Lost in thought you consider the current situation. Older people generally don't want to go out in a blaze of glory. If they were diehard republicans they probably would have fled along with the other authorities. Probably too attached to the local area. You come to the conclusion that they want a spectacle. Its stupid since a number of different things could have happened depending on the type of commander but you never claimed to understand the lower classes. Well, if they want a show, then you'll give it to them.
Still some precautions are in order of course. You prepare to have Surena position snipers on some of the surrounding rooftops, to keep mortars and tanks kept on standby just in case. And find that it has already been done. Was she anticipating this or does it have another underlying motive? Perhaps set up a false flag to take you out and pin it on the other side. You could be wrong and she's not planning anything nefarious but your gut feeling on the snake tells otherwise. Either way at least the woman has some agency.
You send the councilman back to tell the people inside that they've got their noble officer.
The older man smiles softly and murmurs in your ear as he leaves, "That dull bird of yours kept insisting she was a commoner. Didn't want to play along with those fools. Fine stubbornness though you might want to do something about it".
After he goes in you slowly walk up to the building, stopping about halfway across the empty space. The distance should take the power out of most pistol shots and if you spot any long arms you can always hit the deck. You hear an aged voice boom imperiously out of the front door.
"Who is this that walks these humble streets?"
You pose grandly, exulting in your correct deductions. Resplendent in your red field uniform you cut an imposing figure.
"You have the honour of addressing Rudolf Hapsburg, colonel in the Emperor's peerless army. I command the troops that have occupied your town and have arrived to accept the surrender of its wise leaders".
"What great house does the esteemed colonel come from?"
"I am a scion of the Hapsburg dynasty and heir to the archduchy of Wien. The jewel of Europa and home to the city of music," you pronounce with pride. The crowd seems to collectively 'ooh'.
After several moments of deliberation another voice rings out, "Very well, we shall give you the key to the city". That's a bold claim to call this place. After a minute of sounds of moving furniture a handful of people step out. One man slowly walks up to you and holds out his hand.
Its… just an ordinary key. You mentally sigh, shouldn't expected too much from them. There are a few more formalities to observe and then that's that.
The crowd begins to disperse as the drama finishes. As you move away from the square your major approaches you.
"You're the heir?" Surena curiously asks. There's a hint of skepticism in her voice.
"No of course not" you scornfully reply, "cadet branch, nowhere even close to the throne".
Now thats settled you look back at the course of events. Should Surena really have sent for you to deal with this matter? Surely she could have settled the matter herself. No she should have been able to, you tell yourself. Was she acting against you? She didn't do anything diabolical when you got here. Did she want to see how you'd handle it? Make you do something rash? Her initial report to you does seem too cursory and superficial, though that could just be inexperience or emotions causing poor decision-making.
Perhaps you should consider censuring Major Surena in your dispatches back to GHQ. A black mark on her record that should impede any promotion and make your feelings on this matter clear. Then again there's a chance it could ruin her career.
Officially censure Surena?
[] Yes - a reprimand is in order
[] No
You spend the rest of the night in a temporarily appropriated house, the owner being the mayor. Suitable payment for that irritation. Its good to sleep in an actual bed for the first time in weeks.
In the morning your forces prepare to move out. The rear echelon will eventually take over garrison duties.
The locals tell you there is an army cantonment "thirty or so kilometres" up the road. This is concerning news. It could be your first serious point of resistance. If of course it isn't abandoned.
The terrain is still mostly plains but with some breaks and modest elevation, a few hills. There is also some light woodland.
What do you do before you leave this hovel town. Pick one:
[] A man has arrived in town and approached your men, he is claiming to be part of an underground resistance movement. Investigate the veracity of this.
[] See how Raeder and Giraud's battalions are doing. Discern if nothing untoward has happened.
[] Go out among the troops and interact with them. Find out their concerns and inspire them.
Change your deployment? How do you approach the cantonment?
[] No
- Specify 2nd question (optional)
[] Yes
- [] Specify both
