Ragna, Gra Valkas Empire

The sound of rustling papers was soon followed by a heavy sigh as Chief of Naval Operations Arnalt Karlmann read the latest dispatch from Fleet Admiral Dietrich in Cartalpas. His previous doubts had now ballooned into outright fear and regret with the revelation of the Fifth Conquest Fleet’s preemptive retreat. Looking to his side, it was clear that Chief of the Military Siegs shared a similar sentiment, a frown marring his usually stoic face.

A side door swung open, now-Chancellor Guinea Marix striding in. He made a grandiose entry, radiating confidence that bordered on arrogance. “Gentlemen,” he boomed, “report.”

Siegs stood, saluting. His eyes met Karlmann’s for a split second, enough to communicate the burden of uncertainty they both felt.

Karlmann began cautiously, “Chancellor, we have just received a report from Cartalpas. Dietrich’s forces suffered minor losses, losing only a couple battleship divisions and submarine squadrons to the Americans. The diversion sent to Galavete did not fare as well; they lost almost half of their carriers. American technology has proved to be beyond our current counters: we have no way of reliably shooting down their missiles and our radar is essentially rendered useless whenever we face them.”

Marix slammed his fist onto the table, startling a few aides. “Impossible. These Americans are days away!”

Karlmann restrained a sigh. “Their reach is long, Chancellor. Our lack of countermeasures against their missile technology is… problematic.”

Siegs chimed in, his voice tinged with reservation. “Our air defenses were virtually useless. The distance alone that their missiles can cover outmatches anything in our arsenal. We are fortunate that Dietrich was cautious enough to flee before the Americans arrived in force. We must reconsider our strategy.”

Marix sneered, clearly irked. “What are you suggesting, Chief Siegs? That we cower and let these foreigners dictate our actions?”

“No, Chancellor,” Siegs responded, visibly collecting himself, “but perhaps we need to approach this as a war of attrition. We have the numbers: almost ten times as many ships, planes, and men as the Americans. If we spread their resources thin –”

“Excellent. Finally, some proactive thinking,” Marix cut in, smirking. “Spread them thin and then crush them.”

Karlmann’s eyes flickered with skepticism. Was this truly the leader they were to follow? A man led more by bravado than by sound military strategy? It seemed that he made a mistake in supporting Marix, believing that he would opt for a quick victory in Mu and a subsequent peace treaty, rather than engaging the Americans head-on. But dissent, he knew, was dangerous ground to tread.

“Very well,” Karlmann finally said, nodding slightly. “I’ll prepare proposals on redeployment and divide-and-conquer tactics. But I must stress, Chancellor, these tactics are meant to keep the Americans distracted while we further our goals against the EDI. We are venturing into unknown territory; caution may be our best ally.

Marix leaned back in his chair, a smug grin curling his lips. “Caution? A tool for those without the will to seize the opportunity. Proceed with your preparations, but let’s not forget: fortune favors the bold.”

The room seemed to tighten, air thickening as if in anticipation of a storm. Siegs caught Karlmann’s eye, a silent dialogue passing between them. Could they truly trust the fate of their empire to this volatile mix of audacity and arrogance?

Seizing control of the room’s focus, Marix placed his palms flat on the table and leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a predator’s certainty. “Now, as for logistics, I find it improbable – nay, laughable – that the Americans could sustain an extensive campaign at such a distance. They are surely overreaching.”

Without missing a beat, Siegs leaned slightly forward, matching Marix. Choosing his words carefully, he responded, “Chancellor, your confidence is uplifting. But have to underline the fact that the Americans have showcased superior technological capabilities. The loss at Cartalpas wasn’t just a fluke, or because Dietrich retreated preemptively; it’s indicative of a more significant issue we need to address.”

Marix chuckled,seemingly unphased by the cautious words. “And what issue would that be, Chief Siegs? The only issue I see is the United States hesitating to enter a conflict where they’ll be outmatched in numbers. Their technology may be advanced, but they can’t be in a dozen places at once. Or are you suggesting we bend the knee to a nation half a world away, who’s decided to involve themselves in a conflict that doesn’t concern them? Let’s also not forget their transgressions here in Ragna.”

Karlmann, sensing the mounting tension, tried to steer the conversation back to a productive course. “Chancellor, we’re not suggesting submission or forgiveness but a recalibration of our strategy. One of their destroyers has the capability to destroy several of our most powerful ships in a single salvo. Their weapons operate on principles we’ve yet to fully comprehend.”

Siegs took a steadying breath before continuing, “We have the numbers, but they have capabilities that we’ve never had to face before. Brute force may work against the EDI, and even against Muan forces equipped with American weapons, but it will not suffice against the American military.”

Marix leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing as he weighed their words. “So, what’s the plan? Retreat and allow them to set the rules?”

Karlmann shook his head, maintaining his reserved demeanor. “No. We propose exploiting the limitations of their deployment capabilities, given the distance from their mainland. We know that they have several fleets, and can likely only field two, maybe three.”

Siegs took a moment to collect himself, acutely aware of the burden that rested on his next words. On one side of the balance was the future of the Gra Valkas Empire, recovering from a coup and teetering on the edge of disaster. On the other side, Marix’s notoriously volatile ego, ready to explode at the slightest sign of disrespect. Could he speak his mind, aligning it with the empire’s interests, without incurring Marix’s wrath?

He was the Chief of the Military, a position he’d earned through a lifetime of strategic brilliance as one of the Three Great Generals. Yet, he found himself attempting to navigate a political minefield. His loyalty was undoubtedly to the empire, hence his support for Marix over Gra Lux. However, the more time he spent with Marix, the more he wondered if he had picked the worst of the two poisons.

Taking a deep breath, Siegs finally spoke, his voice calibrated to convey urgency without sounding confrontational. “Asymmetric warfare could be our best option – hit-and-run tactics, information warfare at sea, whatever it takes to keep them off balance.”

Marix mulled this over, silence filling the room. “Very well. Detail these asymmetric strategies.”

Siegs exchanged a quick, almost imperceptible glance with Karlmann. This was their chance to guide Marix toward strategic, albeit unconventional, approaches that could serve the empire’s interests and put an end to the war before the Americans could set foot on Mu.

“Given the enemy’s technological edge, a frontal engagement would be impractical, to say the least,” Siegs began. “One avenue we could explore is using decoy fleets – comprised of older, expendable vessels – to draw the American fleets on a prolonged chase.”

Karlmann interjected smoothly, “Our electronic warfare capabilities may not be able to counteract their jamming and tracking to any significant extent, but we could try to divert them by rapidly changing communication frequencies among our decoy vessels. The aim is to force them on the defensive, wasting their time and keeping them at bay.”

Siegs nodded, continuing, “While the Americans are distracted chasing decoys or defending the Mirishial coastlines from our feints, we can use this window to launch simultaneous, rapid raids on other fronts, particularly Muan targets. We could unleash dozens of small-scale attacks on their bases, commercial hubs, and supply routes.”

Marix raised an eyebrow. “If this strategy is so effective, why hasn’t it been employed already?”

Siegs chose his words carefully. “Logistical constraints, Chancellor. The distances involved require significant preparation, and the Conshal Islands have only recently become a viable staging area for such attacks. It’s taken months to build the logistical infrastructure needed to support these operations.”

Karlmann added, “Additionally, continued engagements have worn down the Muan and Mirishial fleets. Their weakened state and declining superweapon coverage makes this an opportune moment to execute such a strategy effectively.”

Marix leaned back in his chair. “Do you ever wonder if the Americans knew about our situation? It’s almost as if they were biding their time, waiting for us to show weakness before making their move.”

Siegs glanced at Karlmann before facing Marix. “It’s possible. Our initial strategies hinged on rapid victories against Mu and the Holy Mirishial Empire. The Americans disrupted that tempo.”

“Agreed,” Karlmann chimed in. “The longer we draw this out, the more we play into their hands. We need to force Mu into signing for peace before the Americans tilt the balance irrevocably.”

“So, what’s the plan?” Marix asked.

Siegs cleared his throat. “Considering the geography of Mu, especially the Malmund Grasslands, I propose we exploit the forests bordering the Malmund Mountains as cover for ambushes. It’s a similar tactic to the ones used against us, and how American-trained Altaran forces were effective against Parpaldian troops. We’d deploy snipers and anti-tank units – concealed and fortified – right along the main supply routes the Muans use. In doing so, we can cut off reinforcements to the western parts of the Malmund Grasslands and the Northgard region.” Looking at the snow falling outside, he continued, “Logistically, they’ll only be able to reinforce their units through sidewinding and treacherous paths further north.”

Karlmann took over, his experience working with the Gra Valkan Marines taking over. “The Malmund Grasslands themselves are diverse, covering biomes from plains, forests, swamps, to tundra. The town of Orisun,” he said, pointing to a town close to the Malmund Grasslands, “is located in a densely wooded area. We can use this as a staging ground to launch attacks up north, along the mountains, until we reach the plains past the Malmund Grasslands. There, as Siegs proposed, we can use forest ambushes to cut off the entire Malmund region from the Otaheit supply lines.”

“And their pesky mages?” Marix questioned, remembering their impact in previous battles.

“We’re planning on deploying specialized teams of snipers tasked solely with taking out their mages,” Siegs answered. “We have new recon units equipped with madar to detect high concentrations of magical activity. If they cluster their mages or magic gems, we shell them. Without magical support, their conventional forces will be severely handicapped. This should reduce instances of things like mages trapping our vehicles in mud.”

Karlmann cut in, “And instances of mages sneaking onto our bases. We’ve fortified our own bases with madar units to prevent any more incidents like the one in Sylverton.”

Marix tapped his finger on the table. “Magic is one thing, but what about their American-supplied artillery and anti-air units?”

Karlmann answered, “We’ve had some success in the past using fast-moving infantry on light vehicles to close in on such assets and neutralize them before retreating, but most of their American-supplied units also have American-supplied defenses. This kind of hit and run would need some meticulous planning, but it’s manageable.”

“Why not just deploy the Guti Maun squadrons?” Marix asked.

Siegs answered, “Most of our Guti Maun squadrons are busy along the Oster Front. We have limited aerial assets in the Malmund Front due to the air superiority achieved by the American fighters there. As such, we will have to make do with our ground units. The element of surprise will be our most potent weapon. We’ve figured out that American intelligence in the region has gaps, be it their planes refueling or some other reason. During these hours, we can use decoy units and diversionary feints in different sectors to disorient the Muans.”

Marix smiled coldly, “And while they deal with these distractions, we’ll be free to strike critical points. Maybe even push towards important cities”

Karlmann added, “With enemy artillery distracted, we can move in our own units. They don’t have the range or power that the American Howitzers have, but they are more numerous and easily replaceable. Counter-battery fire would sustain losses, but still be an overall efficient trade.”

Karlmann looked at the tactical map before continuing, “Given our limited resources, the Durnsbury area is an achievable target for cutting off their supply lines. It’s an essential rail hub, situated near the center of the Malmund Grasslands. They’ve grown too reliant on American intelligence and don’t expect us to blitz straight there, so it’s lightly defended.”

Siegs agreed, “Taking Durnsbury would disorient the Muans long enough for us to make a concentrated push toward their primary stronghold in Northgard. We’d cripple their logistics in the process, making it easier for us to tackle the American mercenary base in Northgard.”

Marix leaned back in his chair, a sly grin appearing on his face. “Disruption and disorientation, I like it. Once they’re on the back foot, we can make the kill. How do we go about taking Durnsbury without alerting the enemy to our intentions?”

Siegs pondered a moment before answering. “To maintain the element of surprise, I suppose a deception operation. We send a detachment toward Annleton, drawing their attention westward. Simultaneously, we’ll launch a diversionary attack on their fortification in the Karndale swamps to the northeast, allowing us to not only take Durnsbury with less resistance but also weaken their northeastern logistical stronghold for future operations.”

Karlmann pointed out, “The swamp terrain would slow down any Muan QRFs, keeping their precious American equipment out of Durnsbury. It’s a good spot for an ambush as well.”

Marix’s eyes narrowed, “Good, good. Let them chase ghosts and shadows. Once we control the Durnsbury railroads, we’ll have a central staging ground with Northgard and Karndale in reach.”

Siegs folded his arms. “I’d advise against getting too ahead of ourselves, Chancellor. The EDI still holds too many wildcards: magic and American equipment. I recommend upgrading our supply lines and then securing the Northgard region first before Karndale and beyond.”

Marix nodded, “Fine, implement your plans. Once we’ve choked off their supply lines, that base and all its technologies will be ripe for the taking. Then we can set our sights on the real prize.”

Karlmann cautiously added, “The real prize, Chancellor, would be winning Mu in a timely manner and without exposing ourselves to unnecessary risks. The further we extend, the more vulnerable our own supply lines become.”

Marix shot him a glowering look, “I didn’t say it would be easy, Karlmann. But I want Mu and the Americans to know the price of defying the Gra Valkas Empire.”