Chapter XIII: Prelude to Pappenheim

May 20th 1106 VTE

Opimius stared at Dam #1 as the sunset on May 20th. With him, were the commanders of his great plan to destroy the Dam the next day. Turning around, he faced them all, sitting at a table with a map containing their battleplans on it. Opimius looked at all of them and started pacing along the room with his arm behind his back stating "Men, tomorrow will mark the day of the greatest battle our Republic has ever faced. Our enemy, as you do know, is one of incredible genius and energy. You must be willing to match him to achieve your goals. Nonetheless, I expect every man to do his duty for the Republic. There is no other option than victory or death for us."

Turning to Publius Donabella "Donabella, you must make your feign in the South convincing. It is extremely important that your feign tie down as many men and guns as possible. Do not withdraw your formation or men until it has been signaled to you from Thetis or Arethusa.

Towards Manius Afranius "Afranius, you must also commit to your feign at what is called Fort Martia with your ships as well. I do believe that Pomerlane's entire squadron will fall upon you and your squadron will likely be destroyed. This is no matter, because your sacrifice will ensure the success of our main attack. You understand that... Should you make it out alive by cowardice, I will ensure you have a worse death than you can ever imagine..." Afranius sweats nervously

Towards Aurelius Cursor "Cursor, have the greatest burden tomorrow but also the greatest amount of glory to be earned. With the best ships our navy has under your disposal, I expect you to bring us victory on the sea as Labienus will on the land... Ensure that there is constant cannonade on the enemy and watch out for any tricks that devil may have. Those demolition ships must, and i repeat MUST make it to the Dam and what is known as Fort Pappenheim. Be prepared for Pomerlane's fleet as well. I picked you for this position because I know you are a brilliant and valiant commander. Do not disappoint me."

Finally towards Appius Labienus "Labienus, my dear friend, I trust that you will carry out your land assault with vigor and aggression. You must seize the objectives, that being Battlements #2, Fort Pappenheim and Fort Aquileianus at all costs. Should you succeed, blow them up and make your escape."

Looking at all of them "I do believe Finana will bless us with victory tomorrow, let us not let her down!"