Fallensteller and Pawlitzky looked over the map of the city together while Schuster had a look at the landmasses. Mesahri, meanwhile, kept her eyes on the numerous faces in the room, trying to gauge their reactions. They're really going to kill everyone over 13 years... and even children under that age? Isn't anyone going to say something? She thought of Lunaire and the little boy from the camp, Braam, and tried to picture them posing enough of a threat to justify their death at the hands of a military invasion. She looked to Fallensteller, but the latter was focused intently on the map, eventually pulling Schuster into the private discussion to identify some sort of correlation between the land forms, the rivers, and the roads on both maps as if they were plotting a route through the city, rather than into it.The Captain looked grim, but there would be no objections from her.
On the other hand, Pawlitzky suddenly turned up from the maps, a worried look on his brow. After getting permission from Fallensteller, he addressed the Admiral directly: "Sir - Lieutenant Pawlitzky, sir, of the Zuflucht's rifle company - do I understand correctly that we are targeting women and girls as well as men? And, forgive me if it seems I wasn't listening, but how... how does Nadesh factor into the bigger picture? If I lead my men into battle against... literal children... please tell us exactly how that stops Raum. If these people have remained isolated from the Old World for... all... of recorded history, it seems-"
Then, Fallensteller seemed to angrily beckon him to sit. "Apologies, Admiral," she said in a cold voice. "Mr. Pawlitzky is merely concerned with morale. We will, of course, do as we are told." Pawlitzky seemed hurt and confused by the Captain's words, but once he was seated, she leaned in and whispered something in his ear. The Lieutenant seemed even more confused for a moment before calming down. Schuster stared off into space, his greasy, vermin-looking face growing ever more nervous by the minute.
Cattapoli, Consulate
The admiral listened silently as Lieutenant Pawlitzky voiced his concerns over the rules of engagement, and he eyed Fallensteller as she interjected.
"The Nadeshi are known to train warriors at a young age, starting at around ten years old. We may very well be fighting children armed with spears who are utterly devoted to their god and seeing your head on the end of pike, I'm afraid. Religious zealotry knows no bounds, especially not morally or ethically. That said, these rules are in place and highlighted so that there will be no confusion in the field. If a woman or child stands ready to kill you, you are expected to fight. If they are fleeing then that is the at the discretion of your officers and men. It is likely that many we see will voluntarily join, or at the very least be conscripted, into militia units," he explained, pausing for a moment.
"We are not deliberately rounding them up and executing them, if that is what you are thinking. But as a coalition of forces from around the Old World, the verdict must be clear in combat. Corsou doesn't allow women into their military, nor do they recognize them as valid combatants. Pavlovia has junior brigades of infantry starting at just fourteen years old. Most of the Gren nations recruit at seventeen. My point is that there confusion should be at a minimum. We all come from varied backgrounds."
"As for how this stops the dark god Raum... you must understand that the power of deities are often bolstered by that of mortals. An entire nation of worshipers provides a formidable pool of power. The fact that the Nadeshi train religious warriors at a young age, and instill in them a vigor utterly devoted to their religion, is indeed quite troublesome. You cannot look at them as if they are comparable to Old World standards. Our operation at their capital will throw the island into chaos. And since you are concerned with history - here is another example. They have been granted the knowledge of firearms. What, then, will happen when they are granted the knowledge of steam power? Machine tools? Improved sailing? From where we stand, they are six days of sail away by our ships. If they were left alone, in time they would attack this place. They have already attacked smaller islands near them in the past, which are now part of their tiny empire. Our actions will slow the progress of Raum and protect the innocent lives of the Lost Sea."
"I refuse to kill women and children. Regardless if they're religious zealots or not." stated Krantz, after the admiral finished. "I'll destroy this castle and the cardinal within it, but I absolutely refuse to take part in that kind of slaughter. I don't care if its different here compared to the Old World. I'm not a savage. I am a soldier and an officer of Ungria. And I will hold myself to my nation's standards. The rest of you may do as you wish."
Váradi cut his captain a look, but didn't speak up. It was quite clear from the look on Váradi's face, though, that his ideals on the matter were quite different. An enemy combatant was an enemy combatant. No more, no less.
Von Strauss took note of their objectives. Tobey and the Admiral's group would be attacking the Inquisitor's Citadel. "Would it be possible for detachments from other ships be sent to assist with the other objectives? I'd be more than happy to take one of the Eisenstrasse's tanks and a platoon of men to assist you and Mr. Tobey at the Inquisitor's Citadel. I imagine the fire support would be useful, especially our machine guns. We could also send a tank and another platoon to assist with the gunpowder fortress."
Krantz raised an eyebrow at the suggestion, but actually agreed with it. "The tanks would provide additional firepower and protection. Plus they could easily breach through any obstacles that would get in the way."
Cattapoli, Consulate
Mannfred directed his attention to Krantz and his delegation.
"I would caution you, Captain Krantz, not to underestimate your enemy. The firing directives are at you and your officers discretion, but it would be inappropriate for lives to be lost because the enemy was not fully understood."
He glanced over at Von Strauss as she spoke, and nodded.
"That is certainly possible. As the situation on the ground develops, I expect there may be some alterations in the plan and I expect all detachments to remain flexible in responding where ever needed. A tank and a platoon would be a welcomed help at the Citadel. The Revenant also boasts several armored vehicles, though ours are older machines."
Jäger listened quietly to Yarah as she spoke of Mannfred, the officrr at the table and Fallensteller. "Are you sure about this?" He asked in a low tone. "If you speak the truth about Sabine I suspect she's already gained more power than before. We are scheduled to have a lunch after this. I will need for you to observe her thoroughly then."
During the briefing on Nadesh Jäger observed the map before handing it to Högborg and then Kahleen. Storming a castle it is. Can't be much worse than assaulting a Pavlovian strongpoint during a blizzard.
He frowned slightly at the mention of fighting forces as young as thirteen years-old. Jäger nodded in support to Krantz' statement but refrained from commenting on the subject. With the court martial afterwards Jäger could not afford to create the image of being a ruthless and bloodthirsty captain.
However he did have an idea. "Admiral, sir."
"What if the Eisenstrasse and the Horus saturate the city with pamphlets prior to the assault to warn civilians in the area? Our guns will make short work of strategic military targets either way but without the added risk of civilian casualties. They may be more likely to flee, or surrender, once the bombardment begin," said Jäger with Yarah's arm still wrapped around him.
Cattapoli, Consulate
"That is a laudable suggestion, though one with unfortunately no merit, Captain Jager. The Nadeshi will be unable to read the pamphlets. They speak a form of Aetherian which has evolved over the years, but even were it not it matters little - their language is quite different from any of ours. The opening bombardment will very likely cause those who plan to flee to do so. As for surrender, some may, but I do fear that many would do so as a ruse," Mannfred said, addressing the group from the Blitzwave.
Yarah took in a deep breath and sighed. "I'm pretty sure... if I touched him I would know easily. Just a shake of the hand, even, though it works both ways. If he is as strong as it seems, he probably already knows about me regardless. And we're... having lunch with that woman? Hmph."
The demon in disguise had quit his once-incessant and rapid scrawling now that they had gone on to business, though to him this extensive strategy was quite meaningless as far as he was concerned. With somewhat energetic impatience he tapped his fingers on the table, the visage of the older man he hid himself as leaned forward just a bit as he shuffled about in his seat. The maps set before him was something he glanced over before gently tossing them aside, concluding that they meant very little to him in way of strategy. Everything he needed to know in terms of battle planning was taking place in his mind, dipping into the timelines to see what might become of this planned assault. Being built of several factors and involving so many people, it was quite overwhelming, and even if he could sway things in a certain direction they would be far beyond his control. Perhaps it was best to play along until all of these paths thin out then, yes?
"Admiral." Therasmus chimed in, animate hand reaching up to adjust his round spectacles yet again. "Who do you suggest I work with on this endeavor? I think I may be able to put my expertise to use with this whole... destruction of occult artifacts part of the plan. The taint of the Abyss is quite easy to see, whether it clings to a simple tome or runs through the veins of an occult sorcerer." He pauses, perhaps alluding that there was more to that statement than what was on the surface level. "But that is another digression, yes? What crew will I find myself working with, in that case?"
Dobbs stood for his turn to speak. "Admiral, where does the Dawnbreaker fit in his assault? Are we to provide support via naval bombardment or through other means? And can we expect any naval forces from the Nadeshi to attempt to thwart us?"
---
Lonstray leaned against the door behind him as he listened to Ackermann. "So you feel because of failing to do what you wanted to do, something terrible might come to fruition, and that you would ultimately be responsible for it." Lonstray took a moment to digest this. "Guilt can be a terrible burden, but sometimes it is often misplaced onto one's self. What specifically do you feel guilt for?" he asked Ackermann.
Jäger nodded. "Understood, sir."
He then turned his head towards Yarah. "It would be a risky move. How sure are you now?"
Kahleen placed the map on the table. Dahl glanced over it briefly. "Fortress assault, eh? It'll be like Östmur all over again." He scratched his neck. "You think it'll be just as bad as last time?"
Kahleen grunted. "Worse," she said.
"At least the Pavlovians surrender when all hope is lost. By the sound of it the Nadeshi will not do the same."
Cattapoli, Consulate
Admiral Mannfred paused for a moment after Therasmus spoke.
"Whichever group you plan to sail with will be the force you are attached with, though I figured that you would have remained behind given your... noncombat position," Mannfred explained, his eye narrowing slightly - possibly from the demon's remark on the taint of the Abyss.
"That brings me to another point, and I suppose now would be most prudent to introduce you."
Mannfred glanced at the assembled and then gestured at Therasmus. "This man here is an extra-planar being, not human. He arrived on these islands just last night to assist us. His name is Therasmus, and if there is any captain who would like to elect to have him sail on your ship, then please speak up. It will be his choice as to what vessel he will sail with."
At the table, Captain Murdoch leaned in and whispered to Therasmus. "The admiral requests that you always maintain your human form, even now."
After Therasmus had been introduced, Mannfred simply moved on without waiting very long.
"Vice Admiral Dobbs, your marines will be our reserve force. Your forces will remain off shore during the initial landings and will be directed as needed afterwards. As for hostile naval forces, we may encounter some vessels but they will at most be caravel type ships with light cannons at best. No threat to the fleet, but if encountered on the high seas they could provide the Nadeshi with news of our arrival. They already expect us, but they don't know when. We will eliminate any vessels we come across."
Yarah was silent for a moment as she thought. "Its still hard to tell for certain, I'm not really powerful in this field, you know. He could be weak pretending to be strong for all I know. He did just casually announce that other guy was a demon. Would it be an issue if we talked to him? He seems the open sort."
So it was true then? This Therasmus was of the Abyss. Jäger spoke up and smiled. "Therasmus is welcome aboard the Blitzwave." He looked directly at the demon without flinching.
Jäger then turned to Yarah and spoke with a hushed tone. "I suppose you are right. We will speak to him afterwards."
Krantz eyed Jäger as he quickly volunteered to tale Therasmus in. "I hope you like motor mouths. And headaches." said Krantz, exhaling the last puff of smoke from his cigarette through his nostrils. He thumped the butt aside, before glancing to the Admiral and Therasmus.
Therasmus put a finger to his chin as he pondered for a few moments, soon bringing his hands to a close in a gentle clasp before he nodded. "Well I would like to think that I am capable of combat, should the need arise. Though my primary goal is to assist wherever possible and in the most efficient way possible, yes." he says before he is introduced, bowing his head slightly without breaking eye contact with the gazes being med on him. "Indeed, it is good to finally meet you all. Such a fantastic deal of experiences you all must bring to this fleet, I can tell with but a simple glance. Or is that simply excitement getting the better of me? Hm..."
The slight pause he makes allows for Captain Murdoch to get his warning in, and the demon simply holds up a palm in understanding. "If that is what he requests. Though he will learn that there will be times when I might have to shed it in... emergency situations. Should things go awry, of course. And... maybe even if they do not. Only time will tell, as always." Therasmus replies with a quieter tone.
"I am no stranger to combat and more hectic situations, admiral." he explains once he has gotten himself back on track. "Admittedly I am not very experienced in such large scale warfare but... I find that I am able to get by in a fight if the need arises. Besides, I am hoping to meet the leaders of this occult nation. They may very well possess valuable information for myself and the fleet." Therasmus says with yet another fidgeting hand to his glasses. "Ultimately I shall see if there are any of these fine captains that would like me aboard their vessel, whether I play a spectator or an active participant should be up for fate to decide, yes?"
"The men of Blackriver will do as they are told. It won't be the first time we had to clear an area of non-combatants." Fontaine commented on the kill order. He glanced at Krantz, whatever goodwill he might have gained from last night with the man would now be flushed away. "The ammunition stockpiles on the Eye are stocked with a compound Columbia used to clear out areas of savages, long before our soldiers marched in. The shells hold a gas that, once released and breathed in, will cause severe damage to internal organs and lead to death minutes later. Our troops should be fine as long as they remember to wear their gasmask. It will help with clearing out any holdouts of soldiers and break their backbone if targets civilian centers. Just say the word and we will supply it to anyone on the fleet that wishes for it."
Krantz cut a look to Fontaine when he mentioned the chemical weapons that the Horus was carrying. Chemical weapons used on civilians centers? "Growing more and more into a total fucking genocide by the minute." muttered Krantz.
Fallensteller's expression soured when the Admiral announced that Therasmus would be choosing his own vessel to sail on. As far as she was concerned, he was nothing more than an unwelcome interloper, and she would have raised a fuss if the mysterious demon had chosen the Zuflucht as its new home. Thankfully, Jäger intervened first, granting the creature access to his submarine.
---
"If you had seen what I saw, you'd know," Ackermann replied to Lonstray. "The world is facing total annihilation as a result of this battle between gods. We have only one task, and that's to stop Raum's rise. Rabenschwarz is the biggest threat to our success from within, and if I had simply pulled the trigger, we'd be better off. But... I didn't. And now I'm sure that she murdered a man on the Zuflucht in ritual sacrifice. She has some sort of personal relationship with dark forces. It's getting worse... all because I didn't do what I needed to do."
Jäger smiled and nodded at Therasmus. "It is decided then. I will personally guide you once this meeting concludes."
He grimaced once Fontaine mentioned chemical weapons. "I think we can all agree that such weapons are extremely brutal, however they would undeniably be useful if resistance proves to be far more organized than anticipated."
Vunor had been quietly observing the conversation unfold in regards to Nadeshi, that was until Fontaine talked about his chemical weapons. Vunor had an expression mixed of shock and disgust. "Unacceptable." he replied with a stern tone to Fontaine. "You're talking about indiscriminately killing... anyone who walks in the city. Even babes who still cling to their mothers and children who can barely hold a shield, let alone regular weaponry."
He swiftly turned to the Admiral, glaring at him in the eye. "You CANNOT allow this. Even though they are our enemy, this would be an affront on not just the physical, but spiritual level as well."
---
Lonstray once more took a moment to absorb what Ackermann spoke of before formulating a response. "From my experience, the wicked and unjust don't prevail because as they continue they grow arrogant, they begin to believe that they'll never be caught, and as a result they make mistakes. I'm sure that you still breathing, was indeed that mistake. And from that, the Vice Admiral will bring her to justice."
Tobey sat quietly and listened. He had kept an eye on Therasmus, studying is minuscule yet odd actions.
When it was revealed that he was another demon, Tobey raised a intrigued eyebrow.
Jäger had offered a place for Therasmus, but Tobey had a differing opinion.
"Admiral" he interjected calmly, moving his hand from gis mouth to the table. "Perhaps Mister Therasmus' knowledge of other realms would be better put to use in our company. I'd greatly appreciate assistance in locating, documenting and, if necessery, destroying occult artifacts."
He then turned to Fontaine, "I feel that Mister Fontaine has a valuable arsenal, but perhaps it could be put to more precise use. I am no strategist, but perhaps dropping the chemicals into the fortress during our bombardment could net us favorable results. The fortress is most likely occupied solely by combatants. By eliminating them with a weapons that they have no defence against will make the assault on the citadel far easier for us."
He paused and then looked to the admiral, "After all, it is a agreed upon strategic fact that the ratio for attackers and defenders are usually one to three. It would beneficial to event out the odds.
Both Norrys and Bennett nodded in agreement, whilst Norton simply remained stonefaced in his brutish ignorance.
Jäger adressee Vunor without looking at him. "These weapons aren't sentient beings of their own. They strike where you want them to. In this case they would be used against larger concentrations of military forces and strategic targets."
"I'm sure Captain Fontaine do not intend wipe out an entire population," argued Jäger in an attempt to calm the situation. He glanced at Fontaine, knowing all too well what the Columbians were capable of. Not to mention their existing record of chemical strikes.
"As I said. I will gladly distribute the shells to those captains that wish for them." Fontaine began to reassure the other captains. "Even supply you with men trained to handle the ammunition as well as those equipped with treating gas exposure. How you use them is up to you." He ignored Vunor. The moralist squawking is always the loudest when the tough decisions have to be made. In time he will quiet down.
Therasmus cups his chin with a few fingers as he thought on what the better option might be. "Hm, indeed. Locating and documenting is certainly something I am more than capable of providing a good deal of assistance with. I could be most useful there, quite possibly. That is not to say that going on this 'Blitzwave' would be any less beneficial, hm..." he ponders aloud. To learn more of Jäger's connection to the Abyss and his little escort, or to go on the front lines in pursuit of nuggets of information..? It was a tough call indeed. Then he thought on his combat methods, with the issues of morality being such a point of contention as well as him having to hide his form at all times, he would be overly reliant on the fodder to defend him. He had no care if he was using his psychic ability to sunder women, children, men, or demons. And he was capable of far worse than killing...
"Having thought on it, I do believe my choice with Captain Jäger would be the most beneficial. Like you all I am following certain... codes at present that I must abide by. Perhaps the admiral is right in saying I would be better off in a non-combat role, after all."
Jäger shrugged and gestured towards Tobey. "If Tobey wishes for your assistance Therasmus I will not argue against it. I am merely offering you personal quarters aboard the Blitzwave, should you need a place to rest and study."
He eyed Tobey suspiciously. What are you up to?
Vunor turned narrowed his eyes at Fontaine, a rare anger sparking in them. "Your willingness to kill or provide the means to kill by this means show a clear lack of honor and integrity. What good is it to win a war if we ourselves become as terrible as the very monsters we fight? I warn you, if you do this, the elements will NOT be kind in the future."
Dobbs leaned in the interject into the argument as it unfolded. "Captain Fontaine has a point in regards to the... efficiency of these weapons. They would indeed undoubtedly make the job easier for our Marines. But on the other hand, I have no stomach for these things. Fighting a war is one thing. That I can do. Committing what is essentially a concentrated genocide would be another. Ultimately I think it should be up to the Admiral on whether or not to permit the use of these weapons in the operation. Though I have now given my two-cents on it."
Jäger made a loud sigh. This time his eyes jumped between Dobbs and Vunor while speaking. "Sir, Vice Admiral, if I may: Cattan is not fighting this war, the Mannfred Expedition is. The upcoming battle will be gruesome regardless of how we approach it however it should be noted that if we deliver strategic strikes combined with conventional artillery fire we're more likely to force all civilians into a retreat rather than wade in our own blood seconds after stepping ashore."
Jäger paused. "Considering that my marine forces represent a large bulk of the ground forces participating in the battle I have an obligation to see to it that they have the best odds of survival. I would also like to point out that we're dealing with fanatic zealots who, if what the Admiral say is true, wouldn't hesitate even for a second to use all kinds of dirty tricks against us if we allow them to."
Your willingness to kill or provide the means to kill by this means show a clear lack of honor and integrity.
'Speak in terms that actually matter, you backwards bovine.' Fontaine didn't care much for Vunor, but now he was just irritating. For the polite company around them, he didn't say a word, but he was getting tired of him rather quickly. His attention was turned towards Dobbs and Jäger
"The alternative I propose will ultimately lead to a quicker and far less blodier conflict. Every man we have is a precious in the fight against Raum and we don't have an unlimited supply of them. I'm sure there are better targets and better ways to utilize them the weapons, but that is why this is the planning stage, is it not?"
"Then perhaps we keep it is a reserve plan. I just think we need to consider all possible options rather than keeping only two less than desirable paths, those being: bloodbath and massacre." Dobbs replied to Fontaine before turning to Jäger to respond. "The war against the Nadeshi, and by extent the war against Raum, concerns and involves everyone walking on this earth. The line in the sand has been drawn, between good and evil. Light and dark. Right and wrong. With the rise/fall of the cults and the recruitment of Cattan aboard vessels, the isles are also in this war with us now. We need everyone in this fight to be on our side if we are to prevail in what's to come."
"Some men just can't be swayed, Vice Admiral. Just as a precaution, we should instruct our troops to wear the proper headwear and masks. I expect the gas will be used regardless of which plan is taken." said Krantz, looking to the Vice Admiral as he drew yet another cigarette from his coat and lit it.
"Should any of you need it, we can give precise artillery attacks from the air with the Eisenstrasse's main guns. As the admiral said, we can't endlessly shoot things, so I suggest keeping requests to high value targets. Fortifications or buildings being good examples." he continued, after exhaling a puff of smoke.
After watching the argument over gas weapons bounce back and forth for a while, Fallensteller proposed a plan of her own. "While I respect the shaman's position," she said, nodding to Vunor, "Mr. Fontaine is quite right that we have a limited supply of manpower to accomplish our mission. We know that the Nadeshi will have trouble engaging us at range, so the gas can be used in a tactical manner to prevent them from closing the gap. Consider- two of our three primary targets are practically on the waterfront. If we were to drop the gas on the Cardinal's Palace and on Varos Fortress then we can both greatly soften their defenses and also create a pocket of no-trespass into which only we can enter. And," she added, looking rather enthusiastically around the courtyard, "we can probably assume it won't blow haphazardly into the city. Even if we strike late at midday with a strong sea breeze, the Admiral said that there would be sorcerers among them. After what we saw at Blackstone, I would assume they'd turn the wind away to take the gas out to sea. The weapons might not be fully effective anyway, if that's the case, but as an opening gambit it offers little risk and high reward."
Jäger grunted at Dobbs' remark. "Even more reason to wipe them out then if we're going to speak about doomsday scenarios." He glanced at Mannfred and the assembled captains. "Should we put it to a vote then? Maybe then we can discuss other matters of the invasion."
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