The next morning's staff meeting took place bright and early, in Captain Schwarzkopf's office tent. Schwarzkopf, First Lieutenant Erich Hartmann, and Second Lieutenant Nicholas Meyer met to discuss the new budget for the Flying Eagles battalion. One hundred gold marks per month was a magnificent improvement to the battalion's finances, and Schwarzkopf intended to make every pfennig count. He had already seen positive outcomes from adding specialists to the ranks, and he aimed to continue the improvement.
"First things first, gentlemen!" began the Captain." Due to our recent successes, both on and off the battlefield, I hereby declare that Nicholas Meyer has been promoted to the official rank of First Lieutenant. Congratulations, Nicholas. you've earned this." With that, Captain Schwarzkopf handed Nicholas a silver star. "We will have our seamstress add this star to your shoulder boards, Nicholas. Your monthly salary will also be increased, from 75 to 90 pfennigs per month."
Both the Captain and Herr Hartmann shook Nicholas's hand vigorously. The newly promoted First Lieutenant was deeply moved.
"Now, back to business! I would first like us to inspect our current monthly budget. Have a look at this, gentlemen." With that, the Captain rolled out a parchment sheet of all salaries, currently paid each month, by the Flying Eagles.
Total monthly allotment from the Regimental HQ: 10,000 pfennig (100 gold marks)
Officer salaries: Captain Schwarzkopf, 150 pfennig: First Lieutenant Erich Hartmann, 90 pfennig: First Lieutenant Nicholas Meyer, 90 pfennig: Thuringian 2nd Lieutenant Michael, 75 pfennig: Wolf knight 2nd Lieutenant Jaeger, 75 pfennig: Stalsburg 2nd Lieutenant Beban, 75 pfennig: Horse Artillery 2nd Lieutenant Breitbart, 75 pfennig: Hanoverian 2nd Lieutenant Jodl, 75 pfennig
Army specialists: Eagleclaw Wolverine: 300 pfennig per month, Warm Hearth Flamebringer 23 pfennig per month (must be reviewed)
Brunswick Outriders: 400 pfennig per month (20 pfennig per rider)
Wolf Knights: 500 pfennig per month (25 pfennig per rider)
Thuringian Swordsmen: 900 pfennig per month (9 pfennig per soldier)
Hanoverian Halberds: 800 pfennig per month (8 pfennig per soldier)
Stalsburg Handgunners: 1200 pfennig per month (12 pfennig per soldier)
Horse Artillery: 1000 pfennig per month (20 per artillery man)
Mongolian mercenary rocket company: 600 pfennig per month (30 pfennig per mercenary) (no officer)
Total military expenditures: 6428 pfennigs per month
Food and kitchen staff: 500 pfennig per month
Administration, weapons, ammunition and uniforms: 1800 pfennig per month
Transportation crews: 700 pfennig per month
Medical staff: 500 pfennig per month
Grand total: 9928 pfennig per month
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All three officers studied the budget carefully. Schwarzkopf began, "Our fine sponsor, the Countess, has provided us with a remarkable 200 gold marks, and promises a further 60 marks, each month following! This puts us in an enviable position of having a current surplus of 20,000 pfennigs. That said, I believe that we should be cautious going forward, especially as her first promised monthly payment will arrive one month from now. Therefore we will have to make this month's payroll, as well as pay the up front costs of the Analytical Engine, out of her 200 gold marks. Additionally, although I am certain the Countess Fedorina has the best of intentions, we may be wise to carry forward a significant account balance each month. Keeping all of that in mind, what spending priorities do the two of you see?"
Lieutenant Hartmann responded first, "The men deserve a raise Captain! I propose an immediate 10% increase for every soldier and officer in the battalion! The improvement in troop morale would be substantial, and well worth the cost."
"An excellent suggestion, Lieutenant. I will take your idea into consideration."
I have two suggestions, Sir," began Nicholas Meyer. "An immediate offer of 60 pfennig per month to our fine Flame wizard, mage Flamebringer. I also believe that we should still be pursuing additional military specialists, who could improve our fighting capacities. I have already suggested a mounted wizard and an artillery technician, and you have already done a great job of acquiring a powerful close combat weapon, for yourself." All three men glanced approvingly at Schwarkopf's newly acquired Fedorina sword, hanging in its scabbard, on the wall of the tent. "What I propose this morning, is that you allow me funds to set up a network of informants in the Koblenz region. I believe that a thorough scouting system could locate the best and brightest specialists available. The cost would be reasonable, I think. I would engage myself by interviewing any candidates discovered by my 'spies'. Promising specialists would be brought to your attention, Sir."
"I do believe that I am inclined to approve both proposals! Well done, you two. Write up budget plans for both plans and have them on my desk tomorrow morning, please."
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Three days later, the men were celebrating their increase in wages, and Nicholas Meyer was receiving his first reports from the network of surveillance that he had installed at the local bars and inns. Nothing substantial for Nicholas yet, but he was very optimistic that significant discoveries would be made. One thing was for sure, though. Almost every mercenary and adventurer in the region was interested in joining the Flying Eagles. Winning a couple of battles, and obtaining new lines of credit, had greatly improved the public's opinion of the 427th battalion.
Later in the afternoon, an officer from the Danzig army command visited. Schwarzkopf, Hartmann, and Meyer were all ordered to travel to headquarters for meetings to take place later in the week. Plans were made, and two days later, the three officers travelled by coach to Danzig.
The three officers of the 427th Flying Eagles were a big hit at the Headquarters of the Eastern Front. Schwarzkopf had already received a dose of what it was like to be a victorious Captain, but acquiring a sponsor with the status of Countess Fedorina took things to a whole new level. All of the parties and backroom meetings, that Schwarzkopf had heretofore been excluded from, suddenly became accessible. It wasn't just the money and influence that impressed the high ups in the Army command. Carrying the Fedorina family sword also had a magnetising effect. Even more than treasury full of gold marks, every Holy Prussian officer wanted to wield a powerful magical weapon. There was also a rumour which embarrassed Schwarzkopf greatly. Whispers circulated that the Countess was interested in Schwarzkopf for more than military reasons. The morning after their arrival, all three officers were asked to meet with General Ludendorf, in his office.
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"Congratulations for your acquisition of such a fine patron as the Countess Fedorina! Many of the other officers are envious! Well done, gentlemen!" began the Holy Prussian Empire General. "Of course, our traditional 10% cut will be required. Please make sure to send this levy back with my representative on the first of each month."
'What in blazes?' thought Schwarzkopf. 'No wonder Ludendorf had insisted that the Flying Eagles declare all patronage monies. He wanted his own cut!' The Captain did his very best to remain stone faced, in order to hide his disgust.
"I would also like for the three of you to be the first to know a rather big bit of news: It is Captain Schwarzkopf, no longer! Congratulations on your promotion, Major Schwarzkopf! Has a nice ring to it, eh? Secretary Linden, please come in!" he shouted, out towards his entry door. Through the door walked Ludendorf's secretary, carrying a brand new navy blue and white major uniform, complete with gold bullion braids on the shoulder boards, and shiny new versions of his officers stars sewn into the middle of them.
Schwarzkopf was overwhelmed. He had resigned himself to retiring with no greater rank than Captain. If only his wife could have lived to see this day. She would have been very proud. "Thank you, Sir. I won't let you down."
"Oh, I have no doubts about that Maximilian. I have only the highest expectations for you and your unit. Which brings me to the second part of the reason that I asked you all to visit me here: Major Schwarzkopf will be remaining in command of the Flying Eagles. You two needn't be concerned that I will be sending him on to Regimental HQ, or anything like that." He gestured kindly towards Lieutenants Meyer and Hartmann. "The Generals here are extremely interested to see how you improve your battalion's fighting qualities even further, now that you have a bigger budget to work with. In addition, we are all keen to see your battlefield evaluation system, Herr Meyer. Would you be so kind as to perform a demonstration for my benefit?"
"Of course, sir. I would be honoured to demonstrate my system to you." First Lieutenant Meyer always carried his most up to date parchments with him, in his leather satchel, and so he was able to spread many of his key data sheets out on to the General's desk. True to his word, the General was interested in the presentation and asked several penetrating questions. Most notably, he asked if Nicholas had sheets analysing the fighting qualities of the enemy units.
"I have made strides in that department, Sir. I have made several attempts to produce crude assessments of the Orc opposition, however their organisational structures are difficult to discern," explained Meyer.
"I am not even sure that they are capable of that sort of organising, Lieutenant Meyer. In any case the Orcs appear to have been set back significantly by the thrashing you dealt them in the Pripet Flats! I don't suppose that you have any data sheets detailing the fighting qualities of the Hobgoblin adversary?"
"I do not, Sir'" replied Nicholas Meyer.
"Well, you will soon be producing some! We are redeploying the Flying Eagles northwards. You will be occupying the most northerly section of the Army of the Eastern Front defensive line. The Hobgoblin leader, Margaash, has been giving us a little trouble lately. You'll be transferred back under Paulus's command, defending the River Blau to the shores of the East Sea. Paulus asked for you specifically, once he heard about your success on the Pripet Flats. He has insisted, to me, that your role in the Regiment will no longer have anything to do with providing a rear-guard. He intends to use your Battalion to lead the assaults against Margaash. You may also be pleased to learn, that where you are to be deployed, your unit will be camped quite near the Countess's castle. I thought that you might like that."
"Thank you, Sir," replied the newly minted Major. "That will enable us to provide additional security for the Fedorina estate. I trust that you will approve, General Ludendorf?"
"If you make sure that the Countess Fedorina's concerns do not distract you from the Hobgoblins, I fully approve. After all, our headquarters also receives some of the benefits of the Countess's patronage," explained Ludendorf.
'You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours,' thought Schwarzkopf.
"The Hobgoblins are a bad lot," commented Lieutenant Hartmann. "I fought them three years ago when I served a tour with General Paulus. "They have some strong magic users, familiar with the ways of the Siberian Forests. Some say that the best of their mages can freeze a river solid, with a single spell. And the creatures of the woods fight side by side with the Hobgoblins. I saw bears, mountain lions, and even tigers fight under their command."
"Indeed, Lieutenant Hartmann. That is an accurate assessment of their fighting qualities. They are almost as strong as Orcs, when it comes down to hand to hand combat. Plus, they are twice as conniving!"
A look of inspiration came over the aged General's face. "You know, Lieutenant Meyer. I just had a thought. Your presentation brought to mind another demonstration that I attended recently, at the University of Danzig. A fellow there named professor Crabbage, or Cabbage was it? I can't quite recall his name. My secretary will have it for you. He showed us a machine. A quite remarkable machine. He called it an 'Analytical Engine'. I honestly can't explain exactly what it did or how it did it, but it occurs to me, that if you were to visit that fellow, there might be a meeting of minds, so to speak. His machine calculated sums at a remarkably rapid rate, I do remember that. But he strongly implied that it was capable of much more. Why don't you three stay on another day, and I will have some of my men take you up to the University tomorrow morning. You won't be disappointed. Believe me"
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The next morning, a carriage transported the officers to the University of Danzig. The department of Mathematics was expecting them, and a lab technician was there to escort them into Professor Babbage's laboratory.
The Professor was dressed in a well worn lab coat, and appeared to have been recently working with greasy machinery. None the less, he was obviously a man of formidable intellect. His laboratory was jammed with machinery, unlike anything that the three officers had ever seen before. On the far end of the lab, was constructed a rather compact coal powered steam engine, vented directly to the outdoors. Technicians stoked the fires under the boiler, and kept close watch on the gauges and dials controlling the engine. The other end of the machine was a massive collection of interconnected brass and steel gears, wheels and pistons all moving in unison.
"I have never seen anything like it!" commented Major Schwarzkopf. "What does it do?"
"This is a calculating device, capable of performing more than 12,000 perfectly accurate calculations per minute. If any analytical problem can be broken down into component parts, my machine can produce an optimal solution for that problem," explained Professor Babbage.
For Nicholas Meyer this was a moment of realisation. One that he would remember for the rest of his life. Here was a man who spoke his language, but on a much grander scale. "I think that I understand, Professor," responded Nicholas.
"You do?" commented Major Schwarzkopf, genuinely baffled. Lieutenant Hartmann also looked confused and somewhat overwhelmed.
What followed was a discussion between Meyer and Babbage that left his fellow officers far behind. The two of them literally wandered around the facility, gawking at the grandeur of it all, while Meyer explained his battle assessment system, and Babbage considered whether or not his Analytical Engine could be modified to produce, and analyse, the data sheets.
"I do believe that our lab could construct a machine to meet your needs," concluded Professor Babbage.
"Could you make it portable enough to bring onto the battlefield, Professor?" asked Nicholas Meyer.
"That would be possible, I think," responded Babbage.
"And the cost?" asked Meyer.
"I should think that a fully crewed working model should cost you approximately 100 gold marks, and be maintained for 30 marks per month. I shall be included as part of the crew. That is just an estimate, of course."
By this time Schwarzkopf and Hartmann had returned within earshot of the Professor. Schwarzkopf raised his eyebrows when he heard the sums that were being discussed.
"I do believe that we have discovered our first new army specialist purchase for the Flying Eagles Major!" exclaimed Lieutenant Meyer, with a huge grin of anticipation on his face.
