The Rise of Faith

Southern Army HQ, August 2024

"Lieutenant Colonel Rerugen" Captain Belser saluted, "I didn't expect a visit so soon."

"At ease, Captain" Erich said, "As you know, Strategic HQ and the Intelligence Department have a new aim for the 96th Intelligence Squadron."

"Yes" Ida answered.

"Then let me debrief you on the details" Erich continued, "The 96th Intelligence Squadron shall fly in conjunction with a Mage Wing, start date pending."

"I see" Ida answered. Why a mage wing? They flew at a lower altitude than aircraft, so they couldn't help in a dogfight if one broke out. The only way this arrangement worked out was if her squadron was to be their backup in a tight situation.

"Is there something wrong, Captain?" Erich inquired. For as long as her known her, Ida made herself an easy read. In comparison to that girl, he found it to be a positive trait and one of the many things he liked about her.

A shame they were at war right now and thus had to remain solely as a superior officer to her.

"It's nothing" Ida shook her head.

"Understood. In any case, you will be their forward to deliver ongoing intel of the battlefield" Rerugen continued.

"Forward?" the captain blinked, "That's unexpected, but it does make sense."

"Yes and in the event of a sticky situation, you will be their backup" Rerugen answered. Okay, so she partially right about the arrangement.

"I should mention that you will still be doing be your normal intelligence gathering, but it will serve as layout for the commander of this Mage Wing" Rerugen added.

"Understood, sir" the Captain replied.

"And for my second article of business, I assume you have the report ready for me to give to Strategic HQ?"

"Yes sir" she said while pulling her report from cabinet, "Permission to ask an informal question?"

"Permission granted" Erich replied as he reach out for the report.

"Do you speak Dacian?" she asked.

"Dacian?" Erich thought while controlling his surprise. Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine.

"It's in the report, but in summary the Dacians are preparing for war" she simply stated.

"The Dacians are preparing for war? Against us?" Rerugen questioned. This couldn't be happening, could it? The supposed World War in that report he read on his way to the western front.

"They are" the captain answered, "I would give them a month before they make their move."

Erich sighed, taking off his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose.

"A three front war" Erich sighed, "I'm not sure how the Empire could fight such a thing."

"I concur" she sighed, "I sometimes wonder if the world is going mad and we're the focal point for their madness."

Erich didn't comment on that, leaving a moment of silence.

"I will make sure Strategic HQ will get this report swiftly. If you will excuse me, I will be going now" Erich said.

"An honor, sir" Ida saluted. He returned the salute before leaving her office. As he made his way back to the car, his mind continued to her last sentence.

"She seemed resigned...like this was inevitable" Erich thought, "It's like she can see into the future."

Was the world really delving into madness? He didn't want to know.

It was a shame the girl destined to become a leading voice in Strategic HQ had to be paired with that war maniac, but even the current brass had cut their teeth before becoming the leaders they are now.

As he sat down in the vehicle, he pulled out a pre-rolled cigarette and lit it.

Back in Captain Belser's Office

"A mage wing huh?" Ida thought as she read the recruitment poster for a new organization. If it was written for any other job, nobody would take it seriously. However, this was the army where people strive for glory and thus the poster was perfect.

"Is this your handiwork, Tanya?" Ida mumbled to herself, "If so, you're just digging a hole." She put the flier down and leaned backed in her chair.

"If my squadron is flying besides a mage wing lead by Captain Degurechaff, then there shouldn't be much worry" Ida thought.

Knock, Knock.

"Come in" Ida answered before immediately standing up and saluting, "General Furhman"

"At ease, Captain" the general stated.

"How may I be of assistance?" Ida asked.

"Nothing important, I was just going to ask if you wanted to join some of my colleagues and I in Bible study."

"Bible Study?" Ida blinked. She was caught off guard by the request, due to casual manner he was speaking in.

"Yes" the general smiled, "Unlike Strategic HQ, the leaders of the Southern Army are more religious. From what I heard, you act as the spiritual leader for your squadron."

"Well, I wouldn't know about that" Ida lightly chuckled, "But during these trying times, piety helps calm the nerves. So I made sure that we had prayer before every mission." In truth, she didn't want her men to repeat her mistake if they should ever die. So she did try to usher in faith in them so God wouldn't interfere with their afterlife.

"I see" Furhman nodded, "In any case, we would like you to come. Also, don't worry about being too formal. We're equals in the eyes of the Lord, regardless of our standing in life."

"A chance to socialize with the brass in a casual manner" Ida thought, "I will join you, sir."

"Splendid" Furhman replied, "We will begin the study in my office at 17:00."

"Understood" Ida answered.

"Then have a nice day, Captain" the general said with a salute.

"Thank you and God bless the Empire" she returned the salute.

Sometimes, she could be content with her position in life. Maybe she should really let her bitterness go and become more devout.

Well, if only he recognizes his mistake with her.

A/N: Things are going Ida's direction, so her desires are being answered. So her faith will be increasing soon.