Reich Marshal of the Belkan Reich

RM Vol 4: War – Chapter 33: Case Yellow (Day 11 – Readiness)

Obsidian Castle, Berlin.

In the many chambers of the coolest castle out there, due to its matte black finish and fine touches of gold and red, the Reich Marshal convenes a meeting with a few key figures in the Reich. Being served coffee and cookies by Agent, Yuki sits on an ivory white chair while crossing her legs. Accepting the offered coffee mug with a smile and a grateful nod to Agent, Yuki turns to look at the other occupants in the room. Taking a sip of the liquid wakeness, Yuki urges.

"Report."

Without looking at each other for confirmation, one person steps up, dressed in a neat suit and sporting an aged expression. He is Prime Minister Hartmann, the person in charge of carrying out the Belkan Reich's internal affairs at the behest of the Belkan royalties.

"Believe it or not, Marshal, our economy is only growing steadily despite the ongoing war. The people are happy about our recent and consecutive battlefield successes. Trust in the value of our money is rock solid, and the citizens are on a healthy buying spree. Census indicated that they're willingly offering up tax money to aid in our war effort, especially when news stations notice Polanian movements. Fortunately, our industries are more than capable of meeting demands for both necessities and luxury goods. Nevertheless, we've laid the groundwork for more underground farms and manufacturing facilities as per your instruction, Marshal. However, it has to be said that we are already floating in resources. We can't consume as fast as we can produce them."

Yuki just smiles, nursing her coffee mug.

"That's just us Belkans for you. Patriotic, loyal, devoted... Morale is undoubtedly high, driven by the narrative co-authored by Section Three and the Yggdrasil Pantheon. The people see that we're the only one providing them with the peace of mind they seek, it's no wonder that they will so fervently support us. More so, unlike other contemporary nations, we are not forcing our citizens to do something they don't want. There are also many ways for them to support us if they do not wish to join the military or are unable to. This leeway we give them is one of the big reasons our civilians keep buying more and more or are eagerly signing up for any available jobs. It helps that our government-funded businesses pay well and value the time and effort the workers invested in completing their jobs. It's something that can't be said for other countries... As for the surplus resources, it's not like we're only supplying ourselves. In the future, we will have to fuel much more than our war machines and some care packages. I will leave it to you, Mister Hartmann, to figure out the logistical nerve system to wage a global conflict."

Minister Hartmann bows at Yuki before the two of them continue to discuss a few key points, mostly to identify which industrial sector the Reich should invest in next.

"The transportation sector." Yuki finalizes. "People are already enjoying the benefits of cheap gasoline and petrol to travel between districts and cities. What if we give them more modern transportation like jet aircraft and faster trains? Given enough time, this particular investment will overhaul the economy of the Reich and even affect the world at large in a positive manner. But of course, there must be a period of transition so that we can have our people adapt to the new machines."

"I will draw up plans before presenting them to you and the Empresses, Marshal." Minister Hartmann replies.

"Don't forget that you can reference the Mansion of Knowledge for more details. Dreamer and the brainiac trio should have an information package ready for you." Yuki adds before sending Minister Hartmann away.

Now that she has settled internal affairs for the day, Yuki taps the sole of her boot on the floor. The chamber, fitted with a modern set of holographic displays, has its walls and flooring phasing out. After a couple of seconds of pixelation, the view changes to a satellite coverage of Europe, filled with real-time force projection and markings. It's at this moment that the other two military members in the chamber step forward, looking down at the view of Belkan forces dotted around the European map.

Yuki nods at them.

"General Jurgen, Grand Admiral Donitz."

"Marshal." The two veteran officers return the polite gesture.

Admiral Donitz then speaks after his Air Force peer cedes the deck to him.

"Our S&R fished out the survivors from that RAF group a couple of days ago, at least those that we could find. Other than that, the Strike Groups are ready to be called upon as part of Case Yellow, ma'am. Surface or sub-surface, they will demolish the enemy when and where needed."

"For now," Yuki says. "Keep the Royal Navy contains. We wait until they have the biggest fleet concentration in the Channel. That way, we can clean house with the Eruseans in one go. Shells, missiles, torpedoes, your ships are clear to use everything they have when the moment arrives, Admiral."

"The guys and gals will love to let it lose, for sure." Donitz nods. "Even I am itching to get back in a U-boat. It's been some time since I participated in a live combat scenario."

"I believe that there will be some Erusean subs lurking about in the shadow of their battleships. They can be fine prey for you and your U-boats, Admiral." Yuki adds with a smile. "It's rare to see a sub-to-sub action beneath the waves, after all."

"Then I will endeavor myself to hunt some in your name, ma'am." Donitz makes an easy salute. "Now then, I believe Jurgen here has waited long enough."

"Don't mind me, I am just here to report that the Air Force is operating at peak efficiency. Pilots and aircraft are constantly shuffled to minimize battlefield fatigue and we have been flying 24/7 with constant coverage over our expanding AO. Hell, we're probably setting a record for the most active Air Force to date. When it's time, we can also pitch in to support our Naval Aviation branch in dealing with the Erusean vessels. We'll also be ready when the Polanians move against us. Which, mind you, is pretty darn soon." Air Force General Jurgen reports.

Yuki smiles, pleased. "We will soon be embroiled in a multi-facet war when the Polanians lose their patience. It's good to see that our military is ready and raring to go."

The Reich Marshal then taps her foot on the floor once, changing the military deployment map to project future force movements.

"Given what we know and the scale of the operation, I believe we must keep things simple." Yuki says. "In the next 48 hours, Army Group A and B will box the EEF back to the area around Dunkirk. They will use heavy firepower to pressure the Eruseans to make the evac call. That's where their massive fleet will come in. They're smart to station them there permanently in case they have to pull the EEF back to Erusea, but it gives us the best chance to surround and wipe them all out in one go."

Admiral Donitz nods. "We have our U-boats on one end of the Channel while the Strike Groups on another end."

"Given that we don't want any of their ships escaping, the Air Force will fly buddies with the Naval Aviation. We will lock down the whole airspace." General Jurgen adds. "Not a single fly will pass through our net."

Yuki continues. "When the Royal Navy is gone, the EEF in Dunkirk will be desperate. They still have hundreds of thousands of troops, and clearing them by ground force is not enough. If they don't surrender..."

Yuki looks at Donitz. "You're clear to bring down some shore bombardments." Then she turns to Jurgen. "And you can carpet bombing the rest."

"The whole region is technically devoid of civilians nowadays with lines of refugees coming out of it. As far as I'm concerned, it's now a valid target for demolition. I don't want to waste the lives of my soldiers needlessly in urban combat." Yuki adds. "Eliminating the EEF here and now will also mean we have a much easier time seizing Erusea when it's time for us to invade them."

"Heh, about damn time the Bismarck-class earns their paycheck." Donitz smirks. "The Polar Bears already have their share of fun."

Jurgen nods at Donitz's words. Yuki chuckles before saying. "You know what, if you can hash it out with Belladonna, I don't mind if the Marines stage an amphibious assault on Dunkirk. Call it a test run of sorts before Erusea."

"Oh! Now that's an interesting idea." Donitz hums, pondering with a hand under his chin. "Alright, if I can get Belladonna to agree, then the Marines will be indebted to you, Marshal. After all, they envy the 501st Airbornes for being one of the first units to be deployed in its elements."

"If they get deployed, then make sure to notify me so that I can see them in action. Oh, and pass on my words to them, tell them to make the Reich proud." Yuki adds.

Donitz smirks. "All the more reason to have Belladonna to agree with this change then."

Jurgen interjects. "With how the Army has been pushing itself these days, I reckon Belladonna and the Marshal would also like the Corps to take a break."

Yuki winks. "Guilty as charge. Nevertheless, it does present a good opportunity, don't you think? No doubt it will be a vista."

Yuki then turns to Agent, nodding at her. The maid then bows dutifully before moving away and out of the Chamber.

"Now if you would excuse me, I am needed back in the Royal Chamber. My family needs a similar report, coming from me." The Marshal stands up as the holographic chamber returns to what it once was.

Jurgen and Donitz also stand straighter and salute Yuki. Afterward, Jurgen jokingly says. "We understand, Marshal, duty calls. We will just be here and munch on these delectable cookies if you don't mind?"

Yuki laughs before picking up a cookie for herself. "Nope~! Enjoy your day, gentlemen.