13.2 The Motions of Defense
-[X]Brian: Your Brother is favored by the Emperor, surely King Carlos will accept him.
February 15th, 1798
Brian was reading a report in Spanish when you arrived, his concentration still focusing heavily on his verbal report. "Todos…" He sighed before he set the papers down and rolled his neck, a loud crack is heard from it. "Does learning a new language always sound stupid to you, or is it just my head sounding strange with words translating in my mind, in which i know the meaning, but not the sounds?"
You frowned. "Why are you asking me, I don't know a damn thing about learning another language? The most I know is Pasta from Severin, and that's because dear old Marshal Baguette calls Jullian and the Italian troops that constantly."
Your brother laughed as he cracked a smile and set the report down. "You must really think I'm all cracked up for politics?"
His silence made you speak. "Napoleon may not trust you fully, but I trust you, both to make sure everything does not go to hell, and to make sure Carlos does not do something stupid like demand us to take Madrid when we are not ready. You are smart and can speak well enough to make him think that listening to me, or my subordinates are his own idea."
Brian then sighed. "Are you trying to force me to get out of my comfort zone while also practicing with how there is a great deal I need to learn in politics?"
"I still need to learn about politics, and I think that I can learn better from you, who is much more… conventional a choice." You stated.
Brian facepalmed and he realized what was going on. "I will be asking for my wife to come here. That is nonnegotiable."
"Of course, what am I going to do, deprive you out of your happiness by sending you off to die?" You joked. "You are not Joachim."
Brian then laughed. "I still can't believe Napoleon hasn't shot him yet for his actions against Caroline? The fact he tried to duel one of her bodyguards. If I didn't know better, He could have been sacked."
"I think it's because he knows me, and that he has a reputation for excellence under a skilled commander. And we are not exactly depth with great officers of high command, even with one as inexperienced as Murat. As long as we hold his leash, and he dosen't make a fool of himself, we'll be fine, and he'll be gaining glory by returning order to Spain."
Brian frowned at that before he stood up. "I will continue with maintaining our presence here. And Thérèse." He paused as you gazed towards him, but not at him. "Be careful. There are some Spanish generals who may not like taking orders from a woman."
You smiled. "That's what Brune is for. And if they still don't, the Whip is firm enough to get them to listen."
You did not want to use corporal punishment, but it was an option, and perhaps the threat would be enough.
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-[X]To the South: This Corps will go to serve as a police force in the Region, and they will do as much as they can, both to stop these guerillas, and to discover what the hell is going on with British equipment.
--[X]Murat's VIII. Korps
February 17th, 1798
Murat was prepared with a great deal more somber in his dress as he waited for you. His jacket was a light maroon blue, and his trousers were a black, midnight shade. There were no feathers in his cap, no furs on his saddle, or any more finery than it was expected of him. The only thing, in your mind, that made him stand out, was his large feathered hat that the MArshals wore, his riding crop that was made of leather, and of course, his Baton, that he never seemed to be without, even in the field, seemingly taking it everywhere he went, like another marshal that was his rival.
He was dressed, not as his flamboyant self, but as an officer leading men, and looking more conspicuous than he had to be. And he patted his horse. "Ah, Marshal!" He waved as you approached him. "I see you are greeting me off before I waylay the Bandits in the south!"
Despite his Chavilire and confident attitude, you realized he was scared.
You took a moment to sigh. "Murat. I have learned that Heroes are the bravest when the fear is the strongest."
At that Murat did not seem to budge. In fact, you knew he was not happily accepting you calling him scared. "Marshal! I am-"
You frowned and shook your head. "Do well, Or I'm sacking you and replacing you with Severin."
That should work.
"I shall!" He proclaimed as he rode off.
"Oh for the love of God, he doesn't even stop to get his orders, just rides off like a bloody hero." You said to yourself.
Then you looked to one of the riders who stayed behind, someone who had realized that the orders you gave to him, are not available. "Give these to him. His orders."
There was a silent nod, before you sighed, as he rode to follow his commander. Bloody fool he was, he at least had spirit.
Hopefully, it would not get him killed.
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-[X]To Madrid: This Corps will be sent to Madrid, and secure the city. Hopefully without a siege, or blowing up the city.
--[X]Davout's IX. Korps
February 19th, 1798
Davout thankfully was less inclined to just waltz out without his marching orders, as Marmont joined you to brief him.
"What you are asking is to try and take the city bloodlessly? Davout stated though he was a bit frustrated with Marmont being there, despite him being your Aide De Camp. "Perhaps there is something more you wish to discuss General Marmont?"
He was silent, though, in his ideas, he must have turned to face you. "I have nothing at to say, Marshal. Though I would say that the maps of the city are not accurate, I wanted to deliver more accurate maps before you left."
Davout nodded. "Than find it, we are on a schedule."
Marmont saluted before scampering off. "I still don't trust him as your aide."
"He's competent, and his wish to not be straining himself for his failures and folly is well wished. He is Truly wishing for change. Both to his reputation and his attitude."
Davout frowned, chewing on his lip for a moment. "I still think you are letting him have a far lesser leash than he should be allowed. He still betrayed France."
"We betrayed the Republic and everything we stood for, for France. Blaming anyone for doing differently would be hypocritical of us." You replied.
Davout remained quiet for a moment before he nodded. "Perhaps, but that is not something that we can handle. Being different to who we are."
"And what are you Davout?" You asked, curiously.
"A soldier and I will always be one. Be it general, or a man on foot. I'm a man who will do my duty." He replied as he looked away. "I'm not going to ask you what you are Auclair. Not now. Not until you are ready."
You frowned. It didn't seem fair.
Do you say something?:
[]Write in
[]No: Don't say anything, not now.
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-[X]Remain in Barcelona: They will be the ones who remain in Barcelona for a time, to maintain order, and protect the King.
--[X]Therese's VII. Korps
February 20th, 1798
You looked at the reports from Brune and Marmont. "Gentlemen, I need a situation report on Barcelona again, I don't care that we got a report yesterday, time is always against us."
Brune snorted. "I doubt our spies have routed out any more spies and traitors from Spain."
"You would be wrong then General." then you saw the man whom Suchet was using as spymaster. Pierre Ducos. "Marshal, I have come bearing more reports from spies around the city and the countryside."
You nodded. "Give the brief notes Mister Ducos. As much as Marshal Suchet may have trusted you, unfortunately, I cannot be so trusting at the moment."
"I understand Empress. Do not take my intrusion to be anything other than a helpful guiding force to stabilize Spain." He responded. "May come closer to the map?"
You nodded and he did. "As of this time, five hundred riflemen of the former Republican army units have gathered near Zaragoza, and they have refused to disarm. Their commander has urged them to scatter into the wind, act as lone or small group attackers on French forces." He handed over to the letter. "A Description of one of his inflammatory shoutings."
"Do we have a name?" You asked as you took the letter. "A description?"
Pierre nodded. "Unfortunately no. As much as my men tried, we are not able to get a description. Or a true name, they merely call him 'Generalisimo'"
"Does he think himself a Washington or a Caeser?" You asked.
"He claims to be Washington but is not acting of him," Pierre stated. "I believe Washington's death has radicalized these men, seeing no hope except for violence."
"Can we negotiate? Avoid any bloodshed?" You asked.
"Not possible," Pierre replied. "They have already put a bounty of a hundred thousand gold pieces on your head."
"I have a bigger bounty from the republicans." You replied. "And I'm sure most bounty hunters in Europe will never collect."
"That is for you alive Empress. It's a million dead." He replied.
That floored you. "There is no way in hell that anyone in Spain has that kind of money? Who would have a million gold pieces?"
"I can name a few names?" Ducos replied. "The King of England for one?"
"I don't think England would push for my head. At least not now." You stated.
"But it is still a threat on your life and you should be wary of your movements," Ducos replied.
"I shall."
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The King of Spain is making a demand!
He wishes to have his capital in Madrid restored to the hands of his government.
If you choose yes, IX Corps must move onto Madrid immediately and it will begin a siege.
If you choose no, you must offer a reason as to why you will not do as he ordered.
[]Yes
[]No: (You must write in why below)
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What are your Orders for VII Corps?:
[]Write in (The Clearer the better, but be warned, going too specific of instructions or on a time frame may cause confusion or lofty Expectations You must be mindful that you do not have a full picture of the situation.)
What are your Orders for IX Corps?:
[]Write in (The Clearer the better, but be warned, going too specific of instructions or on a time frame may cause confusion or lofty Expectations You must be mindful that you do not have a full picture of the situation.)
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Do You Personally Take command of your forces when doing missions?
[]Yes! (Write in which mission you would like to lead.)
[]No: With the bounty on your head, it is far too dangerous at this moment in time.
What are your Orders for VIII Corps?:
(Due to the size and officers, and difficulty of the situation, you can choose 3 actions)
[]Garrison Duty: You are going to send the men out to the countryside and produce and protect the roads of Barcelona. This will bring a much brilliant sense of normality back to the people of the Area.
[]The Raids: You need to dissuade any raiders or bandits, so that means sending out some men and finding their hideouts and destroying them!
[]Humanitarian Aid: there is another mission that Napoleon has proclaimed with your new command. Aiding the Spanish people. Something like making sure supply convoys get to villages safely.
[]Intelligence Report (Barcelona): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.
[]Intelligence Report (Madrid): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.
[]Intelligence Report (The South): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.
[]Intelligence Report (The North): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.
[]Status Report: You want to know the current status of all French Units in Spain, a new one, not one from before your arrival.
AN: enjoy and vote in plan format.