Re: Blood and Iron

For the German Reich, and the nations composed of its European allies the weeks and months that followed Erich's death were one of largely logistical preparedness for the forthcoming theater of war. Millions of men and supplies were switched from Italy, the Caucasus and the Balkans towards the western front.

At the same time, Austro-Hungary and the Russian Empire did their best to produce as many tanks as they feasibly could for the upcoming push into France. Sure, France tried its best to do the same, but there were limits to what they could reasonably achieve without the support of Britain and its industry.

When compared to the industrial potential of its three adversaries, as Greece would be sitting out of this major battle and instead focus on consolidating their gains, France was at an overwhelming disadvantage.

Because of this, the atmosphere in Paris was glum, especially as militias composed primarily of children and the elderly marched through the streets with makeshift uniforms and rifles in their hands.

Some of the old veterans wore the same uniforms they had been deployed with in wars of the preceding century. Carrying the same weapons they used then, now in 1916. It was a truly depressing sight, as many of the Parisian locals were inclined towards fleeing the city, and perhaps the country altogether towards their colonial possessions that were for the time being more stable.

The idea of the German, Russian, and Austro-Hungarian Armies breaking through the lines of defense and marching into Paris was indeed a terrifying prospect for many, and because of this as the days passed the Capital of France became ever more grim and despaired.

Meanwhile, Germany was quite the opposite, having finally received a sizeable form of aid from its allies of all of which were mustering to the western front, those who had been holding the line for so long were immediately relieved of their positions, allowing newer and fresher men to man the posts until the offensive truly began.

Every second of every day, armored trains transporting the overwhelming number of men, guns, munitions, and armored vehicles from across the world into the western front continued on their journey without incident. Flowing perfectly like a perfectly well-oiled machine.

Soon the Autumn Offensive of 1916 would begin, and in doing so Bruno would bring the Great War to an end. Because of this, he was focused on these days making sure every piece of equipment could be accounted for.

Germany was producing tanks at a rate of 20-30 per day, while half tracks were at an even higher rate. Allowing for the creation of more than one combined arms army by the time the Autumn Offensive was to begin.

As for Austro-Hungary and Russia, they were at a much lower rate of output current, but, with the advancements Bruno had made into their empire's prior to the outbreak of the war they were in a much better position than France was in.

Because of this, the transport of men and equipment to the western front was monumental in scale. Bruno was currently sitting within his household, at his dinner table with his entire family there, enjoying what they knew would be the last meal they would share together for a while.

Erwin had been granted leave for this purpose, and because of this he was in a rather glum mood, as he realized his father was once more off to the front lines, where his life would be at risk. Still, the idea that his father would be leading the charge to take down France, Germany's historically greatest and most hated enemy, and humbling the nation of baguette munchers was a matter of great pride for the adolescent boy.

And while they all ate in silence with complicated emotions, Bruno revealed his thoughts on the matter, breaking the awkward atmosphere with a bit of humor, posing a question to his second youngest daughter, Elsa, that she was not expecting.

"Since I will be taking a brief trip to Paris, is there anything in particular you kid would want me to bring home as a souvenir? What about you Elsa? Elsa did not initially say a word. She understood what her father was trying to do, but still felt fearful of his soon to be departure.

It was the same whenever he said goodbye, and she supposed it was also an identical experience across the world, for every child or lover of a man of war. The fear and anxiety were enough to grip her heart and crush it into a bloody pulp.

But ultimately she mustered the strength to shake her head, and deny her father's request with a meek tone muttered beneath her breath.

"No… I just want you to return as swiftly as possible and without injury…"

Bruno could only shake his head and sigh. His attempts to break the ice had failed, and he supposed it would be a rather grim and somber evening for them all. As a result, he went back to silently eating his food.

The night would not be kind to him as he thought about what was to come and the horrors he would once more have to endure. But by morning, he was dressed in his field uniform, with his wife ensuring that his collar was in the right position while they both stared in the mirror.

There was an obviously forced smile on the woman's face, as she knew there was a very real possibility she would see her husband, her provider, and the love of her life. Heidi was about to speak the words consuming her rationality when Bruno leaned down and kissed his wife's lips, first gently, and then passionately.

After doing so, Bruno finally forced himself from his wife's vice like grip before assuring her everything would be fine.

"I promise you, I will always return here to your side, no matter what hell I have to go through to do so… The devil himself could not keep me locked away from your loving embrace. Now… I'm sorry, but duty calls…"

After saying this Bruno patted his wife's silky golden hair before leaving their bedroom, silently kissing the foreheads of his sleeping children before taking a military armored convoy to the train station, where he would board an armored train headed towards the borders with Luxembourg which was where the 8th army had consolidated since its victory in Italy.

With this, the Autumn Offensive had begun…