Re: Blood and Iron
Chapter 40: The Coming of a Great War

Chapter 40: The Coming of a Great War

Bruno stepped foot into a room which had a large map displayed across a table of substantial size. It was a global map, or as the world's borders currently stood. And there were pieces displayed upon it representing Russian and Japanese forces.

The Russian Army, as Bruno anticipated had fallen back to Mukden, and was currently building fortifications in the area. Meanwhile, the Japanese Third Army and its supporting elements were on the move to encircle the Russian position as per Bruno's suggested strategy.

When the Japanese generals saw Bruno enter the room, their attention quickly shifted to him. As did Emperor Meiji's who was standing over the map and moving pieces that represented his own forces. His expression seemed stern as he welcomed Bruno into his personal war chamber.

"Generalmajor, I am glad you could take a break from the festivities to join us here for more important matters. The officers which are subordinate to you have done an excellent job advising my generals in the field on how to proceed with Mukden.

The battle will commence as planned within a fortnight at the most. Just in time for you to arrive and witness the end of this war once and for all. Though that is not why I called you here, Generals, Admirals, you are dismissed."

The various Japanese Generals and admirals nodded their heads in understanding, and saluted the Emperor before walking off. Giving Bruno various stares as they did so. No doubt they were envious of the favor which this foreigner had curried with the Japanese Emperor.

And once they were gone, Emperor Meiji sighed and shook his head before speaking to Bruno with a tone filled with sincerity.

"I have to apologize for those old men. They do not look kindly upon foreigners, especially those from the European Powers. It is not uncommon for our Empire to be looked down upon as a third rate power by your people. Which is something which I wish to change with this war..."

Seeing this as an opportunity to speak, Bruno looked upon the map, and the current lines where the battlefield had been drawn. He was quick to comment on the over-all situation of the war, and Japan's standing in the world.

"Regardless of whether or not I personally intervened at 203 Meter Hill the battle would have been won by January of 1905 at the latest. I simply saw an opportunity to speed up the victory that was inevitable.

Though the Russians may not seem like it they are running out of supplies. No doubt as a result of the Tsar's hostilities towards the Reich from which they previously relied upon imports.

Had relations not broken down between the German Reich and the Russian Empire, they would have been able to put up a better fight. But fortunately for you, the Kaiser has had a falling out with his cousin, and has instead chosen to support you in this war.

At this rate, I can say with certainty, that the war will be over by the time the leaves fall from the trees. One last advance at Mukden, and the Russian Army in the east will be obliterated. Leaving the Tsar with no choice but to surrender.

I have said it before, but things are not as stable as they appear within the borders of the Russian Empire. Revolution is on the horizon, a normal defeat here in Manchuria would spark a small scale conflict in the home front.

But the death of over 300,000 Russian Soldiers in this war? The revolution will be of a much larger scale. And that is the ultimate goal here. Annihilate what remains of the Russian forces at Mukden and spark civil unrest within the Russian motherland.

Your victory in this war will catapult Japan's standing from a third rate empire into a major contender with the other Great Powers of the world. Japan may very well be the only non- European nation to attain such a status. As all others who have tried over the years have since fallen in the flames of war. An honor to be sure..."

Meiji felt a complicated sense of emotions after hearing Bruno's words. Was this really Japan's victory if it was achieved via the support of foreign military advisors? Would the other Great Powers of the world see it that way?

Regardless, he had more important concerns on his mind, and was quick to ask Bruno for his opinions on such matters. It was evident to the Japanese Emperor that this young general clearly had a mind for more than just warfare. He seemed to have a great foresight into the world of geopolitics. And naturally, he wanted Bruno's opinions on the subject.

"Be honest with me, Generalmajor. You appear to have a great understanding of subjects other than warfare. I have no doubt that is what led to you having such an esteemed position despite your youth. So tell me, how do you perceive the world, more specifically what will come of this conflict after we have emerged victorious?"

Bruno walked towards the map and motioned towards several pieces representing the various armies of the great powers of Europe. Including the German Reich, and the Russian Empire. Quickly asking for permission to move them.

"May I?"

Meiji did not see a reason to prevent Bruno's demonstration, and was quick to express permission to do so.

"By all means, proceed."

Bruno then grabbed wooden pieces that were off the table and pushed them into Russia, representing a new faction.

"Russia, as previously stated will be forced to deal with internal rebellion. The Tsar's popularity is not as strong as the other European monarchs. And dangerous sentiment is already being bred within the borders of the Russian Motherland by dissidents. Marxists to be exact.

A defeat against the Empire of Japan would be a severe blow to the Tsar's prestige. But the complete annihilation of the Russian Eastern Army at Mukden? A disaster that may spell the end of the Tsar and his entire bloodline.

No, such a thing can't come to pass. Marxism is a destructive and dangerous ideology. Appealing to fools and idealists who fail to understand human nature. And it is this lack of understanding of human nature that will inevitably compel them to engage in the worst human atrocities ever recorded in history. That is, of course, if they manage to gain power in the first place. Such is the nature of utopian idealism.

If push comes to shove, and the Tsar fails to stem the tide of this revolution, I will do whatever is necessary to crush the Bolsheviks. Even if it means temporarily resigning from my post to act as a general on behalf of the Tsar.

This toxic ideology cannot be allowed to foster in the hearts and minds of the people. Even if

it means brutal retaliations against its proponents and those who support them silently in the

background.

However, crushing Marxism is but one of many of the trials we must face as a world in this new century. There is a more immediate threat, one that is far more sinister. Believe it or not, the Great Powers have already begun to form alliances in the background.

Serbia has aligned itself with Russia, and Russia has thrown its lot in with France. Meanwhile, the German Reich and Austro-Hungary have put aside their petty differences and formed a

pact of their own.

Italy stands on the fence, as they always have, and cannot be trusted by either side they profess their loyalty to. While Britain seeks to maintain its dominance over the seas. A dominance which the Kaiser questions with each passing day. No doubt this foolish naval arms race between the British Crown and the German Reich will result in irreconcilable

differences.

To put it simply, one event is needed, a single spark, so to speak, to light the powder keg. And boom, the entire world will be at war. It is inevitable at this point. Especially now that Austro-Hungary has set its sights upon the Balkans.

A Great War is coming. Those of us who can study the world and its current geopolitical situation know this to be true. And soon enough, the Reich will begin preparations. It's just that I fear our current plans for such an eventuality are destined to lead to disaster.

It is my hopes that by the time the war breaks out, I will be of sufficient Rank and Status to have deterred this line of poor strategic thinking, and instead put the German Reich in a position to emerge victorious when war finally rears its ugly head.

The question, however, that is on my mind, is not the future which the Great Empires of Europe face. But rather that of Japan..."

Bruno then moved the pieces of the Japanese Army into position to seize Manchuria and Korea for itself. After which he posed an interesting question to the aging emperor.

"So, Emperor, I must ask... When war finally breaks out, who will you side with? The German Reich, or the British Empire? Depending how you decide to proceed with this question will determine which territorial gains you capture in the Great War that is to come.

I assure you, our attention will be preoccupied with the War in Europe, and because of this it would be easier to seize the possessions of the German Reich within the Pacific, limited they

may be.

But though there is a greater risk, and the casualties you would sustain would no doubt be more severe. I must ask the question, would it not be better to take control of the territory which Britain, France, and Russia possess in Asia, considering the vast nature of their colonial territory in the region?"

Bruno had proposed a scenario which Emperor Meiji had not anticipated. He would think long and hard in silence about this matter as it was critical to the future of the Empire of Japan.