Chapter Eight
February 8th U.C. 799, I.C. 490
Gandharva system, Uruvasi, Brunehilde, Bridge
Reinhard had recovered from his fever pretty quickly and was now giving Rear Admiral Sombart orders to guard the supply lines. In his position as Chief Adjutant, Kircheis stood beside Reinhard. Usually, Kircheis should be standing below the dais with the other admirals on such an occasion, but he was still worried over Reinhard's health.
"Your Excellency, on this occasion, should I go?" Mittermeyer offered. Kircheis could understand his thoughts. Sombart was one of the new, younger admirals, relatively untested and inexperienced. Handing over such an important position to him was risky. When Reinhard still chose to appoint Sombart however, Kircheis did not voice any objectionn. He understood Reinhard's thoughts. Undoubtedly, Reinhard wanted to give the younger admirals a chance for performance. After all, how else was the younger generation going to gain the experience they needed save through such opportunities?
February 12th, U.C. 799, I.C. 490
Gandharva system, Uruvasi, Brunehilde, Bridge
When Sombart came back in disgrace for his failure to protect the supply ships, Kircheis could see the underlying anger beneath Reinhard's cool exterior. After berating Sombart, Reinhard turned his attention to operation plans.
"It's partially my fault that I didn't set any definite plans but to achieve a permanent takeover, not just a temporary invasion, we must act carefully. But this time, I have decided. We must destroy all of the organized enemy forces completely. In other words, we will besiege and destroy the Yang Fleet," Reinhard said. Kircheis agreed with Reinhard's words, but he also realized the difficulty of doing so. Reinhard then ordered Admiral Steinmetz to find out the position of Yang's fleet, and Admiral Lennenkapt to go to his aid if necessary.
February 17th, U.C. 799, I.C. 490
Gandharva system, Uruvasi, Brunehilde, Bridge
Kircheis watched with sympathy as Admiral Steinmetz and Lennenkapt knelt below the dais, in front of Reinhard to apologise for their defeat at the hands of Yang's fleet. Once again, Magician Yang had gotten the better of Imperial forces, resulting in the deaths of many Imperial soldiers. He knew that Steinmetz and Lennenkapt had tried their best, but were not a match for Yang Wen-li.
Thankfully, Reinhard had decided to give Steinmetz and Lennenkapt only a light punishment. Kircheis knew that Reinhard had considered sending Lennenkapt to Iserlohn while calling Lutz here. Luckily, before Kircheis had even attempted to dissuade Reinhard, Hildegarde had stated three reasons to convince Reinhard to abandon that idea. Kircheis was happy that there was one more person in Reinhard's life who was able to temper Reinhard's razor-edged words and sharp spirit.
Gandharva system, Uruvasi, Temporary Officer's Lounge
Seated opposite Mittermeyer and Reuenthal in the lounge, Kircheis gently set his glass of wine on the table , then relaxed against his chair, listening politely to his companions' conversation. He had been making his rounds in the officers' lounge as usual, when Mittermeyer had cheerfully invited him to join them. Aware that Reinhard was not expecting him for another hour, Kircheis had accepted.
Now, Reuenthal was speaking of the multiple losses that the Imperial fleet had encountered in its forays against the Yang fleet. "I wouldn't think even Yang Wen-li would aim to win this war by accumulating tactical victories to overcome his disadvantage in numbers. I wonder what he is thinking." Kircheis had his own thoughts on that, but he kept quiet when Mittermeyer put down his own empty wine glass.
"What?" Reuenthal asked. "Do you have any ideas?"
Mittermeyer darted a quick glance at Kircheis, then replied in the affirmative. "Yes."
"What is it? Just say it." Reuenthal shot out with some exasperation. Kircheis pressed his lips together. So Mittermeyer had noticed too, huh? The one and only way for Yang Wen-li to win the war…
"Prince Lohengramm said, 'In order for the Alliance to overcome its disadvantage in numbers, they must kill me', that is, defeat Prince Lohengramm." Mittermeyer replied with a grim face.
Kircheis clenched his hands into fists when he heard that. Reinhard had said that, huh? So his friend was aware of how desperate their enemies were to take his life, and still he remained nonchalant about it? A quick flash of worried-born irritation crossed Kircheis' mind, then dissipated just as quickly. That was just like Reinhard. How could Kircheis be angry at his friend for what was essentially an integral part of his personality? But…I won't allow it to happen. I will protect Lord Reinhard.
"I see." Reuenthal said, as Mittermeyer was refilling the two empty wine glasses on the table. "Then while it looks like Yang Wen-li is concentrating on winning with tactics, you think that this is all a set-up to bring Prince Lohengramm before him." Glancing at Kircheis, he quirked an eyebrow, noting Kircheis' clenched fists. Mittermeyer too, noticed Kircheis' odd behavior and turned a concerned expression Kircheis' way.
Kircheis forcibly relaxed his fists and collected himself. It was foolish to get worked up over such a distant threat, but Kircheis could not help it; he tensed up every time there was a threat against Reinhard. Giving his fellow comrades an apologetic smile, Kircheis focused on the subject at hand, "I think Mittermeyer is right. If we think about it that way, it all makes sense…" He could not bring himself to continue the thought though, and he gestured for his comrades to continue their conversation.
Reuenthal remarked calmly, "That's true."
"If Prince Lohengramm dies…" Mittermeyer continued, casting an apologetic glance at Kircheis. "We lose our leader and the object of our loyalty. The question becomes, 'For whom do we fight?' From the Alliance point of view, it's everything they could hope for." Kircheis did not say anything, even as he felt a stab of pain in his heart at just thinking about Reinhard being dead. He had to admit though, that Mittermeyer's points were valid.
"His successor has not been decided yet," Reuenthal commented, as his eyes flitted to meet Kircheis. Was that a hint of challenge in Reuenthal's eyes? It suddenly hit Kircheis, hard, that what with all the honours that Reinhard had bestowed upon him, he was the second highest-rankng military officer, right after Reinhard. If something, Odin forbid, were to happen to Reinhard, he was the most likely candidate for a successor…and that was something that Reuenthal, it appeared, would not abide. But that did not matter to Kircheis. Kircheis shook his head mentally. No, this will never happen. Because Lord Reinhard won't die…he just can't… Reinhard's mortality had never struck Kircheis so hard before. His presence larger than life itself, Reinhard had always given Kircheis the impression that he'd always be there. Technically, Kircheis knew that his friend was mortal, and worried about it almost constantly, taking all reasonable steps to secure Reinhard's safety, but he had always shied away from considering the awful possibility that Reinhard's death might come about one day. I will do everything in my power to protect Lord Reinhard and keep that from becoming a reality. He could not even contemplate himself living in a universe without Reinhard.
"Whomever it may be, we won't have an absolute leadership like Prince Lohengramm's," Mittermeyer quickly added, seeming to detect his friend's almost- dangerous tone of voice.
"Is that it?" Reuenthal's tone was decidedly neutral.
Kircheis could not stand it any longer. "Such a thing won't happen!" he stated emphatically. "With your help," here, Kircheis leaned forward met Mittermeyer's and Reuenthal's gaze. "As best as we can, we will do everything to prevent that from ever happening." He held their gazes steadily, letting them see the steely determination in his eyes.
Mittermeyer look startled, but nodded in response. "Of course, Kircheis. In any case, I got carried away; I shouldn't have mentioned such a morbid subject…" Privately, he berated himself for being so insensitive. He could just imagine how Kircheis must have felt; if someone had talked about Reuenthal's possible death in front of him, even if it were mere speculation, he would have reacted much more strongly than Kircheis for sure.
Kircheis ran his hand through his red hair slightly sheepishly. "No, I apologise, it is me who is too sensitive…" The atmosphere at the table thrummed with awkward tension as everyone descended into silence.
"I could drink another bottle," Reuenthal came to the rescue by changing the subject, even as Kircheis relaxed against his chair once more.
Mittermeyer quickly took a light-hearted tone. "Unfortunately, ever since the supply ships were destroyed, the suppliers' moods and willingness to share haven't been good. We can't have just high-ranking officers enjoying themselves." Kircheis nodded in agreement at that.
"Running out of wine and beer is one thing, but if we run out of meat and bread, it will affect the morale of the soldiers. There are no examples of starving soldiers winning a war." Reuenthal said with a sharp tongue.
"Famine is one of the most common reasons for one's forces to revolt. Since we're deep in enemy territory it'll be a serious threat once the soldiers start complaining. Kircheis, I know you've been going around the fleets personally to boost the soldiers' morale, but even that won't work once they start starving." Mittermeyer commented solemnly.
Kircheis nodded his agreement. "You're right, Mittermeyer. So far, the soldiers' morale are alright, but that won't last long…"
"Basically we need to fight before we run out of food." Reuenthal concluded bleakly.
Kircheis nodded again. Then, noting the time on the nearest clock, he drained his wine glass, ands told his fellow comrades. "Excuse me, but I have to leave now. Prince Lohengramm is expecting me. Thank you for sharing the excellent vintage with me, Mittermeyer." With polite nods at Mittermeyer and Reuenthal, Kircheis left the room.
Reuenthal stared after Kircheis with some disbelief. Turning to Mittemeyer, he remarked, "I can't believe he said that with a straight face…Kircheis really doesn't know anything about wine, does he?" Mittermeyer was suppressing a grin. "In that aspect, I suspect Prince Lohengramm is the same."
Even as Reuenthal continued joking with Mittermeyer, in the back of his mind, he was pondering on Kircheis' bond to Prince Lohengramm. It was not purely friendship or loyalty. Perhaps a combination of both, but somehow it transcended both…After all, Kircheis had willingly jumped in front of a blaster aimed at Prince Lohengramm. At that time, he had been the first to react, in that hall. At that time, perhaps none of them had been so loyal to Prince Lohengramm as to willingly and unhesitatingly sacrifice themselves for him, yet. But at the current moment? As time had passed, Reuenthal had slowly but surely detected a growth in the loyalty that the other admirals had towards Prince Lohengramm. At this point in time, Reuenthal was pretty sure that his bosom friend, Mittermeyer, would even give up his life for their liege lord without the slightest hestitation.
But what about Reuenthal himself? He was loyal to Prince Lohengramm in that he was willing to serve the younger man, because Prince Lohengramm had dared what he had never even considered – rally a large force around him to overthrow the Goldenbaum Dynasty. As long as his liege lord continued to prove himself worthy of being his superior, he supposed he would continue to follow him. But sacrifice his life for Prince Lohengramm? Reuenthal was, fortunately or unfortunately, not wired that way. Only one person had earned that honour, through years of standing besides him in life-and-death situations, and that person was sitting in front of him.
And that was the true reason, Reuenthal acknowledged privately, that he had not been in the least bit jealous or envious that Kircheis was, for all intents and purpose, second-in-command of the Lohengramm camp. Talent-wise, Kircheis was on par with him, but loyalty-wise, Reuenthal knew he could not hold a candle to the red-head. However, if Prince Lohengramm were out of the picture…Reuenthal knew he would never bow down to anyone else.
February 24th, U.C. 799, I.C. 490
Gandharva system, Uruvasi, Brunehilde, Bridge
"According to information from Phezzan, the Alliance has eighty-four supply bases in their territory. Since they stole our supplies, it's 'an eye for an eye'. I'd like to go and attack and raid their supply bases," Wahlen had said prior to leaving for the raid, but now, that same Wahlen was kneeling in front of the dais apologizing for his failure.
Magician Yang indeed, Kircheis thought ruefully once he had heard the details. Once more, Yang Wen-li had gotten the better of an Imperial Admiral. "That's enough," Reinhard exclaimed in a slightly raised voice that belied his fury. With a swish of his cape, he left the bridge. Oh dear, Lord Reinhard must be furious…Kircheis hurried after his friend, hoping to calm Reinhard down.
Gandharva system, Uruvasi, Brunehilde, Reinhard's private quarters
When they reached Reinhard's private quarter's Reinhard punched his right fist against his left hand and started shouting. "Why?! Why does that Yang Wen-li always get the better of my officers! Have I come this far just to make Magician Yang's name?!" Reinhard's icy-blue eyes flashed with a glacial rage as he gave vent to all his anger and frustration.
Kircheis bore his friend's outburst with patient understanding. The fact that Reinhard had waited till they were in private to let loose spoke volumes about his friend's growing control over his own temper, and Kircheis was proud of Reinhard.
"Kircheis!" Reinhard turned on Kircheis, regarding his friend intensely. "Your thoughts?!"
Kircheis knew that was his cue to speak. "Lord Reinhard, I understand how you feel. But please, consider this. This is only a small part of the overall battle. Let Yang Wen-li rejoices over the small tactical victories if he wants, but please, do not let it get to you, Lord Reinhard. That's exactly what Yang Wen-li wants. He wishes to goad you into a confrontation, so that he can…" Kircheis did not continue, but he knew that Reinhard understood what he wanted to say.
Exhaling, Reinhard regained control of himself. Reaching up to twirl a few red curls of Kircheis' hair in his fingers, that action seemed to calm Reinhard down further. "That's right, Kircheis. That is his aim, isn't it? I must think on this before the strategy meeting that we have later today. Check on everyone's morale for me." Reinhard smiled at his friend affectionately before turning to look out the viewport at the stars.
"Yes, Lord Reinhard." Bowing slightly, Kircheis gave his friend a warm and gentle smile before leaving the room.
Gandharva system, Uruvasi, Temporary Officer's Lounge
When Kircheis had entered the lounge, he found that most of the admirals were gathered in the lounge. Was it by coincidence or by design, Kircheis wondered. Still when Mittermeyer had called him over to his booth, Kircheis had accepted with a smile. Seated in a circular booth on orange plush seats were his comrades, including Reuenthal, Wahlen, Fahrenheit, Bittenfeld, Steinmetz, Lennenkapt and Muller.
"Fleet Admiral Kircheis, is Prince Lohengramm still angry?" Wahlen asked with an uncharacteristic note of hesitation in his voice. It was obvious that he was still suffering from the guilt of suffering the latest in a long string of defeats against Yang Wen-li.
Kircheis gave Wahlen a reassuring smile, before phrasing his answer carefully. "Prince Lohengramm has calmed down." It was not his place to reveal too much about Reinhard's thoughts. Kircheis was ever mindful of the fact that in the Lohengramm camp, there should only be one voice – that of their leader, Reinhard von Lohengramm. He himself should never be perceived as being able to convey Reinhard's words and feelings, despite the fact that it was true most of the time, for that would underscore the dangers of Oberstein's No.2 theory.
"Even an excellent officer like Wahlen was tricked," Reuenthal mused.
"Because he is an excellent officer, Wahlen was tricked," Mittermeyer pointed out. "It was the same with Steinmetz and Lennenkapt."
"I have no excuse," Wahlen bowed his head as he said that. "But I did discover one important thing. I made an observation after the battle that they don't have a regular supply base but change where they get their supplies after each battle, and move as they fight."
"This is a problem," Fahrenheit observed, with his arms folded across his chest. "The whole Alliance territory is acting as their base." Kricheis could see the problem with that. With no specific location with which to pinpoint the Yang fleet, it would be next to impossible to corner them, unless…
"It looks like guerilla war waged by a regular army," Steinmetz said as he rubbed his fingers along his heavily bearded jaw.
"Yang Wen-li even abandoned Iserlohn Fortress," Lennekapt, the oldest of all the admirals present, said. "He must have plenty of supplies."
"When they focus this hard, they're fearsome," Muller admitted.
"It's just one fleet." Mittermeyer exclaimed. He could not stand it any longer. Leaping to his feet, he said, "Even though he can appear anytime, anywhere, we're allowing one fleet to play around with us." Kircheis could understand Mittermeyer's feelings. Turning, he gave Mittermeyer a warm and gentle smile, hoping to calm his comrade down.
"We could just destroy or occupy all eighty-four of their supply bases," Fahrenheit tossed out his idea carelessly.
"Tht's an impractical proposition," Reuenthal shot down the idea. "If we send out our forces, Gandharva System defenses will be thin. We'd make a foolish mistake if we disperse our forces too much. As you know, all Yang has done so far is to destroy us one by one."
"Then, are you saying that we just watch and let him do his thing?" Fahrenheit questioned with an edge in his voice.
"I wouldn't say that," Reuenthal snorted his dismissal at that. "It's true we have no time. So we draw Yang Wen-li up to the stage. We'll set a trap to bring him out in the open and surround him."
After a thankful nod at Kircheis, Mittermeyer finally calmed down enough to sit back down.
"The problem is, what kind of bait do we use to trap him…" Reuenthal continued.
Kircheis stiffened at that. He knew exactly what kind of bait that Yang Wen-li would fall for – Reinhard, alone and vulnerable. But that idea went against every fibre of his being…
"Unfortunately, there's only one bait that Yang Wen-li would fall for…" Kircheis stared down at the floor as he said that, helplessly and bitterly. Even though he knew that there was no other answer, he could not help but wish that the combined intelligence of all the admirals here would yield another suggestion. Silence, think and cloying like maple syrup on a pancake, filled the room. No one had a better suggestion…
"The movement of Yang's fleet must have a pattern," Turneisen chipped in from the adjourning table, where admirals of lower military rank sat. "If we analyze the pattern we must be able to figure out which supply base he will use next."
"Are you an idiot?" Bittenfeld exclaimed scathingly and incredulously. "If we wait until we find out their pattern, who knows how many years we would have to wait. It doesn't matter how much Yang Wen-li moves around. All we have to do is to destroy the capital." Everyone's emotions were running high, Kircheis noted. He could not help but berate himself for voicing his thought openly – he was supposed to help Reinhard calm the admirals down, not incite them.
"And most of our forces will return to the Empire," Mittermeyer said with a slight hint of annoyance. "Then the unharmed Yang Fleet will retake the capital and give rebirth to the Alliance. Then we'd have to come out here again."
"If we defeat Yang's fleet, we can destroy the Alliance completely. But if we don't, there'll be no complete victory for us." Muller agreed with Mittermeyer.
"You're all afraid of Yang Wen-li just as sheep are afraid of wolves. What're you going to do about setting examples for future officers?" Bittenfeld clenched his fists and asked.
"What I'm afraid of is the distance from the Empire to here, not Yang Wen-li." Mittermeyer retorted. "If you can't understand that, I have nothing to talk to you about."
Bittenfeld deflated at that. Kircheis smiled placatingly at Mittermeyer and Bittenfeld, then said to Bittenfeld, "We're not afraid of Yang Wen-li, Admiral Bittenfeld. After all, a genius of a tactician he may be, but he is only one person. Whereas we have many capable and competent commanders…" Kircheis allowed his gaze to roam across all the admirals seated at the booth, putting all the sturdy confidence that he felt in his fellow comrades into that gaze.
"I apologize for my previous careless words," Kircheis continued with a self-depreciating smile. Then, with an earnestness and sincerity that struck all present, he said, "However, instead of arguing among ourselves here, why don't we present our ideas to Prince Lohengramm at the meeting later? I am confident that Prince Lohengramm will then come up with the best possible plan." At that, all the admirals around him made murmurs of agreement.
Gandharva system, Uruvasi, Brunhilde, Meeting Room
At Reinhard's summons, Kircheis and the other admirals filed into the room. Facing the admirals, Reinhard begun speaking, his melodious voice filled with a vibrancy and passion that few could match. "I ask you, why did we come tens of thousands of light years out here? Was it to make Yang Wen-li more famous?"
At those caustic words, the admirals who had suffered defeat at Yang Wen-li's hands – Wahlen, Steinmetz and Lennenkapt – bowed in shame. Ignoring them, Reinhard continued, "Did your spirit as warriors grow wings and fly away?"
Wahlen straightened at that. He could tell from his liege lord's words that Prince Lohengramm was still angry over his earlier failure. Shame and guilt plagued him, so much so that he spoke up, "Your Excellency, I know how angry you are. No, because I know your anger, I would like to receive permission to make up for my past mistakes."
Reinhard stared at Wahlen coolly. True, he had calmed down since Wahlen had first brought back the bad news, but that did not mean he was happy with Wahlen. "I will expect that. But it's time for me to come up and finish this once and for all. Reuenthal."
Tall and dark-haired Reuenthal came to attention with a click of his heels. "Take your fleet to the Rio Bell sector. Attack the supply base and secure the area." Reuenthal narrowed his eyes as he heard the command. Reinhard smirked mentally; he knew that Reuenthal had grasped the gist of Reinhard's plan as soon as he heard that statement. Of all the admirals in this room, he was the first to get it. Or rather, the first after Kircheis…Reinhard had not missed the involuntary stiffening in his red-haired friend's body when he had voiced his order.
"You understand, don't you?" Reinhard asked Reuenthal rhetorically. "This is a pretense. Others shall also take their fleets and attack elsewhere, leaving me isolated. If Yang Wen-li sees me isolated, he will show himself. Then we'll trap and destroy him."
Muller took an involuntary step forward, worry evident in his eyes. "Then, Your Excellency is going to set yourself as bait and face Yang Wen-li's attack with just your fleet?" Ever since he had heard Kircheis' words in the lounge, this was Muller's worse fear come true. Putting aside his own loyalty to his liege lord, Prince Lohengramm's importance to the Lohengramm camp could hardly be over-stated. When Prince Lohengramm inclined his head in response to his question, Muller exclaimed, "This is too dangerous. Please let at least my fleet remain here with you."
"That's a needless worry. Do you think I'll lose to Yang Wen-li's fleet with the same number of ships, Muller?" Reinhard's barb was pointed and well-aimed, Kircheis noted, even as he felt his whole body churning with agitation at the very thought of Reinhard taking such a risky proposition. It was not that he did not have confidence in his friend, it was simply that Yang Wen-li was known as a trickster…the unexpected was always a possibility when he was involved.
"That's not it," Muller stammered out, but he could not continue his plea. Reinhard had effectively sealed any other argument that Muller could offer. Kircheis heaved a mental sigh. More than anyone, he knew what a sharp-tongue Reinhard could bring to bear.
"It's not that I'm worried about," Mittermeyer came to Muller's rescue. "Although Yang Wen-li is a famous admiral, he's only a soldier commanding a fleet. It isn't suitable for Your Excellency to battle him under the same conditions. Please rethink this." Kircheis had to admit that Mittermeyer's tactic would have worked with any normal status-conscious commander. Unfortunately, Reinhard himself considered Yang Wen-li a worthy opponent, and nothing anyone could say would change his mind about that.
True enough, Reinhard replied, "From what I heard, Yang Wen-li has become a Fleet Admiral. Since I am also an Imperial Fleet Admiral, we could say that we're equal." And Kircheis tensed at that. Even Mittermeyer had not managed to convince Reinhard to change his mind. It looked like Reinhard was set on this course, unless…
"There's no one who is equal to you in the entire universe, Your Excellency!" Turneisen exclaimed loudly. As one of their classmates in the Junior Imperial Military Academy, Kircheis knew that technically, Reinhard and him should be closer to Turneisen, even if they had not had much dealings with the latter during their school days. However, Kircheis knew that Reinhard did not like Turneisen, an overt flatterer, as a person.
Kircheis sighed mentally. It appeared that he would have to risk his friend's wrath in order to ensure his safety. Usually, at general meetings like this, Kircheis did not speak much, because he did not want others to think that he was unduely wielding his influence as Reinhard's friend. But he would risk that today, because above all else, Reinhard's safety was of the utmost importance.
Stepping out, Kircheis met his friend's gaze steadily, willing Reinhard to see his concern. "Your Excellency, I have every confidence in your ability, but please, consider: It would reassure us greatly if you would allow one fleet to remain behind with you. It could be in reserve, at the far edges of the star system, or even just one short warp away. One fleet would not make much of a difference to the effectiveness of the pretense. Please, Your Excellency, your safety is paramount." Kircheis bowed when he finished, emphasizing the earnestness of his request, then straightened and met Reinhard's eyes once more. Please, Lord Reinhard, your safety is the most important thing to me…
Reinhard stifled a scowl at Kircheis' insistence, even as he made sure his icy-blue eyes conveyed his displeasure. Always a worrywart…But he could not ignore such a heartfelt plea from his friend, especially when he knew that Kircheis only had his safety in mind. In any case, it involved only a minor change in his plans, so he accepted Kircheis' suggestion. "Fine. Muller, you can be the reserve fleet. And Kircheis…" Reinhard's glare intensified, even though he knew that he was being willful. "Kircheis will take over Muller's task as well."
His face sporting a relieved smile, Kircheis accepted the new orders with a click of his heels. "Yes, Your Excellency." He could feel the general air of relief in the room from the other admirals.
Mittermeyer spoke up once more. "Would you tell us how you plan on dealing with Yang Wen-li, Your Excellency?"
Kircheis could see Reinhard's smirk at those words. "I'll wipe away all your worries. Emil, bring that over here." The last was said to a fifteen-year-old officer cadet with short brownish red hair, standing at the side. Kircheis recognized him as the boy that Hildegarde had recommended to take care of Reinhard when he had gone to her about the issue. Emil von Selle…after speaking to the boy, he had found him to be full of zealous loyalty towards Reinhard, so he had assigned Emil to care for Reinhard. Basically, to ensure that Reinhard ate and rested regularly, since his friend was prone to overwork when Kircheis was not around to remind him otherwise.
Emil pushed over a wine bottle and a stack of paper on a metal trolley. Kircheis watched as Reinhard poured out some of the wine onto the paper. Just as the wine started to permeate the stack of paper, Reinhard quickly started pulling sheet after sheet of paper off the stack, to show, finally, a blank white sheet of paper as yet unstained with wine. Kircheis nodded in understanding. So that was the defense that Reinhard would be using against Yang Wen-li.
"Look at this," Reinhard said. "Even though the papers are thin, with dozens of them, all the wine is absorbed. I will take this approach with Yang Wen-li. Yang Wen-li won't be able to penetrate all of my defense lines." Reinhard took a step forward as his voice became animated. "Then, when he stops, you'll turn back and encircle him. You'll destroy him and bring him to me. I don't care whether he's dead or alive. We'll show the Free Planets Alliance what happened to Yang Wen-li and destroy them as well."
"Yes sir!" All the admirals said as they came to attention as one and saluted.
When Reinhard left the room, Kircheis hurried after him. It was best to deal with Reinhard's temper immediately, before it had time to simmer.
Mittermeyer turned to Reuenthal with a smile as he followed the other admirals out of the room. "Prince Lohengramm is truly a genius to come up with such a tactic to deal with Yang Wen-li. I feel better though, knowing that there's a back-up plan. Fortunately, Kircheis managed to persuade Prince Lohengramm to take Muller's fleet with him."
Reuenthal turned an amused smirk on Mittermeyer. "It looks like Kircheis will bear the brunt of Prince Lohengramm's temper though."
Mittermeyer waved a hand of dismissal at that. He was not concerned. Having known them for this long, Mittermeyer was beginning to understand the dynamics between Prince Lohengramm and Kircheis. Prince Lohengramm had a stubborn streak in his a mile wide, and only Kircheis could persuade him otherwise. And when Prince Lohengramm displayed his wrath, only Kircheis could calm him down. The latter was always happy to bear Prince Lohengramm's willful temper with a patient and understanding smile. Put simply, Kircheis was the protective sheath to Prince Lohengramm's finely honed razor-edge sword.
Gandharva system, Uruvasi, Brunhilde, Reinhard's Office
Kircheis knew that Reinhard wasn't truly mad at him when the latter went to his chair behind his desk and sat down with his arms crossed. When Reinhard was truly angry, his body showed it in many ways; clenched fists, tensed posture, ready-to-attack stance and a raised voice. This…this was just Reinhard pouting.
Supressing a smile, Kircheis walked around the desk so that he was standing right next to Reinhard. "Lord Reinhard," he called gently, in almost cajoling tones, as he bent forward so that he was almost at eye level with his friend. When Reinhard cast a sideways glance at him, he knew that it had worked. "Don't be mad, Lord Reinhard. When we get to an inhabited planet, I'll buy you the best cake on the planet as an apology."
At that sentence, Reinhard relented. He flicked his finger at Kircheis' forehead, which Kircheis took with a smile. "I don't like your cunning disposition, Kircheis, thinking that you can bribe me with cake." Kircheis had to smile at that. It was a reminder of an old running joke between them, ever since their teenage years. In a light-hearted tone, Kircheis replied, "But I'll buy the best cake there is, Lord Reinhard, a cake so delicious that it'll more than make up for my disposition!"
Reinhard burst into tinkling peals of laughter at that, causing Kircheis to join him. For a few moments, they just basked in the warmth and companionship of having a friend, here in deep space, thousands of light-years away from their homeworld.
Then, that moment was interrupted bya knock. Kircheis immediately stood to attention and took his place at Reinhard's side. Reinhard's laughter too, died instantly. His smiles and laughter were only for two people in the entire universe to witness. "Come in," he called out coolly. With some surprise, he watched as Hildegarde stepped into the room.
Hildegarde showed no hint of surprise at finding Kircheis in the room as well. "Your Excellency," she greeted Reinhard. "We should take over planet Heinessen and make them surrender without dealing with Yang Fleet." Kircheis could understand Hildegarde's point of view. As a civilian, she probably saw Reinhard's challenge to the Yang fleet as an unnecessary waste of lives and resources. What she did not factor in however, was Reinhard's pride. Kircheis knew that his friend would never agree to Hildegarde's suggestion. On the other hand, perhaps they could integrate her suggestion into their current plan?
Hildegarde continued, "If we make them persuade Yang Wen-li to stop what would become meaningless battles, we'll achieve your goal of conquest without any battles."
"And I end without ever defeating Yang Wen-li. No, I cannot do that Fraulein, I cannot lose to anyone. People admire and stay loyal to me because I'm undefeated. I'm not supported because of my bloodline…" Reinhard insisted. However, he glanced at Kircheis, he could sense that his friend had something to say. "What is it, Kircheis?"
"Lord Reinhard, perhaps we could incorporate Fraulein Mariendorf's plan into the current strategy. After Admirals Mittermeyer and Reuenthal finish their attack run, they could go to Heinessen to force Alliance surrender. That would give Lord Reinhard buffer time. It would be a strategic victory either way, Lord Reinhard." What Kircheis had not said openly was that if Reinhard were to lose the tactical battle against Yang's Fleet, the attack on Heinessen would then give an Imperial victory. If Reinhard were to win, the attack on Heinessen would merely have been brought forward. Also, the loss of those two fleets would not make a significant impact on the size of the Imperial forces turning back to aid Reinhard.
Reinhard held Kircheis' gaze for a few moments. He was curious as to why his friend had not volunteered to go to Heinessen himself. There was no one Reinhard trusted more than Kircheis, so if it were to be another who were to take down Heinessen, Reinhard would rather it be Kircheis. "My place is by your side, Lord Reinhard." Kircheis answered the unspoken question in Reinhard's eyes. It was more than that. Having already achieved the military accomplishment of retaking Iserlohn Fortress, Kircheis knew that he should give this chance to others, else discontent and antagonism would simmer among Reinhard's other subordinates. Yet, he was also fearful that the task might prove too much of a temptation for anyone else, for it was a good opportunity to declare oneself as an independent force, with Heinessen as base. Hence Mittermeyer and Reuenthal were the best choice – they had pledged their loyalty to Reinhard the longest. And Kircheis believed in the innate honesty of Mittermeyer, although he wasn't as sure of Reuenthal. But he believed that Mittermeyer would be able to keep Reuenthal in check. This time.
Reinhard finally said, "Very well. I'll take your advice, Fraulein. Kircheis, summon Mittermeyer and Reuenthal." As Hildegarde bowed in relief, Kircheis answered, "Yes, Lord Reinhard. If it's fine with you, I'd like to return after lunch." Kircheis decided that it was better that he was absent from the room when Reinhard told the admirals about Hildegarde's plan. It would be best for Hildegarde to take all the credit for the plan. Reinhard inclined his head, understanding Kircheis' reticence.
February 28th, U.C. 799, I.C. 490
Gandharva system, Uruvasi, Brunehilde, Corridor
"Admiral Muller!"Kircheis called out as he caught up with the grey-haired admiral after the most recent strategic meeting. Reinhard has informed his subordinates of his revised battle plan, which had garnered much approval and admiration for Hildegarde, who had been credited with the revision. Now, the admirals were all in the midst of making final preparations for battle, and they would be launching within the week.
Muller stopped in his tracks to wait politely for Fleet Admiral Kircheis to speak, allowing the other admirals to go on ahead. "Yes, Fleet Admiral?"
Kircheis faced Muller with a serious expression, which Muller felt was rather odd, since the former was usually sporting a smile of some kind. He was greatly surprised however, when Kircheis inclined his head to him in a nod. "I know I do not have the right, but…I'll be counting on you, Muller," Kircheis said solemnly.
In an instant, Muller knew what his superior was talking about. Kircheis had made a strong case for a fleet to remain in reserve by Prince Lohengramm's side. Yet sent to attack the Alliance supplies, Fleet Admiral Kircheis could not do so. Hence, he was making an entreaty to Muller, as a comrade and fellow vassal of Prince Lohengramm, to protect their liege lord. No, it was more than that, Muller realized. Kircheis had not used Muller's title when addressing him. The red-haired man had been making that entreaty in his capacity as Prince Lohengramm's close friend, to Muller, whom he also considered a friend.
A strong and implacable determination welled up within Muller. Holding out his hand, Muller held Kircheis' hand in a firm handshake. Then, letting go of Fleet Admiral's Kircheis' hand, he stood to attention and said firmly, "Rest assured, Fleet Admiral Kircheis. By the great god Odin, this I swear: I will do everything within my power to protect Prince Lohengramm!" Muller then pulled a crisp salute, imbuing it with all his heartfelt sincerity. It was a salute which Fleet Admiral Kircheis returned with a warm smile. The two then departed to go about their respective tasks.