by Carlo Zen
If he didn't have a smoke, he would never calm down.
Tobacco wasn't recommended for aerial mages, but when you were this tired, you started to want one.
"Agh, this job is just awful," he murmured and looked up at the sky.
Coordinating with the partisans was easier said than done---that was the realm they were in. Fighting the Imperial Army while keeping in mind the feelings of the people who didn't want to have their home wrecked was going to be stressful.
Gazing at the former Entente Alliance sky alone, it was a heartless northern sky. The overcast sky of his country wasn't known for its charm, either, but this wasn't a very pleasant thing to look at far from home.
Things just don't go how you want, he lamented.
He knew moaning wasn't allowed, but his angst was real.
"...Mind if I join you, Colonel Drake?"
At the sound of Mikel's voice as the colonel approached, Drake's blue mind instantaneously switched back into a soldier's. "Not at all. Any change in our situation?"
"Shockingly enough, a party liaison among the partisans authorized us to act according to the situation."
"Oh? That's a surprise." It was so unexpected, his opinion spilled right out. "If you'll forgive me for asking, Colonel Mikel, it's not someone trying to scam us, is it?"
"They're real. I have no doubt about that."
I knew the partisans and the Federation intelligence agency were maintaining contact, but I didn't realize there was a liaison from the Commissariat for Internal Affairs here!
"You may not be able to tell the difference, but to us, it's clear at a glance. You can't mistake the kind of eyes you used to always see in the concentration camp."
Drake's look said he was having a hard time believing this news, but Mikel's level reply drove the doubt from his mind.
"...That's some reach they have. To think they'd send a supervisor all the way out here. The Commissariat for Internal Affairs is a ruthless bunch. Ah..." Drake caught himself and backpedaled. "Sorry, I went too far there."
"Don't worry about that. It's the truth, and right now we're enveloped in a spirit of almost limitless tolerance."
To Drake, it was unexpected that Mikel would be all smiles. I thought for sure this was a pain, but...is it actually good news?
"Orders from the Commissariat for Internal Affairs... They're leaving this entirely up to us. The mission is to harass the Imperial Army and 'build trust with the people.'"
This was what it meant to smile with an "Ohhh?"
It had come utterly out of the blue.
"Sounds like we'll be able to have an all right time on this job."
"For all that, you sound awfully stressed."
"You can tell?" Drake winced and grumbled. "I think Lieutenant Sue and others from the Entente Alliance find this situation frustrating. This is the kind of time someone is apt to go off the rails."
"Sorry for the trouble."
Drake was thankful for the no-frills sincerity. At least he was proud to be blessed with such a brother-in-arms. A man didn't need a greater reason than that to fight.
"I'm proud to have been given a mission alongside a soldier with values like that."
He really meant it.
He knew this shitty battlefield inside and out, but if he could have a man like this with him in the trenches, he would fly anywhere.
Overcast sky, formidable cold.
And on top of that, the icy stares of the partisans. If he could take all that, then what was there to be afraid of? He was with his people.
He had his rowdy marine mage unit and a fellow commander he could trust.
I'll be fine... Drake bumped fists with Mikel and flashed an invincible smile.
Let's fulfill our duty.
Let's make things make sense.
Let's do what we have to do.
It's always a simple matter.
""To my rainy-day friend.""
[chapter] VI Structural Problems
APRIL, UNIFIED YEAR 1927, FORMER ENTENTE ALLIANCE TERRITORY, SALAMANDER KAMPFGRUPPE GARRISON
The Empire's handling of the combined Federation-Commonwealth forces' invasion of former Entente Alliance territory got off to a completely late start. In Norden and even farther north, the snow seemed like it would finally start melting.
Having deployed multiple units, including a highly mobile first-rate Kampfgruppe, Imperial Army authorities were running up against the difficulties inherent in their hard-core military framework. In short, the military org's bureaucracy wasn't flexible enough in a pinch. Thus, the large-scale imperial cleanup operation had other major burdens on top of the partisans doing as they pleased.
Of course, it's always the ones in the field who notice the contradictions. Lieutenant Colonel Tanya von Degurechaff is no exception as she is forced to confront the various issues in the north whether she wants to or not.
"...Our orders are way too removed from what's actually going on here."
The Imperial Army's current status has fundamental issues; that is, the regular army is playing tag with partisans who don't fight.
It's so futile. It's like trying to use a steam hammer to crack walnuts.
The solution would prioritize cost performance and give a role to people like civilian police. But in the external environment of this occupied territory, the likelihood of that coming to fruition is low.
"This isn't something the people in the field can fix on their own."
She's complaining in spite of herself. If you ignore the discontent bug, it multiplies when you aren't looking. This is no good, and once she collects herself again, it's the standards of her job that occupy her mind.
She has her position as an officer to consider. Though she's managed to keep herself from cradling her head in despair at her situation, when she steps back to take a look at things, she can't help but deplore the absurdity of the setup.
She locks her sigh up inside.
If she can't run away, then she has to face reality. She might as well embrace it.
"This just in from the 1079th Aerial Mage Company. Engaged with an enemy partisan unit in sector B-15. Managed to acquire two pistols and some explosives."
"Report from the Sixteenth Division's checkpoint. Have restrained a woman trying to break through and seized weapons and bombs. They're requesting our Kampfgruppe's motorcycles as transport for military police."
The reports themselves are far from stressful.
It's a different world compared to encounter battles with brigade-or regiment-size units in the harsh war zone of the east.
At first, she feels on top of things. She even has time to muse about her off-kilter impressions---It's so peaceful---as she sips pseudo-coffee. There are a lot of garrison-and coastal-defense units, and somehow there is plenty of intel about the area. Even the seasoned officers of the Salamander Kampfgruppe are almost relaxed, thinking the mission is shaping up to be a breeze---until they realize the comparisons they were making are wildly unsuitable.
By the time they realize, they're in a type of quagmire. It's not normal to have the military organization running around out here to catch a handful of people.
It might be cruel to say I expected this, but the reaction is anguish.
Let's be frank.
"This is like using a meat cleaver to bone a chicken."
"Colonel?"
Tanya pays attention to appearances, replying to her considerate adjutant that it's nothing. "Just talking to myself, Lieutenant. More importantly, what do you think it means that the partisans haven't emerged from the urban area?"
"Huh?"
"...Peace in the city. War in the country. It's strange---they're acting as if they want to avoid urban war."
Usually, these people's resistance movements are all about revolting in the streets. That's how it was with the French Revolution, that's how it was with modern rebellions, that's how it was with the violent proletariat revolution, and even contemporary uprisings and riots can be said to be like that.
>
Her adjutant with the vacant look on her face doesn't get it? First Lieutenant Serebryakov isn't stupid, but...
"Here's a little lesson for you, Lieutenant. Listen up."
"Yes, ma'am."
"We were deployed here to counter the partisans. But you can't really call what we're doing cleaning up militia. We're basically chasing local gangs or mafia."
"O...kay," her subordinate answers carelessly. She doesn't seem to be grasping the severity of the situation. How well does she understand the fact that we're not facing a military organization?
"Visha, use your head a little."
"...I have no idea what the issue is."
Honesty is a virtue. I should praise her. But I'm not too keen on the fact that she doesn't know, Tanya thinks as she reluctantly reveals the answer and continues the conversation. "The enemy's main objective isn't even to get rid of us. The partisan resistance in this area is essentially a demonstration to show off the fact that they exist."
Mafia and gangs simply continue surviving. It's not like they ever aim to kill all the police.
The partisans in this region are the same.
They're lurking in a back alley while the Imperial Army "police" maintain order on the surface. They'll continue getting in our way and hope for our eventual defeat.
"So maybe...Entente Alliance partisans are a group that chooses steadiness over flashiness."
It would actually be easy to deal with them if they actually pursued major military gains.
Or more like... Tanya works her mind through her headache. It's impossible to eradicate partisans who can bide their time.
"They're surprisingly careful and persistent."
Amateurs who haven't been through training are easily excitable. A mob that has been given weapons but nothing else makes for one impulsive group of people.
The classic example of this are irregular soldiers. Even trained professionals risk cracking under the pressures of the battlefield. To lure, wait, and endure is far more rigorous a task than it seems on paper.
"Usually militias are low on perseverance."
These are rebels who aren't in a hurry but instead are forging on step by step, never growing discouraged or giving up. Even just the fact that they're so calm speaks to their unusual levels of discipline and determination.
An enemy who can wait is a nightmare for public order.
The special solidarity and control in the mafias and gangs of history and tradition come about through training by the core members, who were fit for that role to begin with. Considering the relatively peaceful conditions in the former Entente Alliance, it would be strange to assume it had built up over years.
"This is an organization who knows how to bide their time, and they were built up from nothing. Our enemy is fucking skilled, Lieutenant."
In history, there are more cases where organizations were unable to wait and exploded. And if you're using a strict definition, then it's definitely the vast majority of them. It's like the idea of fleet in being. If your passive resistance isn't supported by a strong will, you generally end up getting worn down in psychological warfare.
Prudence stems not from cowardice but from bravery.
The fact that idiots who equate bravery with loudly proclaiming their aggressive stances aren't the main faction of our enemy speaks to their intelligence and tenacity. People who can really persevere toward their objective are the true danger.
Anyone can die---that's simple. Even a dummy or a fool can get killed. It's a type of foolishness Tanya has a hard time understanding, but she has no intention of bothering to attempt to understand fools.
But a good rival like this, who knows how to wait for their chance, I'll respect.
And having done that, I say:
Go to hell.
I hate you from the bottom of my heart. Anyone making extra work for me can rot. Why do good-for-nothings think it's so fun to get in the way of hardworking people like earnest Tanya?
"It's a big difference from the former Entente Alliance government."
"From a perseverance perspective, that's true...or really, I suppose that's the reason."
Serebryakov's comment really hits the nail on the head. Tanya sighs when she realizes.
"I can only say, 'I see.'"
"Colonel?"
"Most of the people of the Entente Alliance know."
Her subordinate's eyes ask, Know what? so she reveals the answer.
"These are people from the same generation who learned through experience what rushing ahead leads to. They understand how the Entente Alliance army disintegrated after exploding and crossing the border into Norden." They've most certainly paid experience hefty tuition fees. "So they acquired knowledge." When you think about it, the matter is rather simple. People saw what happened on Entente Alliance soil and heard about it, so they learned. "Solidarity, patience, a clear strategic philosophy... The Entente Alliance government was a teacher who gave them an excellent education through examples of what not to do," Tanya grumbles, fed up with it all.
The seeds of resistance had been sown through the enlightening act of folly. The depressing past that haunts them with every recollection of how much they were made to suffer is having lasting effects.
"Thanks to that, now we have to suffer." Grateful to her adjutant for politely remaining silent, Tanya heaves a sigh.
These guys in the Entente Alliance are resisting us passively.
If it were military opposition, we could obliterate them with ease. I have no doubt that if there was a centralized uprising, the Imperial Army could annihilate it. But that's only if we can find and pummel them.
Your arms will get tired if you keep swinging them, though.
Even pro boxers can't throw infinite jabs. And though it might not seem that way, armies actually have glass fists. They might as well be carrying bombs on their shoulders.
A giant army erodes just by moving.
When a corporation moves, it can create profits, or at least it's trying to. But each time an army moves, it liquefies another huge chunk of taxpayer money.
...At that rate, it's practically socialism. Ugh. Tanya shudders at the similarities.
"...We don't have a moment to lose. If we don't find a way out of this soon, the military is going to self-destruct. Any organization that forgets the word sustainability is bound to collapse."
The quiet remark is terrifying. By nature, Tanya von Degurechaff has sense both common and good.
And if you're facing a threat that could cause your organization to collapse, and you haven't made arrangements to transfer ships, it would be impossible not to shudder.
Mentally, is she shedding tears or sweat?
In these uncertain times, all a mere good citizen can do is face reality with sincerity and humility.
It's just as Tanya is about to get sentimental and utter, Reality, huh? that the telephone begins furiously ringing.
Serebryakov excuses herself to pick up, and during the conversation, Tanya switches mental gears.
"It's a joint report from the maintenance and armored companies."
"Go on."
"The number of motorcycles breaking down is on the increase, and if things continue, in a few days they won't have enough working to use. Captain Ahrens is complaining."
"Colonel Uger guaranteed them. So what, can we not even trust logistics authorities in the General Staff anymore?"
Sheesh, thinks Tanya, and she's about to hurl her bitter sentiments in the direction of the imperial capital when Serebryakov awkwardly counters.
"No, the parts are arriving on time..."
"Then what's the problem?"
Under Tanya's gaze, Serebryakov timidly explains. "It's...less a problem of parts than of personnel and structure. In the east, our maintenance company was getting support from the Eastern Army Group's maintenance unit as well as the tank repair base."
Of course we were. Tanya looks at her adjutant in confusion.
Though each
force is self-sufficient, it's natural to divide labor in an organization. The armored unit can't very well overhaul all its own tanks.
Motorcycles may be a different type of vehicle, but they should work the same way.
"We should be able to get support here, too, though."
"The units are engaged in search or pursuit missions, so they're operating in all different areas."
"They should be able to access the nearest depot, though."
"Yes, in the east, that was true. And they're authorized here, but critically there aren't repair bases nearby. Even the closest one is quite a distance, so the procedure for sending the parts gets complicated. And since we only have a limited number of mechanics..."
Tanya waves a hand at Serebryakov to indicate she doesn't have to say any more and replies, "So we have parts, but circumstances aren't conducive to making the repairs."
It's pretty grave if we have workshops but not enough ways to get the parts to the workshops. Distribution is an industry that gets ridiculed for profiting off moving items from left to right, but only Communists are stupid enough to make plans without taking it into account.
"No, wait a second, Lieutenant. Where are the Northern Army Group's maintenance companies? I don't recall any issues with repairing equipment when we did the operation over the Northern Sea."
"Most of them are stationed at air force or navy bases."
The reply causes Tanya to click her tongue, which is rare.
Most of the garrisoned troops in the north are supposed to simply dig in and hold their position. There's no expectation of maneuver warfare, so focusing their limited repair capabilities on the air and navy fleets is probably the efficient thing to do.
...Problematically enough, I suppose it should be said, we got called here because those guards holding down the fort can't give chase, but then we don't have maintenance support. Apparently, someone decided it was unnecessary.
There was no need for a system of stationing maintenance companies along the road to fix dropout vehicles, in part due to the fact that we had captured enemy railroads in this occupied territory---we could just use the rails.
For long distances, instead of moving things ourselves, we could use trains.