CIRCLES OF TIME: The Great War
-by: the Yarnspinner-
the_yarnspinner@yahoo.com
http://strands-of-moonlight.my3gb.com
-or- http://strands-of-moonlight.6te.net
Rated: PG-13> Chapter 7 - Down to Business <
In a side chamber of the Paladin's Havana center, two large three-dimensional displays had been set up, showing all the information collected on the Order's energy storage centers in Austria and Switzerland.
"As you can see," Samuel said. "The Austrian center is considerably larger, and we have less information on it at present."
"What about the Swiss center?" Peter asked. "How soon do you think we'll have sufficient information to mount a strike?"
"Probably another week or two," Samuel said. "Setsuna, perhaps you can better answer that, as you've been doing the bulk of the reconnaissance work."
"I've been inspecting each facility on a weekly basis, checking current energy levels and guard deployment," Setsuna said. "Recently, however, the Order has set up a new security field at both sites to detect fluctuations in space-time."
"I don't think I like the sound of that," Peter exclaimed. "Does this mean they've caught on to you?"
"I'm not sure," Setsuna replied. "The new field only requires me to be a bit more careful, but I am not having any serious difficulties in bypassing it."
Just then, Albert entered the room, holding a file in his hand. "I think I may be able to shed some light on this," he said. "When Setsuna mentioned this, I asked several of our monitoring stations to check their logs, and their current scans, for any evidence of space-time disturbances, however slight. We've found that Setsuna does leave a very faint trace when she enters and returns from the time gateway."
"And the Order might have detected this?" Peter asked.
"That's what I suspect," Albert confirmed.
"But can they use this to locate her?" asked Peter.
"No," Albert said. "Mortal senses, even those enhanced by magic, are restricted to the standard three physical dimensions. Not even those with psychic insight can perceive the 'structure' of space-time. The trace Setsuna leaves is solely in time; it has no physical attributes. That makes it impossible to locate."
Setsuna glanced over Albert's file. "This trace he refers to must result from when I enter or leave the timestream. I should be able to find a way to minimize it still further, so that the Order will no longer be able to detect it."
"Well, that has to be your decision. None of us know enough to really offer any advice on that, I'm afraid," Peter said. "Now, getting back to your reconnaissance efforts."
"Yes. At first glance, both centers appear to be lightly guarded," she said. "But each has formidable barrier spells set up around it, which would prevent you from teleporting inside. An assault from the surface would have to proceed down narrow and confined access tunnels which, as you can readily see, could easily be turned into death-traps."
Peter examined the mock-ups closely. "Well... we knew from the beginning that a frontal assault was out..., and a teleport appears to be blocked..., so how do we get in? And how do we do it without risking your cover?"
Samuel stepped forward once more. "I have several of our more experienced wizards working on that, Peter," he said. "We hope to have some possible solutions shortly."
"And for me to convey your team in and out would not necessarily endanger my cover," Setsuna added. "The Order would know only that you succeeded in penetrating their barriers. They would not know how."
"In any case, we were thinking of some sort of diversionary move to go along with the strike," Samuel said. "We could use that to help cover our tracks, for whatever method is ultimately used to get in and out."
"Very well," Peter said. "What about energy levels within these centers? Has enough energy been collected to make a strike worthwhile?"
"Yes," Setsuna said. "The site in the Obersalzburg is actually being added on to, with additional storage vessels being constructed. The Swiss center I believe to be roughly at one-third capacity."
Peter nodded. "I presume that is why you're giving the Swiss site priority. We should let the Austrian center collect more energy before we hit it."
"That's correct," Setsuna answered.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
In the Order's main command center beneath an isolated valley of the Swiss Alps, the High Priest stood with four council members and the two operatives who were overseeing the energy collection. A series of charts were spread out across a table.
"Agent Louisa," Francesca said, clearly the oldest person in the room. "This information is quite detailed, but what exactly is it trying to tell us?"
"The charts are displaying the projected energy return, drawn in blue, which is based both on the casualty figures and our monitoring of the battlefields, and the actual amount of energy collected in our storage units, drawn in red," Louisa said. "You will notice that on the charts from the beginning of the year, the projected and actual figures are quite close."
"Yes, I see," Francesca said.
"But beginning in June, the gap between projected and actual begins to widen, until we now find more than a third of the projected life energy gain going unaccounted for," Louisa said.
"Where is this energy going if not into our storage units?" asked Alphonse, one of the other council members.
"As yet we are not sure," said Gregory, the other agent overseeing the collection. "Agent Louisa and I launched an audit of the collection process once it became clear this was not merely an error in the statistical model. Unfortunately, our collection network was built for secrecy, not accountability. Our individual collection and relay units do not record the amounts of energy they process."
Alphonse nodded. "Yes. I recall the debate before the council about that. It was thought that monitoring systems would require too much energy drawn away from our ultimate objective, and would increase the risk of the Paladins being able to uncover our plan."
"Well, we do not know with certainty, but I must strongly suspect that both have happened," Gregory said.
"The Paladins are behind this?" the High Priest asked.
"As Gregory said, we don't know that for certain, but it does seem the most likely conclusion," Louisa said.
"How is that possible?" Francesca asked, clearly dubious. "How could they be stealing energy from us like this?"
"That is the mystery," said Gregory. "And given the need to avoid giving the Paladins any more information than they might already have, we've been compelled to refrain from a detailed investigation of every collection and relay point."
"What sort of an investigation have you been able to carry out?" ask Joseph, the third council member.
"Essentially we've limited ourselves to reviewing the casualty information, in an attempt to eliminate the possibility that our projections in that area are wrong," Gregory said. "We've also asked our monitors to verify that our collection units are working properly. Based on those reports, which show the collection units working perfectly, we have to conclude the Paladin's are capturing our transmitted energy either somewhere between the collection units and relay units, or between the relay units and our storage centers."
"Sounds straight forward enough," said Alphonse.
"Unfortunately, it has not proven so simple," Louisa said. "We have been unable to locate any facilities that could intercept and redirect energy in the manner necessary, nor have we been able to detect any energy transmissions other than our own."
"So, we are to believe that the Paladins are stealing our gathered energy with no apparent equipment, and are then making it just disappear?" Francesca asked skeptically.
"I'm afraid we have no other conclusion," Gregory said.
"Well, I disagree," said Francesca. "I see no solid evidence to prove the Paladins' involvement in this. And until we do have solid evidence, we must keep this whole business under wraps."
"But we could lose a considerable amount of energy..." Gregory protested.
"Enough!" Francesca interrupted. "You are losing sight of our objective! The gathering of energy is merely a means. If we are losing energy in transmission, then our first recourse must be to increase the total amount of energy being collected to compensate for that loss."
Gregory stared at her, dumbfounded.
"Just what are you suggesting?" the High Priest asked.
"Both the Allies and the Central Powers are already discussing possibilities for major offensives in the Spring or Summer of next year, each hoping to break the stalemate in France," Francesca said. "Our agents must involve themselves to insure both sides exert the maximum effort. The warring nations still have tremendous reserves of manpower yet untapped. If we are losing energy, then we must increase the casualty figures still more. Our great dark lord demands nothing less!"
"The Darkness shall triumph!" the High Priest declared.
"The Darkness shall triumph!" the rest echoed.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Samuel, Albert, and Setsuna sat hunched over a table, reviewing plans. It was now mid-December, and the Paladin leadership was growing anxious to have at least one of the Order's storage centers destroyed before the end of 1915.
"Well, what's the verdict on this teleportation proposal?" Samuel asked. The wizards he had asked to look into the problem of getting inside the Order's bases had reported back, and Samuel had turned the report over to Setsuna and Albert for review.
Setsuna shook her head. "I'm afraid I have some doubts," she said.
"I have more than just doubts," Albert said. "Eric and I ran some tests of this plan against the type of barriers the Order are using, and while we did get in about half the time, we always set off the alarms."
"So... even if we do make it in, the Order will be alerted," Samuel said.
"That's about it," Albert agreed.
"Then it looks like the only option left is for me to convey the team in and out," Setsuna said. "At least if we're going to manage an attack before the end of the year, that is."
"I have to agree," Albert said. "But I still think we should have a diversionary move to go along with it."
"That is a given," said Samuel. "We're not going to take any chances with Setsuna's cover. We don't want to make your job any more difficult than it already is, Setsuna."
"I appreciate the concern, but I can cover my own tracks," Setsuna said.
Samuel nodded, then turned back to Albert. "Is Eric ready with the strike team?"
"Yes," Albert said. "They're just awaiting the final go order."
"Alright. Setsuna, you meet with Eric and finalize the arrangements for getting his team in. Also, I'm sure you'll want to obtain additional reconnaissance information," Samuel said. "I'll tell Peter we're ready to go, and get final approval."
"How soon should we be ready to go?" Albert asked.
"Just as soon as Eric and Setsuna are ready," Samuel answered. "The sooner the better."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Last check," Eric said. "Everybody, make sure your equipment is in place."
The members of his team, five in all, went through their kits, giving it all a final check.
Setsuna stood there in a brown wizard's robe, her time-key still disguised as a wooden staff.
Eric moved among his team, checking with each one. Satisfied, he stepped away from the group. Peter moved toward him.
"Everyone ready?" Peter asked.
"Yes. We're all set," Eric answered. "We had a chance to do a dry run on the full-scale model with Setsuna's latest information. No problems."
"Excellent," Peter said. "I want to wish you all good luck." He shook Eric's hand.
"Thank you, Peter. I have a great team, and we're well prepared. That's better than half the battle right there," Eric said.
"And you're our best field leader," Peter added. "I know you'll all do a great job."
Eric waved a hand dismissively at the compliment, then returned to his team. "Setsuna. Whenever you're ready," he said, as he and his team gathered around her.
"We're ready to begin the diversion," Samuel said.
"Let's begin," she replied.
As a soft glow enveloped Setsuna and the strike team, Samuel sent a signal to begin the diversion.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The glow faded, and Setsuna, Eric, and the team found themselves in a large chamber. Six large crystal cylinders stood around them, glowing with stolen energy. Alarm bells rang, but the chamber itself appeared empty.
"I'd say the diversion worked," one of the team members said, glancing around.
Eric nodded. "They should all be rushing to the upper levels to face a magic attack." He turned around quickly, looking over the entire room. "Now, let's get to work. It won't take them long to realize it's a trick."
Suddenly, Setsuna spun around, raising her staff to meet the attack of a lone Order wizard. The wizard's energy beam was harmlessly absorbed by her staff. The Paladins dove for cover, with two immediately rolling into a crouch and responding with energy bursts of their own, striking the Order wizard and sending him crashing to the floor.
"Looks like we're already running short on time," said Paul, Eric's deputy for this mission.
"I'm not detecting anyone else in the immediate area," Setsuna said. "We still have a little time yet."
"Good. Let's move," Eric said.
They hurried to place disruptor crystals on each of the storage cylinders.
"All units in place," Paul reported as the team members gathered around Setsuna once more.
Eric nodded, just as the door burst open and several more wizards rushed in. Paul and two other Paladins fired energy bursts, sending their adversaries diving to the floor. Eric activated his control unit, starting the timers on the disruptors.
"Setsuna, now would be a good time to get out of here," Eric said.
"Stop them!" one of the Order wizards yelled.
Energy glowed around Setsuna and the Paladins, and they vanished. As the Order wizards rushed forward into the now empty room, a high-pitched squeal filled the air as the disruptors activated. The cylinders cracked, and a brilliant flash of energy flooded the room, wiping away everything down to bare rock.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Success!" Eric declared, as the team reappeared in the Havana center.
A cheer filled the room. Peter and Samuel rushed forward exuberantly to offer their congratulations.
"Good job!" Peter said.
"Outstanding!" Samuel agreed. "You had no problems?"
"Only minor," said Eric.
"There was a lone Order wizard in the main chamber when we arrived," Setsuna explained. "He was quickly disposed of. And by the time the others arrived, the disruptors had already been placed and we were ready to leave."
Albert made his way through the small crowd. "Congratulations, Eric," he said. "Our stations in Switzerland, Italy, and Bavaria all picked up the explosion. They're certain the storage facility was completely destroyed."
"This should really throw their plans into turmoil," Peter said.
"Yes, indeed," Samuel agreed. "This will set them back at least ten months."
"Now, if we could take out the other site, that would really set them back," Peter said.
"We're ready, whenever the word is given," said Paul, exuberantly.
"We still need more information," Setsuna cautioned. "We don't know enough yet to safely mount an attack."
"Well, certainly do take time to join in the celebration of this success, but as soon as you can, I'd like to see some reconnaissance information," Peter said.
"I'll do what I can," she replied.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Damn it all!" Francesca screamed, in the Order's command center in Switzerland. "Just how did this happen?"
"Ahm, we're, uh, not sure," Gregory answered with trepidation.
"Those barrier fields were supposed to be impenetrable to teleportation," the High Priest said. "What went wrong?"
"We don't know," Louisa said. "With the destruction of the storage center, we also lost their scan records. I'm afraid there's no way to know for certain."
Francesca screamed again in outrage, and with an angry wave of her hand, encased Louisa and Gregory in crystal. "You have failed the Order," she declared. "And what is worse, you have failed our great dark lord! Now we must work that much harder in order to replenish the energy that was lost because of your failure. Thus, it is only right that the two of you should begin that process... by giving up your own life energies for the sake of our dark lord!"
Energy crackled around them, before the crystals finally faded away and the two figures collapsed to the floor, dead.
"They would be pleased to know they have been able to redeem themselves in this way," Francesca said.
"Francesca," the High Priest said, a cautioning tone in his voice. "Remember, the council has always looked with grave disapproval on a unilateral action, even by one of its own."
"Are you saying you consider my action too harsh?" she asked.
"No. But I do have concerns about the way in which you carried it out," he said. "In the absence of our dark lord, such decisions should rest with the council."
She took a breath. "I understand," she said. "But now, the Paladins will not be satisfied with destroying just one site."
"Don't worry," he said. "Certain precautions are being put in place even as we speak."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Setsuna reappeared in the Paladin's Havana center, a frown on her face.
"Good to see you back," Eric said. "What did you learn at their Austrian site."
"Yes. When do we attack?" asked Paul.
She looked around the room at the expectant faces. "You don't," she said. "At least not in the immediate future."
"What happened?" Samuel asked. "What did you find?"
"The Order has prepared a trap," she said. "Special sensors have just been put in place. The moment the team appeared, the chamber would be swept with lethal energy bursts. You wouldn't have time to get your shields in place."
"Damn. I was hoping they wouldn't catch on so fast," Eric said.
"Is there anything to indicate they're on to you in particular?" Samuel asked.
"No. They seem to be working on the theory that you Paladins have developed a way to slip through their barrier fields unhindered," Setsuna said.
"And that's why they've set up this sort of trap," Eric said. "If they can't stop us from getting in, they can do their best to make sure we arrive to face a slaughter."
"Well, given this new information, I don't think we can go ahead with a strike just now," Samuel said.
"Absolutely not," Eric agreed. "It would be far too dangerous, with no serious prospect of success. There's no way I could lead a team into that. We'll need to develop a new plan to combat this."
"I'll inform Peter," Samuel said.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It was now December 31, the year 1915 in its final hours. Samuel and Albert stood at the main table in the Havana center. Peter, Jason, Aaron, and Setsuna looked on, along with several other Paladins.
"You've asked for a review of the past year," Samuel said. "If you'll permit, we'll try to keep this brief."
"Thank you," said Peter.
"As 1914 came to a close, you will recall that the military situation had settled into a stalemate in France, while the ill-equipped Russians were hanging on just by the weight of their tremendous numbers in manpower," said Samuel. "Already, both sides were looking for other areas where they might force a decision. Ottoman Turkey entered the war in November on the side of Germany and Austria-Hungary, and while Sultan Mohamed V issued an ineffectual call for all Muslims to rise up in a Holy War against Turkey's enemies, the Turkish armies launched an offensive against the Russians in the Caucasus mountains. That offensive too bogged down within just a few months."
Albert stepped forward. "The involvement of Turkey brought British attention to the Middle East, with Britain setting up a protectorate over Egypt and looking at numerous options for military operations. Finally, in response to a Russian plea for help, the British decided to try to force open the narrow Turkish controlled waterway between the Aegean and the Black Sea by landing troops at Gallipoli. It proved a fiasco, as the positions proved much better suited to the defense than the offense, and the Turks put up a much stiffer fight than expected. Finally admitting the failure of their plan, the British are just now withdrawing their troops."
"In France and Belgium, both sides mounted offensives," Samuel continued. "But these were not well supported, and seem to have been more to probe the enemy's lines than to actually stage a breakthrough. At the second battle at Ypres, the Germans hit the British, or more accurately Canadian, positions with chlorine gas, but failed to take advantage of the opportunity it offered them. Later, when they seemed to understand what the gas had done, the British had found ways to protect themselves. Two battles each in Champagne and at Artois only added to the carnage, but again produced no real gains. Neither side seemed able to coordinate the interaction of infantry, artillery, and reserves, resulting in innumerable lost opportunities."
"The Eastern Front saw the Germans take the port of Memel on the Baltic in February, only to lose it to the Russians in March, before retaking it a few days later," said Albert. "Early Russian successes melted away as their supply problems became acute, leaving them lacking food, warm clothing, and even the most basic equipment. In May, the Germans and Austrians launched a large-scale offensive, taking full advantage of the Russians' weakness. The Germans had briefly considered transferring some of their forces for a sweep south through the Balkans to reinforce the Turks, but the failure of Britain's Gallipoli campaign made this unnecessary, allowing Germany to continue to press its advantage against the Russians. By the end of August, the Russians had lost all of Poland and Lithuania, along with perhaps as many as a million men. On September 5, Grand Duke Nicholas was dismissed as commander-in-chief, and the Tsar has assumed direct operational control of the army, which does not bode well for any future improvements. About the only positive element was that the Russian army had escaped encirclement and remained intact.
"Meanwhile," Albert continued, picking up several more sheets of paper. "The naval war began to develop in the Atlantic. Both sides announced blockades of the other. Britain had the naval power to back theirs up, but were cautious of committing their full force. It has been said in Britain that Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, the commander of the British Grand Fleet, is the only man who can lose the war in a single afternoon. Germany is said to enjoy a technical superiority in its heavy ships, but has fewer of them, and has largely kept their navy in port. Only the U-boats have ventured out in force, and though they lack coordination, they have still managed to inflict heavy damage on Allied shipping. The sinking of the 'Lusitania' brought about a major diplomatic crisis with the Unites States, which completely overshadowed Allied infractions against neutral shipping. The Wilson administration sent several strongly worded protests to Germany, the content of which forced the resignation of the more pacifist-minded Secretary of State Bryan, who objected to the tone of the letters. Just as that crisis was beginning to fade, a U-boat sank another liner, the 'Arabic', provoking more American outrage. Only a desperate plea to Berlin from Germany's ambassador in Washington that the Americans were deadly serious this time and the Kaiser's intervention brought about a change in German policy to steer clear of the liners. That was just enough to allow Wilson to keep the U.S. out of the war."
Samuel adjusted the display on the map. "While these battles were going on, both sides were trying to woo the Italians. Italy was originally the third member of the Central Powers, but decided not to join the war with Germany and Austria in August of 1914, since they coveted territory under Austrian control. The Allies finally presented the better offer, from the Italian point of view, and Italy declared war against Austria-Hungary on May 23. The Italians marched into battle on the Isonzo River, in very rugged territory that favors the defense. This front appears to have quickly become a side-show, except for the carnage being inflicted.
"And speaking of almost side-shows, a third Balkan War has basically taken shape, as the states of that region are falling on each other in a continuation of the grievances and aspirations that drove them through the first two wars. If the region was not so strategically vital, nor a matter of honor for the Austro-Hungarians, I suspect the Great Powers would just ignore them completely," Samuel said.
Silence hung over the room for a moment, then Peter stepped forward. "Any projections for the coming year?" he asked. "And what do we think the Order is likely to try?"
"Well, this year has been about probing," said Albert. "Each side is trying to learn how this type of war is fought. Next year, I think, will see more determined efforts, while the Order will be pushing for tremendously large offensives to replace the energy they've just lost."
"Yes," Samuel agreed. "We project the Order lost the life energy of nearly a million men when we destroyed their storage center, which should be about half of the total they've collected so far. I'm sure they're already looking at ways to make up that loss."
"At the same time, we're siphoning off more than a third of the energy they're gathering from the battlefields," Albert added.
"They will also be developing new bases," Setsuna said quietly.
"New bases?" Aaron asked.
"Setsuna nodded. "Yes. The Order is aware that we know the location of their Austrian storage center. Furthermore, that center is presently the only one they have. That places their operation at much too great a risk. They will want to build additional storage centers to reduce the risk to their stolen energy."
"Alright," Peter said. "It looks like we have three principle tasks for the coming year. First, watch for construction of new Order bases, and destroy them if at all possible. Second, monitor developments within the combatant governments to see where and when the big offensives will take place. And third, continue to develop plans to destroy the Order's storage center in Austria."
"Sounds like rather a full plate," Jason observed.
"But considerably better than the alternative," Aaron pointed out.< To be continued >
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Always remember, good gentles, that a yarnspinner works from and within existing legends and stories. The characters of "Sailor Moon" belong to others. In spinning my yarns, I do not seek to infringe on their rights of ownership, but merely to join with other fans to spread the legend still further. "The moonlight carries a message of love." Enjoy.-02.24.2001