Azur Lane: Kaiserin (Book 1)

Ch30: Elevate

Me: Your deputy is going to attempt a coup.

There is silence on the other side of the call followed by some shuffling and a beep. There's another extended period of silence and for a moment I think he's hung up but soon enough, he responds.

Fuehrer: We can speak freely now. Tell me everything.

I do, beginning with the attack I just experienced and recounting everything right up to the fact that he had not opposed us during the meeting some weeks prior. Sure, there is a possibility that I could be jumping to conclusions but everything aligns too perfectly for it to be anything but. 

Much to my surprise, the Fuehrer agrees as though he'd suspected the man long before I entered the picture. I guess being a leader really is a tough gig if you suspect even your deputy of treason and still keep up the pretences just to maintain stability. Even so, there'll be no time for further acting now. He's likely to hear that the attack failed and no doubt he'll make the decision to attack while I am still too far away to intervene. The fact that the rest of the general staff is tied down on the frontlines only serves to further things to his advantage and sure enough, the Fuehrer points this out.

Me: On the contrary.

Fuehrer: How so?

Me: I still have two detachments only a single flight away from the capital. They could more-

Fuehrer: Yes, have them come at once!

That easy, huh? I suppose fear and paranoia do that to people. Still, though. I don't want to subject the girls to backhanded politics unnecessarily. Then again, if the Fuehrer dies we'll all likely be immediately branded as enemies of the state and things will revert to what they were like before my agreement with him. Whether I like it or not, him remaining alive is in my own best interest...for now.

Me: I'll see it done.

Fuehrer: Excellent-

Me: There is something else.

Fuehrer: (doesn't respond)

Me: I know we agreed to an adjustment period but after he is removed, I want to be put in charge of all forces currently under his command and oversee the disbandment of the camps and treatment of the current occupants personally. I highly doubt the current staff will follow the new orders to-

Fuehrer: Done.

Again he surprises me but the more I think about it the more it makes sense. Of course, he'd want to appease me. I'm pretty much the only ally he has now, as odd as our partnership may be. I'm also the only one capable of protecting him effectively without relocating entire armies to successfully quell the likely rebellion the forces under our rival would raise.

Fuehrer: Anything else?

Me: No.

Fuehrer: Good. I'll await the arrival of your forces within-

Me: Your bunker?

Fuehrer: ...Yes.

Me: Remember, trust no one.

Not waiting on him to end the call, I end it and signal to the crew that they are free to return to their station. Waking out, I head straight for my office where I find everyone waiting. Every girl not participating in the blockade of Northern Parliament is present. My own general staff is also here as well as Bergmann and his staff. 

Me: Anyone else wants to try and kill me?

The room remains silent as I take my seat. The air is heavy with nervous tension.