The logical conclusion is clear. Even a large expenditure is rational when the benefit is commensurate. I explain further, “If we can break the Federation Army’s strategic offensive here, it would be a significant boon for the Empire, even at the cost of dozens of transport planes. This is a bold and practical decision by the general, and I fully agree. The transports may be valuable equipment, but from a strategic standpoint, the expenditure is entirely valid.”
Of course, I carefully omit what will happen afterward, though I can already picture it. The Imperial Army’s air transport division will likely never recover.
Even so, in terms of cost and effect, General Zettour’s choice is exceptionally rational. From a national policy perspective, even vital strategic military assets are mere collateral against the state’s survival.
I am also aware of another sad logical necessity. Not only will strategic transport planes and strategic projection capabilities vanish from the Empire, but the humans deployed into such a battlefield—where even their transports are expected to be lost—will likely be going on a one-way trip as well.
“I’m sorry, but with an operation like this—”
“Yes,” I interrupt, finishing Major Weiss’s thought. “The mages and transports alike will likely be lost.”
I decide to get ahead of the news myself. It leaves a better impression if Tanya steps up as their boss and doesn’t hide the bad news than if she appears as a senior officer reluctant to admit the truth.
It is a godawful truth. But it is my duty as an officer to explain this to my troops.
“We are to be carried one-way by transport plane, to keep the commies busy until the operation is complete, and then we are free to fly away afterward—leaving someone else to clean up the mess. In short, the operation calls for us to be thrown directly into the middle of fierce fighting and then to narrowly escape—or embrace—death.”
“Many men will die, won’t they…,” said one liaison officer grimly.
I responded with a pained expression. “The loss of new recruits who are not accustomed to long-range flight will likely be immense… And with repeated battles, even veterans who have survived this long are at risk.”
Worst of all, the risk for even Tanya will be high.
“But sadly, among the sacrifices available to the army at the moment, this is the one with the lowest cost. As you already know, gentlemen, at the moment, the eastern army has lost much of its heavy equipment. Likely the only units capable of mobile counterattack now are the armored forces in Ildoa.”
But unfortunately, there is little hope that the tanks will return from Ildoa for us. Although I don’t say it aloud, it would be better to think of the tanks as a force in name only. After all, even movement puts strain on tanks. There is no such thing as a maintenance-free machine. It’s not like such hardware can just roll into battle after battle, in tip-top shape, without any outfitting in between.
Even if the armored forces did all they could to quickly redeploy to the East, there are bigger problems for the tanks than just mass mobilization. Without maintenance, the tanks would be useless. The only vehicles they might be able to drag straight here are the pillboxes.
In other words, from a strategic point of view, whatever other concerns remain, the armored forces will not make it on time.
Thus, the only piece on the board for General Zettour right now is the exhausted eastern army main force. Meaning that General Zettour will likely be hungry for a counterattack that is as impromptu as possible.
Applying a debuff to the Federation Army forces will inevitably prove indispensable. In that light, the military rationale of cutting off supply lines is clear.
The proviso of course being, if that can be done. It is a monumental task. The fact that they have gone as far as concentrated deployment of several mage divisions to strongarm a solution goes to show just how momentous this is supposed to be.
Thus, I continue, delivering a stirring appeal.
“We have a battle-hardened division, and the pick of new recruits. Multiple units in multiple divisions. In other words…a motley crew of survivors and scraps.”
“But we also have our pride,” I roar. “That is what makes us magic officers. Gentlemen, together, you and I will need to utilize everything at our disposal to whip these hastily shipped reinforcements into three respectable aerial mage divisions. Into a force to be reckoned with on the Eastern Front.”
We have no choice. And so we will do it. We will do it because we have to. It is foolish, circuitous logic. How miserable it feels to have to inspire people with histrionics like these before sending them into battle.
It is a middle manager’s nightmare.
But nightmare or not, I continue my appeal to the magic officers, even if that appeal is a farce.
“We can do it, even with the three aerial mage divisions available. We will cut off the Federation Army’s logistics, just as we did during Iron Hammer. If we can deprive the enemy’s main force of oxygen, we will win.”
We can win. Victory is in sight. It is all smooth talk to persuade others, even if just on a surface level, that there is meaning to what we are about to do. It’s not just recklessness.
“The reality is that we, and we alone, can save the Empire.”
I stare into each of their eyes as I make my appeal. For love of country, for honor, for professional pride…anything will do. So long as they can get over the danger and work as one, I will administer whatever medicine is needed, in any amount, no matter the recommended dose.
“It is we who will protect the Empire, who will protect the world, from the nefarious hands of the commies. If you are soldiers, now is the time. This is your stage.”
I grin a bellicose grin. I pause for a moment, swaggering, as if I cannot contain my excitement, leading them away from their own cowardice.
“And as preparation for this operation…”
I wait. Wait until the moment the words sit heaviest, and then, bam, punch my fist into my hand.
“We must continue immediate operations against enemy supply lines, ongoing ground attacks, while we prepare for the volunteer raid.”
“What…? We’re expected to continue conducting interdiction even while preparing to assault their chokepoints?”
The officers look stunned.
I begin speaking before they can complain that this is asking for too much.
“We cannot ignore the risk of officers aware of this information being captured. As a result, as of now, you gentlemen are prohibited from taking to the field. Your soldiers, however, absolutely must continue to fly missions.”
The relief at knowing they will not be out on the front, and the guilt they feel at thrusting their men into danger in their place. It sometimes takes a moment for people to process their own feelings.