a good chance that a new route between the two countries has been opened."
"It's intel from Ultra...?"
That meant it was from a reputable source, then. Habergram stifled a groan. He had to accept that the situation had evolved.
"The Royal Ildoan Army is tougher than we thought... They must be having it both ways."
"It's as you say, sir. Shall we...crush their supply route?"
Habergram swallowed his doubts---That would be pretty difficult---for the moment and began considering it with a sigh.
Personally, he wanted to conduct a strike. It would probably feel great to teach those opportunists a lesson. But the cost of getting swept up in a momentary emotion and attacking would be sizable.
After all, Imperial Army Intelligence were no slouches.
If they were smuggling high-octane fuel, they had no doubt kept the people involved to the bare minimum. It was probably best to assume they were taking all possible measures against leaks.
He couldn't let Ultra's presence be discovered, either. They could paint the intel as a leak from the Ildoan side, but there were too many variables to be able to predict the outcome. It wasn't clear if it was worth forcing it.
If we're going to do it..., Habergram was thinking when he realized that carelessly enough, he was getting ahead of himself. He had assumed that they could do it.
"How many units do we have available?"
"There are two commando units available immediately. If need be, we can send more over, but that will take a little time."
"...Never mind, we won't do it."
It would take too much time and effort, and on top of that, it was an awkward time to add people. Not that he didn't wish they could do it, but as the specialist he was, he had to choose the safest option.
"General, are you sure? It's a chance to catch Ildoa breaking their neutrality."
"Retaining Ultra is more important."
"You think something would happen to Ultra? With all due respect, I think it would be awfully difficult for the Imperial Army to pinpoint who was involved in a strike like this even if they did conduct an internal investigation."
Even Ultra's contact officer didn't know the details about the agent. Their identity was top secret, and even those in the intelligence agency were told only that they were a general-rank officer in the Imperial Army General Staff.
In reality, Ultra was the code of the Imperial Army, which had been cracked... The only ones besides Habergram and the code-breaking team who knew was a limited group of departments in the government and military.
&n
bsp; Well, it made sense. Ultra was that big of a secret. They needed to avoid the Empire even suspecting that they might have Ultra intel.
"Wouldn't they assume it was a leak on the Ildoan side? I don't really think we have anything to worry about where espionage is concerned."
"Is that about it for your opinions?"
This wasn't in the same dimension as someone's identity being revealed.
If the Empire started to doubt its code, it would get much harder to decipher. Even a change to the code would be a pain, but the worst possibility would be if there was simply less signaling altogether. If the Empire questioned the strength of its code, Ultra's supernatural powers would be hamstrung.
If it meant losing strategic benefits, then it was better to let a tactical opportunity go by.
"Then my conclusion remains the same: No."
When he asked if there were any other matters to discuss...
"Given the strong ties between Ildoa and the Empire, from an intelligence security perspective, I think we should put the brakes on weapons exports." It was the duty of the officer concerned about intelligence security to say that. "If their alliance runs that deep, Ildoa could take weapons we exported to them and hand them to the Empire."
"We already took that into account. We were only ever exporting old models. Furthermore," Habergram added, "we're already only exporting weapons seized from the Imperial Army. So even if Ildoa takes them to the Empire, the chance of an intelligence leak should be quite low."
By the power of Ultra, the Imperial Army's wireless communications were laid bare. Though the Empire was trying to hide their scheming brains, it was an all-you-can-poke buffet.
The contributions of the code-breaking team to their nation could only be described as enormous and unparalleled.
Of course, that meant that if people were pulled from that team, the Intelligence Agency would effectively cease to function.
What can I do? Habergram was forced to lament.
Manpower, manpower, manpower.
There simply weren't enough accomplished people. Can't some of these noblesse oblige fellows volunteering for frontline service take an interest in working in the rear?
"Ah, sorry. Back to what we were talking about. If it's only a few lots, I think we can keep exporting to Ildoa. We can be happy about profiting from their foreign cash reserves."
"About the source of that foreign capital...you're all right with it?"
"Did you find out some fascinating new detail?"
"Yes." The officer nodded, full of confidence and conviction. "We strongly suspect it's sourced from the Empire."
"...The Kingdom of Ildoa claims its capital from various companies was all gained in prewar trade. So can you...back up that allegation of yours?"
"The navy's done it. Upon capturing and inspecting cargo-passenger ships of both nationalities, we have physical evidence."
"Ohhh?" Habergram unconsciously leaned in. Having evidence besides Ultra could come in handy.
Especially in the propaganda war. Something eminently tangible they could employ without worrying about protecting the source was a precious asset.
"Give me the details."
"An employee of the former Republican Central Bank taking refuge in the Free Republic confirmed the serial numbers on the ingots. Numbers that should have been in the Republican Central Bank's vaults are flowing into Ildoa."
"Very good." Habergram nodded and clenched a fist. It didn't feel half bad to have acquired some solid intel.
"Then it's certain."
Anyone who understood the significance of that information could also grasp the situation occurring behind the scenes.
"The Empire's finances are finally falling apart."
"If they're settling accounts in gold bullion instead of credit...it must be bad. I'm sure Ildoa is prepared to take advantage of it as well."
"Definitely."
It could probably be termed good news. Hearing proof that the Empire's economy was in its death throes made him want to cheer.
Even if he had known that it was happening to some extent, having physical evidence made it official.
"It seems like the Kingdom of Ildoa still intends to weigh its options... We can't rule out the possibility that they're only in it for the money."
"True." Habergram smiled and urged him to continue.
"The compensation Ildoa's receiving from the Empire seems to be coming from the gold reserves of occupied states. Basically, the Empire is a parasite."
"You're sure about that?"
"Ildoa is definitely settling foreign accounts with lumps of gold the Empire seized from occupied territory. We also found ingots that seemed to be the same type on ships that broke through the naval blockade."
The Empire and Ildoa are awfully impatient if money they stole is burning a hole in their pockets like that. Apparently, being out of resources can lead to these sorts of indignities.
Ahhh... There, Habergram discovered something pleasant. In other words, this was a sign that Ildoa's economy was also in bad shape.
...It was unexpected, but perhaps Ildoa was not choosing to double deal but rather had no choice.
"Oh, right. One thing about that. The Free Republic and the Entente Alliance are requesting the return of the ingots the navy seized..."
"That's a thorny issue given the naval prize law."
The debate among his subordinates over what to do was very interesting. But Habergram, who was very well-informed, had to smile wryly and tell them to forget about it.
"Even in a secret operation, there are some complex subtleties, but..."
"If we try to lay a hand on that gold, shells will roll."
"Sh-shells will roll, sir?"
"Listen..." Habergram gave the younger officers some classics education. Every sailor knew this old story. "It's a navy legend. What it means for shells to roll is... Oh, it's terrible. It's what happens right before a mutiny." Discontent people were the ones who rolled shells. "The treasury could be blown up in a tragic 'accident.'"
"Oh..." The younger officers with somewhat confused faces didn't understand navy tradition. But it wasn't as if it applied only to the navy: The power of people who valued tradition was nothing to be sniffed at.
Just then, Habergram realized it was nearly the hour for tea.
"Oh, it's time."
"General?"
"For my report to our dear prime minister."
Paying a visit to the prime minister for tea had become a part of Habergram's daily schedule. Apparently, people from the intelligence agency weren't allowed to take their tea where they pleased.
Standing up with a sigh, Habergram confirmed there were no other serious issues and ended the meeting.
Thus, one report was thrown into the briefcase Habergram took to visit Prime Minister Churbull.
He hurried as fast as he could without jogging. Leaving the heavily guarded intelligence agency, he got into the designated car and was taken down the now familiar road to the prime minister's residence.
He organized an outline on the way and by the time he was shown into the PM's office, he had the main points all noted down.
"Prime Minister, I've come as ordered. Is now all right with you?"
"Oh, Habergram. Well, take a seat. How about a cigar?"
"Thank you, sir. Oh? Are these imported?"
It was a type he didn't recognize. Habergram was sharp enough to notice it was different from the wartime ersatz products.
"Yes, our pals in Ildoa sent them. As a token of friendship, apparently. They're a bit smelly for my liking, though."
"It's probably not a problem of quality. I'm happy to partake."
Even if it was tainted with ulterior motives, a cigar was a cigar. Since imperial subs were wreaking havoc on the Commonwealth's prided merchant navy, it was even more precious.
Habergram wanted to express his genuine gratitude---as an individual, that is.
"So? What are our pals in Ildoa up to?"
>
"Our friends in the south are quite amorous."
"They're two-timing us?"
"Yes." Habergram nodded and elaborated a bit. "But rather than being unsure what to do, it seems as though...they have no other choice."
"Go on..."
"This is just my personal speculation, but it's possible that the Kingdom of Ildoa is much weaker than we imagined. It might be better to understand their utilitarian double-dealing as stemming from environmental limitations rather than a voluntary plot."
Habergram understood the feelings of the prime minister, who frowned in frustration and lowered his eyes for a moment to his teacup, quite well. To someone suffering through the war in present tense, Ildoa's position was utterly selfish.
But while he was speculating as a strategist, he knew that Ildoa's position could be something he theoretically sympathized with.
"They may not have the national strength to enter the war. They may even admit among themselves that the Royal Ildoan Army has a number of critical flaws and that they can't go charging into battle immediately."
"But that's speculation, right? What's it based on?"
In response to that natural question, Habergram produced some of the intelligence he had just gotten and explained the reports and his interpretations in turn.
What sort of picture got painted with the materials on hand was up to the painter. He may not have been as good an artist as the prime minister, but he felt like he could probably come close in the realm of analysis.
"...So it's a paper tiger?"
"The difference from Dacia is that the Ildoan military brass is well aware of their army's capabilities."
Driving off the Imperial Army's Southern Continent Expeditionary Army Corps and occupying the imperial mainland from the south with that momentum and creating a second front...would probably remain an unfulfilled dream.
"At least," Habergram continued. "Objectively, there's a good chance that if we suggest they clash with the Imperial Army, they won't do it."
"So they know how to calculate their interests. But, General, even you seem to be forgetting something."
"Huh?"
"You'll understand once we get to the next topic at hand, but sometimes calculating interests compels one into unpleasant cooperative relationships. Sorry we have to do this sober, but would you come with me?"