General Staff HQ, Berun, Unified Year 1925
Zettour had to admit, he'd made a blunder when it came to the night of the Republic's 'defeat'. After months on end of daily struggle and planning he thought that he would finally be able to take a breather and enjoy the fruits of the Empire's labour with his compatriots.
Alas, such was not the case. Instead the lunatics over at the republic wished to continue their pointless resistance that would surely lead to the deaths of thousands of young men at the hands of nationalists from a dead nation.
The bastards over at the Commonwealth must be laughing at the slaughter they fund and organise. He truly did wonder if they were a bunch of sadists.
He envied them really, being able to fight a war not on your land, having a sea and the kings of the ocean separating you from any foe. If only the Empire could boast such powerful defences.
Colonel Rerugen had made a report of his discussion with Major Degurechaff during the night he was away, the arguments she put forth were certainly… philosophical. At least that's what he would say had she not been correct.
The irrationality of man had certainly outdone itself this time, causing no end to the headaches that writhed his head.
He wondered if he would've been convinced by her words were he there. Of course in hindsight he agreed with her, but at the time he was as deluded as the rest of the country, would he really be able to say the same then?
Degurechaff had asked to meet with him, it would surely be a worthwhile visit. While he felt ashamed of his failure, it was too late to turn back time, he would have to face this new problem head on, and the Major would surely feel the same.
"Come in." He sighed to the knock on the door, in walked a child wearing clothes far too old for such a young girl. A limp was visible in her steps as she performed a textbook salute and sat at his desk.
"Now, Major. What is it you wished to discuss?"
"Sir, before I begin, may I ask about the state of our forces heading toward the Southern Continent? Are we sending substantial forces to annihilate the Republican remnants?"
"We are sending enough to clean up what remains, to send anymore would be overkill, Major. Besides, we must utilise the Great Army to stabilise our newly found territory, as well as reinforcing our Eastern border."
"Are we expecting problems in the east, sir?"
"Simple precaution, Major."
He gave a stern look as if to tell her, That information is classified. His eyes that stared through her truly said more than the lips which held a pleasant grin.
"I see. Well, Sir. May I offer my input to the situation?"
"Go ahead, Major. We at the General Staff are delighted to hear the views of our young blood."
"Very well, sir. If I may, I ask that we make overkill our policy for the Southern Front, it is my belief that the Republican scourge must be eradicated before other countries swoop in to save this metaphorical chick."
Zettour motioned her to continue, his interest seemingly growing.
While he realised that the current state of events had been in part, the fault of the General Staff's inability to ensure their victory reached its conclusion. To be heavy handed to the meagre foe they faced now would appear as bullying to the other countries surrounding them.
The Major herself had mentioned how the 'Sword the Empire sharpened' had caused fear in their neighbours. Surely such action now would be considered further sharpening?
"To use a metaphor; if a man spotted a pigeon dying on the side of a road, he would feel compelled to help the poor animal. However, if the same man spotted a pigeon dead on the same road, he would do little but pity the bird as he walked on. If we are to avoid the interference of other countries, the weed that is the Republic must be nipped in the bud before its invasiveness destroys this beautiful garden we call home. Surely we should use our strongest herbicides to remove this parasite before it spreads, no?"
"I understand your point, Major. However, what use is the herbicide if we use it all on the edge of our garden, while weeds still remain in our lily patch? We only have so much to use, Major. We must spread it out to ensure the health of our garden. We are not choosing our parasite to wither to, we must reject them both, you understand?"
"Sir, if we wipe out the Republic quickly, we can concentrate our forces even more without having another front to worry about. If we spread out our herbicide too thinly, if we keep diluting it, how can we be sure it will kill any weeds at all?"
"Are you doubting its strength, Major?"
"Not at all sir, but constant dilution will continue to weaken us. The strength relies on its concentration, why should we make our weapon water? Sure it spreads far, but it kills little, sir."
"I will take your opinion into account, Major. But understand that we have more to worry about than one patch of weeds. We can't allow ourselves to be unprepared and open to surprise invasions as we did on the Rhine with our battle North."
"I understand sir. I thank you for allowing me to express my own thoughts on the matter."
"Of course, Major. You've certainly given me something to think about. Before you go, I understand that you'll be released from the hospital within a few weeks correct?"
"That's correct, sir"
"Good, come back to me then. I'll have new deployment orders waiting for you. I pray for your swift recovery."
"Thank you sir." She replied as Zettour dismissed her with a salute. She returned his gesture before leaving the room and stumbling into Colonel Rerugen who was waiting outside.
"Major, I see you're looking better now than when I last saw you."
"I certainly feel better sir, though I am far from full health I must admit." Tanya saluted the Colonel and winced as pain shot up her leg.
"Well I'm sure you'll recover quickly, you aerial mages always seem to heal faster than any of us normal soldiers."
"It's certainly a positive sir."
"May I ask before you leave, if you know what 'go nichi va' means at all?"
The hell was he asking her this for? She never studied languages at the war college. Imperial was hard enough for her to learn as a once proud Japanese man. She would hardly know what archaic language he was speaking
She let her confusion show on her face, "I have no idea, sir. May I ask why?"
"Its nothing, I'll get going now, Major. Get well soon." He ended with a salute. The two went their separate ways, Tanya returned to the hospital that was her current lodge, and Rerugen entered General Zettour's office for the latest report.
"Well General, It certainly wasn't the language of the AkitsushimaDominion she was reported to have spoken. Perhaps she was speaking in tongues, she is known to be quite a determined believer going by her prayers in battle."
"I see, well that explanation is good enough for now. She's too valuable of an asset for us to treat her as a spy, not that they'd send one anyway, they are quite isolationist as is."
"I agree sir. Now, the report from Ildoa has just come in."
"A new peace proposal I assume?"
(A/N All reviews or criticisms are appreciated. Thank you for reading.)