"Professor Babbage! I thank you for joining with me to show the Countess Fedorina the fine machine that she has purchased for our battalion! She will be most pleased to see us. I shall fetch her," offered Major Schwarzkopf, as he dismounted from Gunther. Countess Fedorina met the commander of the Flying Eagles at the front door, greeting him with great enthusiasm.
"Maximilian! How wonderful to see you!" she exclaimed. Then her attention caught sight of the Analytical Engine, whirring and steaming in her driveway. "What have you brought me, Major? What on Earth is this contraption?" asked Fedorina.
"This is the amazing machine that I was telling you about, Countess. Our battalion has been issued deployment orders, and we are on our way to the front lines. Since your estate was on the route to Kaunas, we decided to pay you a visit. Countess Fedorina, I would like to present Professor Charles Babbage, from the University of Danzig."
"I am honoured to meet you, Professor. Maximilian has told me so much about you, and your machine. The Analytical Engine! To see it in person is a most remarkable experience. I have never seen such a thing in my life and I feel as if the future has arrived at my doorstep! I am wondering about this: Apart from military applications, are there any other operations that your Analytical Engine is capable of? Perhaps it might be able to provide assistance with the operation of my country estate?"
"I too am honoured to meet you in person, Countess Fedorina. Your question is a very perceptive one, as yes, there are many applications for my machine. The Analytical Engine has the ability to optimise the rates of feeding of your livestock, and the fertilisation of your field crops. Variety and species choices of animals and plants can be tailored to suit your growing conditions. Staffing choices, and their work schedules can be evaluated. Even the organisation and menu decisions of your kitchen can be improved by the application of this modern method of estate management," explained Professor Babbage.
"My God!" responded Countess Fedorina. "Maximilian! I just might need to purchase one of these machines for myself! I have always felt the need to own the latest and trendiest creations, and this might have to be put on my most wanted list! Professor Babbage, would it be possible to place an order for one of your Analytical Engines to be installed here, on the Pripet Castle grounds?"
Babbage looked around at the front door of the estate, and put some thought into the proposition before responding. "Yes, Countess, I am sure that my team could accommodate your needs, assuming that all goes well in the upcoming battle. It usually takes us a few months to design and construct a new Engine. Major Schwarzkopf, do we have enough time to spare, for me to have a look around the castle grounds? The experience would be useful in giving me an idea on how best to design an Analytical Engine for the Countess."
"Yes, I am certain that we can spare an hour or two. The battalion is on its way to Kaunas, and we need only catch up by nightfall. Scouts have confirmed that the hobgoblin lead elements are not expected to arrive in our area for at least 24 hours," responded Schwarzkopf.
"That is lovely, Maximilian! Then why don't you join me inside, while I have a meal prepared for all of you. My chief of staff, Deputy Hess, can provide a tour of the grounds for the Professor, and both of you can come in for lunch at the completion of the tour," offered the Countess.
Major Schwarzkopf agreed to the plan and Countess Fedorina took the Major's hand and led him into the castle. Hartmann and Meyer assessed the situation, and decided to join with Deputy Hess to tour the grounds with Charles Babbage. The Countess and the Major appeared to appreciate the opportunity to spend a little private time together.
Charles Babbage compiled a set of notes and discussed several options that were possible in the planning of the new Engine. Purchasing price and staffing ideas were considered, and at the completion of the meal, the group made their way back to the horses and the Analytical Engine #16. The professor was able to input the information into the machine and demonstrate the actual functioning of the machinery. Steam bellowed out the top of the boilers and the wheels and cranks churned, eventually printing out a set of solutions and a price estimate. The Analytical Engine #17 would be smaller, and be installed in a stone building next to the main courtyard. Instead of a steam power, the workings of the Countess's Analytical Engine would be powered by a pair of oxen, harnessed in a wheel like arrangement. Animal power was plentiful on the estate. A technician would be provided by the University. The Countess was thrilled with the proposal and went back into the castle, returning with a blue felt cash bag containing 20 gold marks, the deposit required to begin construction of the new machine.
"Thank you both for showing me this amazing machine!" said the Countess.
"I am glad that you approve, Countess Fedorina," responded Major Schwarzkopf. The truth is that we could not possibly done this without your financial assistance."
"Oh, it is nothing, Maximilian. I am just glad to do my part to defend the Holy Prussian Empire. I do have one request, however. I wonder if it might be possible for me to view the upcoming battle? I have never seen a battle before and this scrap against the hobgoblins would surely be a spectacle worth observing! From a safe distance, of course."
"No! No! No!" responded Major Schwarzkopf with horror in his voice. "That is a terrible idea, Countess. Battles are no place for someone such as yourself. They are dangerous and miserable occurrences! Please leave the fighting up to us, and I will provide you a full report after we have disposed of Maargash. Promise me that you will not make an attempt to attend the upcoming battle. I value your safety above all else," insisted Schwarzkopf.
'I promise to keep myself safe, Maximilian," replied Countess Fedorina. She wasn't exactly agreeing with his urgings. The thought of seeing her heroic major wielding her grandfather's sword might just be too appealing an idea to resist. "I definitely won't do anything to endanger myself."
That seemed to satisfy Major Schwarzkopf and he bid farewell to his patron.
The command group of the 427th Flying Eagles mounted their warhorses and set off toward Kaunas. Babbage and his Analytical Engine trundled along behind the officers.
The mustering of the battalion was complicated, as per usual. Deployment orders called for the Flying Eagles to position themselves at the critical crossroads of the Stone Mountain Way and the Balticstrabe. The Hobgoblin forces had been scouted advancing from the north, and were expected to progress as far as the city of Kaunas within the next 24 hours. General Paulus's regiment, the Ferocious 44th, was to defend the city by setting up at the approaches, in a defensive line facing towards the northwest.
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The Ferocious 44th regiment consisted of 3 battalions in addition to the Flying Eagles. The 128th battalion, Charging Tigers, would occupy the far left of the battlefield. Their primary duty was to ensure that General Paulus's forces would not be outflanked from the north. Their cavalry was deployed in a screening formation and represented the northernmost extent of the Army of the River Blau's defensive line. The 304th battalion, Murdering Angels, would defend the southwest approaches to Kaunas. Their artillery was thought to be the strongest in the entire regiment and would form an invaluable anchor for the south end of the defenders of Kaunas. The 282nd battalion, White Swans, were thought to be the weakest link, especially since they had not yet received all of their expected replacements from their most recent defeat at the hands of Margaash, and the vicious hobgoblin bear cavalry. The White Swans were to be stationed within the city itself, ready to join the battle as reserve forces.
The town of Kaunas was a frontier town, not yet equipped with a complete set of defensive fortifications. That said, there were several strongholds available for defensive purposes and a significant hill on the northwest end of the settlement, where General Paulus and his command centre was to be positioned. Paulus ordered Major Schwarzkopf to join with his command group atop what was locally known as Gallows Hill, a locally famous landmark known for its role in the Witch Inquisition of 3641. Paulus was particularly interested in having the Analytical Engine #16 deployed next to him. Schwarzkopf reckoned that Paulus wanted things that way so that he could issue a report on the performance of the machine to the Army staff generals back in Danzig Army Headquarters.
That left the Flying Eagles. Schwarkopf's battalion was to be deployed in the very centre of the regimental defence lines, straddling both sides of the Stone Mountain Way. The hobgoblin army had been observed using the roadway to advance their forces, with brown bear cavalry at the head of their advancing army. The most recent reports indicated their lead chariots to be just 18 miles from Kaunas. By the next morning, the first deployments of hobgoblin units could be expected on the battlefield.
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Major Schwarzkopf rose very early in the morning, from his officers tent, set in amongst the other command group tents, atop Gallows Hill. It was still dark out, but stars were visible in the sky above the battlefield. Down below, Holy Prussian Empire soldiers were rising from their tents, set up on the outskirts of Kaunas, their campfires forming a ring around the town. On the forest side of the expected battlefield, larger fires had been springing up throughout the night. The hobgoblin army had been arriving all night along the Stone Mountain Way. There were obviously significant concentrations of troops in front of the Flying Eagles, but camp fires were also visible in front of the 128th battalion and the 304th battalion.
Lieutenant Meyer opened the front canvas flap of his tent, and strode out to join Major Schwarzkopf. "My bet is that Margaash will move his best units into their jump off positions at first light. I am thinking that we should aim for creating the best possible match ups with our own units. The Analytical Engine should be able to provide me with a good assessment of combat strengths and weaknesses of both sides. If we can have fast messengers available for dispatch, we can counter every move the hobgoblins make." Erich Hartmann had also arrived from his tent.
"That sounds like a very good idea. Lieutenant Hartmann, could you arrange for five outriders to join us next to the Analytical Engine, as soon as possible. They will be the messengers," explained Major Schwarzkopf.
"Yes, Sir!" replied the Lieutenant.
"Where do you intend to deploy yourself, Major?" asked Nicholas Meyer.
"I believe that Gunther and I will have the most impact if we are accompanied by the Wolf Knights, Lieutenant. I am extremely optimistic that Lady Echinachea's protective banner will perform a critical role in the outcome of this battle. Concentrating our killing power in that unit of heavy cavalry seems our best option for turning their elite attackers. If we can destroy Margaash's best, then Paulus will be able to deploy the reserves and complete the route. Besides, I always wanted to ride a moose into battle!"
"I like your thinking, Sir! Keeping those ideas in mind, I will suggest deployment of the Wolf Knights as soon as I see the placement of their Brown Bear Cavalry. You could join the Knights at that moment," suggested Nicholas Meyer.
"Yes. That is a fine idea. Once I leave, you are to answer directly to General Paulus. He is extremely interested to see the Analytical Engine in action, and will use whatever information you can provide to him, during the battle."
"I will do that, Sir! I am still not exactly sure what the extent of real time data will be from the machine. I will be able to provide data sheets to the General, and I expect to see the information as the battle unfolds. Mid battle adjustments to our strategies should be possible. I will send appropriate assistance to our men if necessary. The viewpoint from this location is excellent," explained Nicholas. Just then he noticed some sparks and flames issuing from the boiler and combustion chamber of the Analytical Engine. "Oh! I see that Professor Babbage is firing up his machine. I will go speak to him about our plans."
"That sounds good, Lieutenant Meyer."
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Outriders were in place and everybody was fed and prepared for battle. The Analytical Engine #16 was manoeuvred into place, and Schwarzkopf, Hartmann and Meyer took up vantage points as the first blushes of light began to paint the battlefield. All three sported spy glasses and it was Erich Hartmann who noticed the first movement of hobgoblin troops, in their section of the battlefield.
"Sir, there are five chariots making their way to our left flank. What should we do?"
Meyer directed his spy glass towards the chariots and called out to Babbage, asking for the best match up, quickly barking out the performance numbers for the hobgoblin unit. The second that he was able to see the moving chariots, the numbers became quite clear in his mind. 'This approach really is going to work!' thought Nicholas, genuinely excited.
Hobgoblin War Chariots
Full strength: 5 chariots
Leadership: 7
Fighting skill: 3
Attacks: Bears: 3, Hobgoblins 1
Quickness: 2
Power: Bears 5, Hobgoblins 4
Defence: Bears 4, Hobgoblins 3
Speed: 6
Wounds: Bears 3, Hobgoblin 1
Armour save: Bears 5+, Hobgoblins 5+
Weapons: Bears, 2 claws and 1 jaws, Hobgoblins, spears
Special abilities: Crushing overrun. 4 power 5 attacks if the chariot runs over the opponent
"What is our best unit to counter those guys, Professor?" asked Meyer. Nicholas knew that all of the fighting statistics for the Flying Eagles units were already loaded into the machine. What was needed was the best counter. The wheels spun and the gears clattered. Babbage pulled out a freshly printed data sheet.
"The horse artillery, armed with grapeshot!" exclaimed Babbage.
"Of course!" yelled Nicholas Meyer. "Why didn't I think of that?" And then he did think of that, or at least saw the numbers appear over the top of his horse artillery unit, down there at the base of the hill. He could also see a clear readout of the fighting numbers over the deploying chariots. Comparing the power numbers, and shot totals of the grapeshot firing horse cannons really did look promising!
Horse drawn cannons
Strength: 6 cannons
Leadership: 7
Fighting skill: 4
Attacks: 1 per cannon
Quickness: 1
Power: cannon balls, 8
Defence: 3
Speed: 6
Wounds: 1 per crewman (3 crewmen per cannon)
Armour save: 4+ (hiding behind cannon)
Weapons: horse drawn cannon
Special abilities: Grapeshot, (10 shots per cannon at power 5)
Experience points: 11,612
"That should do the trick!" exclaimed Nicholas Meyer.
"Lieutenant Hartmann!" called out Major Schwarzkopf. "Please dispatch an outrider to inform Lieutenant Breitbart that he is to deploy his horse artillery to the far left of our part of the battlefield! He is to target the bear chariots!"
"Yes, Sir!" replied Hartmann.
The table was being set!
