Undercurrents Stirring

"Priority supplies for Liège Fortress? Pass the order down. All newly produced weapons and equipment from Berlin are to reach the front at Liège Fortress as quickly as possible."

Model looked at the orders in his hand and instructed the messenger beside him.

After a series of battles, this officer, who should have had illustrious military achievements to his name, had originally had a brilliant future ahead of him. Yet, for some unknown reason, he was still serving here as a mere logistics supply officer.

Model could not understand any of this, but he did not need to. He knew only that as long as the German Empire needed him, he would step forward.

He would rush wherever he was needed. This time, for instance, the Allied troops outside Liège Fortress watched like tigers eyeing their prey, yet the garrison within the fortress was so thin.

So Model decided that this time, he would personally escort the supplies to the front at Liège Fortress.

He would ensure that these supplies reached Liège Fortress as quickly and safely as possible. Every day earlier his equipment and ammunition arrived would give Liège Fortress another measure of hope of holding out.

Amid the soldiers' noisy conversations, the steam train set off with its whistle droning. Escorting this shipment were Model and several hundred soldiers from the logistics department.

More men should have been assigned to the escort, but with troop shortages at the front and cutbacks in rear-area logistics, Model had brought only a battalion of several hundred soldiers to escort the supplies.

The steam train traveled along the tracks while Model rested his eyes in the carriage. Before long, a soldier approached him.

"Sir, according to the estimated schedule, we'll reach Liège Fortress in three days."

A trace of worry appeared in Model's eyes at the messenger's report. Three days was still too long.

The enemy would not wait until they were ready before attacking. These three days were the line between life and death for Liège Fortress.

Moreover, by his calculations, even the nearest German troops would need as long as five days to reinforce Liège Fortress, and that was with green lights all the way along the troop transport route.

To avert the worst outcome, Model spoke. "Order all soldiers to prepare for battle in advance."

"Once we reach Liège Fortress, be ready to join the fighting immediately."

The messenger did not hesitate at Model's orders, instead giving a regulation imperial military salute.

"Understood, sir."

"For the great German Empire, we will fight alongside you to the very end."

After speaking firmly, the messenger turned and headed toward the carriages behind them, ready to pass Officer Model's words on to every soldier taking part in the escort.

After learning of their mission, not a single soldier of the German Empire thought of backing down.

Although they were only logistics troops, their fighting spirit was no weaker than that of the soldiers at the front. Besides, their commanding officer was Officer Model, whose name was renowned among the rank and file.

They believed Officer Model would surely lead them to victory in the war.

Aboard the train here.

Meanwhile, at a command post on the western front in France, Staff Officer Schörner looked at the orders before him and knocked on the door of the officer commanding this section of the defensive line.

"Sir, Field Marshal Hindenburg has sent a message requesting that we detach two infantry divisions to reinforce Liège Fortress."

The commanding officer frowned at the news.

"What about the French soldiers here?"

"If we detach two infantry divisions, will we still have enough troops to keep those French soldiers in check?"

With that, the officer picked up the telephone on his desk. "Put me through to Governor Ludwig von Falkenhausen."

"Tell him Ludwig von Farner, sector commander on the western front in France, requests to speak with him."

"Yes."

Commander Farner spoke, and before long, the call connected. A somewhat aged but vigorous voice came from the other end.

"Is that Farner? What do you need me for?"

Falkenhausen was somewhat puzzled. He had always looked after his nephew, but he did not know why, instead of properly attending to his command on the western front, his nephew was calling him now.

Farner soon explained the orders to Falkenhausen.

"I see. I understand."

"I know about this. These are His Majesty's orders. I'm simply curious why your sector has been asked to provide reinforcements. After all, Hindenburg has quite a few troops at his disposal."

"At present, every battlefield at the front is in a state of stalemate. A shortage of troops at a time like this could very well upset that balance."

At his uncle's words, Farner's face fell.

If it were Field Marshal Hindenburg, he would still have room to bargain, but if these were His Majesty the Emperor's orders...

Then he really did have to obey. Somewhat frustrated, Farner asked his uncle, "Uncle, what should I do?"

After thinking for a while, Falkenhausen said, "Didn't I transfer a very capable officer to you earlier?"

"Have him lead an infantry division to reinforce Liège Fortress. As for the other infantry division, I'll arrange for one from my own defense sector."

"Your task now is to hold the western front steady. Do not let the French cross the defensive line by so much as a step."

"Yes, Uncle. I understand."

Falkenhausen's words were like a pill settling Farner's nerves, and he hung up.

Farner looked at Schörner before him. "You heard everything. This time, you'll lead an infantry division to Liège Fortress ahead of the others."

"Remember, these are His Majesty's orders. You must hold Liège Fortress."

At Farner's words, Schörner nodded. After agreeing, he turned and walked out.

As he made his way to the staff office, the German officers along the way all stopped to greet Schörner.

Schörner would also stop to return their greetings. After reaching the staff office, he handed over some duties to a colleague, then headed outside.

Once he had assembled his troops and boarded the train, a trace of hope shone in Schörner's eyes.

His Majesty's orders? If that's the case, perhaps my achievements won't be credited to Commander Farner?

Meanwhile, after hanging up, Falkenhausen knitted his brows tightly.

As the governor overseeing both the Belgium defense sector and the Liège Fortress defense sector, he keenly sensed that something was amiss.

Twirling the mustache beneath his nose, Falkenhausen's eyes took on a trace of gravity.

Although he, too, was an old-guard Junker noble, there were factional divisions among the Junker nobility as well.

"It seems that old bastard Hindenburg intends to make a move against me this time," Falkenhausen murmured.

As steam train after steam train set off, the eyes of the world were drawn to Liège Fortress.

Everyone knew that this war would determine the course of the parliamentary proceedings to come.