The Finest Hour

by Carlo Zen

  The MPs braced themselves, thinking they should stop her, but the look in her eyes froze them solid. In later days, they would talk among themselves about those eyes: "If we got in her way, she would have 'eliminated' us..."

  With a glance at the officers gathered for an emergency meeting at command, Tanya thinks to herself.

  Major General de Lugo... That's a sinister name. You could even call it an extremely sinister name. It's the kind of name you'd expect to conduct nuclear weapons tests or quit NATO.

  I get the truly ominous feeling that he might start declaring the Free Republic or something. We really can't let a guy like him get away.

  I'm utterly disappointed that command doesn't understand this. Sadly, I'll have to help myself if I want to end the war. So how should we attack on our own?

  If I don't do anything, there won't be any trouble, but that's completely missing the point. Think of Rudel---I shouldn't be reproached for attacking an enemy country. In other words, if I'm not going to end up before a tribunal after the war, then...this is a permissible risk.

  Let's assume we're attacking. Until just a little while ago, I argued the best I could, but I'm no longer in a position to receive official support.

  Probably the only contact I have at this point is the submarine we worked with when we used the V-1s. They've probably established a patrol line.

  But honestly, it'd be risky to attempt a pickup over the water without arranging things ahead of time. Considering the possibility that we don't find each other, it's probably safer not to count on it to begin with.

  I don't want to attack alone, but it seems like the only way. For better or worse, if we use the V-1s we have, we can break through to Brest unimpeded.

  Then, at the very least, I can have General de Lugo take his leave from the world.

  In a way, this is like a hostile takeover of a remarkable new company on the rise. We need to nail down our patents and assets and eliminate any future threat to our company---it's only logical. We'll have a much easier time if we take him out now.

  I can't stand the idea of history mocking us for our irrational hesitation when we should have intervened.

  "Attention, Battalion!

  "Thanks. All right, troops. We're going to attack Brest Naval Base."

  So Tanya states their objective in her usual manner. This enemy is no different from any other they must shoot, and since that is the case, they'll just do the same as always. So she is shocked to see the officers' tense expressions and understanding the effect her announcement has on them.

  Sensible First Lieutenant Weiss and the other officers all look dumbfounded. Tanya realizes that what she has said sounded strange.

  But the first thing she feels is confusion. Knowing her war-loving troops, she thought they might be happy, but she never imagined they would be dumbfounded. It's a bit embarrassing.

  I thought they were all about pursuing the enemy anywhere if it meant additional achievements.

  As someone from human resources, I thought I understood their feelings, so it's a bit of a shock to discover I don't. I'm supposed to be managing these troops, so if I don't understand their hopes and dreams, it can only mean I'm inept.

  ...No, let's think about this calmly. Haste makes waste. I'll suspend judgment for now.

  "Commander?! That's..."

  "We're going to act on our own authority. Why else have us report directly to the General Staff? Why else allow us to act independently?"

  Just like insurance, it's better not to use it, but it's precisely for times like this that we have this wild card.

  The higher-ups resent her authority because the standard chain of command is often tangled, but to Tanya, if you think of her unit as a project team, it's easier to see how they should be used.

  The reason no one but the officer they directly report to can interfere is because they're a team doing an important project on special orders from the CEO. A team like that needs to be given a degree of autonomy. And anyone given authority to act is expected to use it appropriately. There's nothing better than solving a problem with minimal effort.

  Medicine shows us that prevention before you get sick makes life easier. And the best part is that you can save on medical costs. Avoidable waste must be eliminated.

  If you can prevent multiple risks with a single inoculation, it behooves you to do so. Humans tend to overestimate immediate risks, but it's equally foolish to forget terrible long-term risks.

  Considering how well it manages costs for society, preventative medicine is truly wonderful. Momentary pain and certain types of risk can't be completely ignored, but obsessing about those things is missing the point. This operation to have General de Lugo take his leave from the world is quite similar to preventative medicine. It's worth doing even if it entails some risk.

  We must prevent this plague that would eat away at the Empire. If we don't prevent it, the cost to society---the very society that gave Major Tanya von Degurechaff the authority to act---will be irrecoverable.

  That must be avoided at all costs.

  "B-but I don't really think our battalion can attack Brest Naval Base on our own. And besides, the only ones who used the V-1 before were the members of the select company. It's not enough. Please reconsider this," urges Lieutenant Weiss, but to Tanya, this is nonsense stemming from an attachment to preconceived notions.

  Certainly, it would be logical for the Brest base to be heavily defended. Yes, I see how even an elite battalion could suffer serious casualties if they are shot at head-on by a unit lying in wait for them.

  Still, to Tanya, even taking all that into consideration, it must be done. And they have a way to do it. There's no reason not to.

  "Lieutenant, we're only going to hit them and run. It's less of an attack than a recon-in-force mission. I'm confident our battalion can handle it and that it's a worthwhile objective."

  So Tanya argues. If anyone can do it, we can. After all, their defenses are configured for sea and land, and in the first place, we're only going to zoom in there on the V-1s and then get out after delivering a single blow.

  In addition to those basic assumptions, she imagines Brest Naval Base's defenses are outdated. They didn't take aerial technology or paratrooper mages into account.

  "On top of that, their defenses are an anachronism. And with no pressing reason, they probably aren't rushing to update them. You can probably assume they're operating with old safeguards."

  Brest Naval Base's location makes it a good natural harbor. It originally developed into a port to shelter in a storm, and the topography allows large ships to dock. Geographically, it also has the distinction of being difficult for a land army to reach. There's a reason the place has been used as a base since ancient times. Another important point is its distance, safe in the rear, from the Empire, a potential enemy.

  But that "safe in the rear" assumption brings with it an interesting proposition. In an arms race where every moment counts, there aren't very many resources available to outfit areas besides the front lines. So would a place considered safe like Brest be given priority? It's a very interesting question.

  But what if the enemy is counting on using the fleet's defenses and firepower? It doesn't seem strange to expect that Brest Naval Base's defenses aren't much to speak of.

  After all, compared to the state of defensive fire at the end of World War II, these anti--air measures are like peashooters. We'll definitely be able to limit our amount of wear and tear as long as we don't drag out the attack. Besides, the Republican Army isn't very experienced.

  The imperial and Republican fleets have been staring each other down on the "fleet in being" principle for ages. That is to say, both of them are holed up. Of course, individual ships have participated in battles here and there, but we can assume that on a fleet level, they don't have much experience with fighting against air or mage forces. Well, it's no wonder, given that most of the mage units from both sides were pitted against one another in the attrition b
attle on the Rhine front.

  And even if the group included troops who lived through their baptism in the hell of the Rhine lines, most of them were reserves anyway. The inexperienced units won't be able to keep pace with the elites. The difference between having even a little frontline fighting experience and none is huge.

  "And I'm in contact with a friendly submarine near the base."

  I confirmed that a friendly sub was patrolling the area, even if the most we can expect from it is alerts rather than preventing the escape entirely.

  Still, if we can succeed in catching a lift, we can attack more than once and make our getaway underwater. I'll be glad to have additional choices. And as long as submarine command doesn't interfere, it will be possible to attack simultaneously with torpedoes.

  "Given all that, I've determined that the best course of action is to directly attack Brest Naval Base with V-1s and then board the submarine and attack once more. In other words, we'll assault them with the V-1s like we've done once already. I'm confident you guys can pull it off again."

  It's a rehash of a past operation. Since we're acting on our own, we can't get support to draft a new one, so there's no helping it. To have the most surefire plan, Tanya references the easiest operation she's been involved in.

  Of course, she doesn't want to use the V-1s, but Chief Engineer Schugel's invention played a critical role in their previous operation. Tanya figures that destroying a ship is more than doable with the destructive power of those warheads.

  Plus, using those, we won't have any trouble with enemy interception or any allies trying to stop us. If the tanks full of fuel score a direct hit on the ship, we can expect results on par with anti-ship missiles. Even a battleship won't get through that unscathed.

  And with a whole augmented battalion going on the strike, that equates to forty-eight missiles. That should be enough to do some serious damage. Of course, we don't have much experience operating them. Even if everything goes smoothly, we should be ready for a low rate of direct hits.

  But the V-1s should be packing plenty of punch. Maybe we can estimate half would be direct hits. Twenty-four doesn't seem unreasonable considering the target is an anchored ship.

  And twenty-four missiles is more than enough to get results. And if mages attack on top of that, I have no doubt we'll get our sworn enemy Major General de Lugo promoted to full general in no time. We'll even give him a battleship for a gravestone.

  No, "no doubt" isn't the right way to put it. We'll definitely execute this plan. Yes, rather than let him become a marshal, we'll present him with a double promotion and a jumbo gravestone in the shape of a battleship.

  "Major, I have a question."

  In response, her subordinates seem skeptical. She knows this, but if she can't get them to understand completely, the plan could fail. She nods benevolently, both cautious but with no guilt on her conscience. "Go ahead. What is it?"

  "Commander, where are we going to get the V-1s?"

  I didn't expect a technical question. She misses a beat but figures it's fine and answers matter-of-factly, "The Technical Arsenal just happens to have some here. We'll use those."

  "So we have permission?"

  That's an annoying question, but I have an answer prepared. I can handle it. I've prepared the minimum argument necessary to avoid getting court-martialed.

  It really is the bare minimum, though. But no, making sure we have enough time to attack is more important than establishing the just cause.

  Working beyond my pay grade is gut-wrenching, but considering it's to stay alive, I have to do it.

  "What are you talking about? Didn't Chief Engineer Schugel request a combat test? We're simply following through."

  I never imagined a request from him would come in handy. Fate sure is ironic, but if we can use the V-1s, then problem solved---we'll be able to attack Brest Naval Base.

  The General Staff received a request from the Technical Arsenal asking for more combat data and a reassessment of the fine-tuned V-1s. We're the only unit that has ever used them, so no one should mind if we're the ones to do the follow-up test.

  "It could be seen as not just assertive but overstepping your authority..."

  "If we don't make a move, historians in later generations will call us negligent. I don't want to let them laugh at me. Really, we don't even have time to be debating like this. If you have nothing left to say, then let's end it here. The operation is go---now!"

  We can't let him get away. If the withdrawal from Dunkirk hadn't succeeded, would the British and the French have been able to hold Britain's defensive lines?

  No, not only that, but if the British hadn't scraped together enough troops to defend their home country, would the inept Italian army have gotten such a beating?

  Not only that, but to think for just a minute: What if? Perhaps I'm talking irresponsibly, but if Germany had been able to smash Britain, maybe they could have fought the Soviet Union without worrying about their rear. The same could go for the Empire.

  ...To put it in extremes, if we beat the Republican fleet here, not only will the Commonwealth have to worry about how to control the sea, but with the Republic dropped out, it will also be facing the nightmare scenario of having to confront the Empire.

  If that happens, the Empire might even be able to create an environment that gives it the strategic advantage.

  In other words, an endless draw. The Commonwealth definitely can't defeat the Empire's land arm on its own. And the Imperial Navy is strong enough to keep up its staring contest with the Commonwealth's. Then... Then! That face-off works in the Empire's favor. We can use the manufacturing bases in the regions we control, get our forces in order---heck, we could even make ships if we took the time.

  If we could establish such a broad foundation---no, when we do, if the Commonwealth realizes that, we could even end the war.

  Then we won't have to do these dangerous things anymore. Then a peaceful world will be right in front of us.

  In order to end the war...

  We have to decide things right now.

  We will end the war.

  I'll grab peace with my own two hands.

  Therefore, Magic Major Tanya von Degurechaff gives her troops strict orders in a decisive tone to make her reluctant subordinates get moving. As she expects, the soldiers respond crisply.

  Her battalion personnel are in ranks. The engineers and mechanics are here to work on the V-1s that were brought over. The V-1s, virtually hijacked from rear depots using the shield of the Technical Arsenal's request, are already lined up on the runway. The engineers move them to the launchers and begin final checks.

  Seeing that preparations to sortie are going smoothly, Degurechaff is able to look over her troops in satisfaction. It's great that they were able to get V-1s outfitted for the larger fuel tanks envisioned for longer flights. And to up their destructive capabilities, I had to give up on the 80s, which are specialized for anti-ship attacks, but we managed to add warheads to the 25s.

  Any ship that gets hit with these going faster than sound will probably be sunk in a single attack. I doubt even a battleship's armor could stand up to these. And above all, we're targeting an anchored vessel. We should be able to get a great rate of bull's-eyes.

  Those prospects of a brighter future cheer Tanya up quite a bit.

  Even if we don't know which boat General de Lugo is making his capital ship, if we target them all, we're bound to get him at least once. That forecast alone makes her want to burst out laughing, it makes her so happy.

  We can expect a payout that will, in the worst case, still be plenty to have de Lugo take leave of this world. And even just whacking the residual units he's got with him would be a pretty good result.

  "...Commander, all units are here."

  "Very good. The V-1s are all prepped, right? I don't even want to say this, but I'd hate for one of them to blow up with one of my men inside."

  "They were careful. The mechanics swear by their wor
k and guarantee the machines are tuned up safely."

  "All right, then... What is it, Lieutenant Weiss? You look like you have something to say, so hurry up and say it."

  "Major, this seems... Isn't this too contrary to the wishes of the home country? I have no choice but to follow your orders, but I think this is an extremely dangerous move for you, too..."

  In contrast to Tanya's expectations of high payout, the leading officers in the battalion seem to have reservations.

  Oh, brother, she'd like to moan, but it's hard when their reservations aren't unfounded.

  That said, all they need to do is get results.

  Once her unenthusiastic vice commander sees the results of their attack, he'll surely come around. Well, Weiss is the type who finds these sorts of unilateral actions unnerving. I should just be happy he can't stop me as long as we're operating within my discretionary powers.

  "Lieutenant, I gratefully accept your warning, but I have no intention of changing my orders. Anything else?"

  He's a soldier, after all. He won't slack off just because he's reluctant. I can trust him completely on that point. It's wonderful when people have so much passion for their work.

  Agh, how many times have I been annoyed by temps who passively resist instructions just because they don't feel like it, as if that's a good reason? And then to watch them giving the company a bad name, all the while paying their salary---it's a vexing situation, to be sure.

  Soldiers are different. They're much more reliable. Well, it's because if they slack off just because they're not into their job, they'll die. Of course, that's because the work isn't easy enough to let you slack off, but anyhow...

  "No, ma'am... But are you sure you want to do this? The base commander is outraged and said he was going to have a word with the General Staff..."

  "With the General Staff? As long as I'm not overstepping, he can't do anything."

  Proper procedure. I sound like a jerk saying it outright, but fulfilling the Technical Arsenal's request is guaranteed as a valid move given the chain of command. Learn laws, learn the regulations. Then you'll be able to find a way to justify any course of action, I was taught in the past---fond memories.