Battle of Astarte Valley Part 2

With the day of the Battle of Astarte Valley coming soon, Reinhard holds a meeting with his staff officers, with the intention of explaining his battle plan as well as gauge their competence and drive.

Area 10 Military Base: Conference Room

Reinhard and Kircheis sit in the conference room, and chat before the other officers arrive. Reinhard says "Making us work with a makeshift group of officers…" Before Reinhard can continue, Kircheis says "But we shall be victorious, correct?" Reinhard smiles, and says "Or course. And these restraints shall simply make our victory all the more sweet."

Soon, the other officers filed into the room. They were Jeremiah Gottwald, Adalbert von Fahrenheit, and Staden. The fourth officer was Willibald Joachim von Merkatz, an old and highly experienced officer in the Britannian army. Once they were all inside and seated, Staden began, saying "Commander Reinhard, I suggest we organize a safe retreat!"

Reinhard simply shakes his head, and says "No. Why should we retreat, when we hold the advantage?" Staden glares at Reinhard, and says "Please, do explain to me how we hold the advantage! I'm afraid I'm not gifted enough to understand your thought process. With our numbers, it would be impossible to secure any victory." Reinhard smiles, and says "If we take a closer look at our numbers, it will all become clear…"

Then, Reinhard leaves his seat and moves to the battle information screen. He says "Our forces number 10,000, and they are all made up of one single body. The Chinese Federation has 18,000 soldiers, but they split them up into 3 separate armies, each containing about 6,000 men. They plan to envelop us, by using their 3 armies together." Staden slams his fist onto the table, and yells, "Of course we understand that! This is why we should retreat before we are encircled!"

But Reinhard disagrees, and says "That will not be necessary. Look at their distances… Each of their armies are positioned about 2 hours apart from each other, but we are only positioned 1 hour away from their East Army and 1.5 hours away from their North Army. If we charge at either of those armies, we will be the ones with the numerical advantage. And the rest of the battle will fall into place from there, as we attack the other armies before they can respond or reinforce each other."

Now that Reinhard finished his brief overview of his battle plan, he looked around the room to gauge the officers' reactions. Staden was flustered, although Reinhard didn't expect him to be very cooperative. Merkatz was silent, and Reinhard believed that he understood the plan well enough, even if he didn't seem to have much faith in it. Jeremiah looked like he was deep in thought, but Reinhard could tell that his eyes had a fire that seemed absent back when he first entered the room, which was a good sign. And Fahrenheit looked excited, and Reinhard could tell that he understood and had high faith in the plan. Reinhard thought that Captains Jeremiah and Fahrenheit might be good personal staff officers, in the future.

After a bit of silence, Reinhard says "I believe that I've explained the plan well enough. If any of you need further clarification, you may see me later on. You are all dismissed!" The officers all saluted, and filed out of the room. Once they were gone, Reinhard sat down, as Kircheis says "Some of them looked resistant to the plan…" Reinhard smiles up to Kircheis, and says "It matters not. The ones who dislike the plan won't actively oppose me. They're too weak willed for that." Kircheis smiles back, and says "Naturally."

A few hours later…

Area 10 Military Base: Reinhard's Office

Reinhard and Kircheis were discussing the battle plan, as well as musing about various topics, as Reinhard gets a message. The secretary says "Commander Reinhard, Captain Gottwald wishes to speak with you." Reinhard answers, saying "Let him in."

Jeremiah walks in, and salutes, as Reinhard says "You are Captain Gottwald, correct? You had an interesting look after hearing about the battle plan. Can I hear your opinion on them?" Jeremiah nods, and says "Yes sir! When I heard about this deployment, and the numbers on both sides, I presumed that this would be where I would meet my end as a loyal soldier." Reinhard taps his chin, and says "A common sentiment among soldiers. But you used a past tense… Has your view changed?"

Jeremiah nods and says "Yes. After hearing your battle plan, I realized that we really can seize victory. And I just wanted to come here to say that I will do everything in my power, and fight to my limit, to help us achieve victory!" Reinhard smiles and says "Well said. I was planning on doing this anyway, but your resolve has impressed me none the less, so I will have you act as the leader of our frontal force. Do you accept, Captain Gottwald?"

Jeremiah salutes and says "It would be my pleasure, Commander! And please, call me Jeremiah." Reinhard laughs and says, "Perfect! But if you wouldn't mind, would you answer another question for me, Captain Jeremiah?" Jeremiah nods and says "Of course." Then Reinhard says, "You are a part of the purist faction, and you probably have ties to the nobility yourself, so I must know… Why were you sent here, for a battle that most would see as a lost cause? I am well aware that some nobles do not like my fast advancement, which is why I was put in this situation, but what about you?"

The room grows silent, as Jeremiah looks down, until he finally says "I'm afraid I'm still a bit uncomfortable talking about it, Commander. But basically, I was assigned as a guard, but then she was assassinated, on my watch. I failed in my highest duty. I'm sure the upper military officials wanted to sweep me under the rug, and I can't complain…" Reinhard nods and says "I understand. But I do respect your sense of accountability. It's a rare trait these days." Jeremiah salutes, and says "Thank you, sir! I shall take my leave now. Take care, Commander Reinhard and Captain Kircheis."

After Jeremiah left, Kircheis says "Jeremiah seems like a good man. We should keep him close after the battle is over." Reinhard nods and says "Yes, I agree. And contact Captain Fahrenheit. I would like him to lead the right flank. That will be the second most important position in the battle." Kircheis smiles and says "Right. I'll make the arrangements."

Astarte Valley: Area 10 Side

The army under Reinhard had fully mobilized, and they were in their proper formation.

Jeremiah was in a mobile command vehicle, positioned to lead the front assault. The bulk of his forces were infantry, along with a few tank units. Fahrenheit was positioned at the right flank, in his mobile command vehicle, leading a similar number of infantry and tanks. Staden, who was still unconvinced of the strategy but obeyed reluctantly, held the other flank. And Merkatz was positioned at the back, heading the rear guard. Reinhard remained behind Merkatz's force, ready to issue commands as the battle unfolded.

Because this was, in general, a minor skirmish, there were no Nightmare Frames fielded for either side. And the Chinese Federation also fielded a similar arrangement of infantry troops and tanks.

Astarte Valley: Chinese Federation Side

The army under the Chinese Federation had also fully mobilized, with their 3 separated armies equally apart from each other.

The commander of the Chinese Federation army calls his attendant, and once he arrives, the commander says "Are our forces ready?" The attendant replies, saying "Yes sir. And the Britannian army is also mobilized." The commander claps once, and says "Excellent! Proceed with the envelopment strategy. We'll teach those Britannian dogs to stop acting so high and mighty!" The attendant salutes, and leaves the room.

Once the commander was alone, he says to himself, "This'll be an easy victory… Maybe I'll get a promotion, and be able to finally leave the blasted front lines. Once I crush these fools, I'll be living a life of luxury…"

With both armies ready, the Battle of Astarte Valley would finally begin. And no one involved could possibly predict the outcome…