Rise of a Kaiser

Chapter 71 - Disorder

"Who told you the Kaiser is dead?" Manstein asked.

"General Scharnhorst at the Max's lair." General Ludendorff replied as Manstein stared in dissbelief Blummentritt glared. Manstein sighed and then began to dial the telephone.

"Sir you cant get through, all communications..." as Streiker said this she was interrupted as Manstein clearly had gotten through as he askes the operator for Field Marshall Rundstedt. Streiker looked at Ludendorff who frowned: this was not part of the plan. Eventually Rundstedts voice came crackling through the receiver. "Sir its Manstein, I wonder if you can confirm some things for me: the most incredible rumours are circulating in Berlin."

"What rumours?" Rundstedt asked.

"There's talk that the Kaiser has been assasinated." Manstein asked concerningly.

"Another failed attempt," Runstedt remarked Manstein looked up angrily, "the Kaiser was never in danger. By the way, where's your gal Camden?"

"Camden?" Manstein remarked. Streiker and Ludendorff shared another worried glance, "on her way back to Berlin I assume?"

Rundstedts tone then went lower and more menacing, "let me know when she arrives I'd like a word with her." Manstein was a but unnerved when it was Rundstedt who hung up isntead of himself who initiated the call. "Damn you both and your alerts Ludendorff! Damn nearly cost my commission!"

"Sir I assure you the Kaiser..." Ludendorff stammered before being interrupted by Blummentritt.

"Are you deaf General? The Kaiser is alive!" Blummentritt shouted before Camden burst into the room followed by Lorber.

"That is a lie," Canden announced in a commanding tone," the Kaiser is dead. Operation Valkyrie is in effect."

"Only I can initiate Valkyrie." Manstein remarked, seemingly still trying to clutch onto any semblence of authority he still possessed.

"You did," Ludendorf answered, handing Manstein the document ordering the mobilisation of the reserve army. Manstein stuttered how he couldnt believe what he was seeing as he read the document.

"You're either with us or you're a traitor." Camden remarked coldly.

"Colonel, if this is all as you say it is, you should shoot yourself immediatly. The rest of you are under arrest." Manstein said worriedly.

"No Marsal, you are." Camden as she and Streiker took their sidearms and aimed them at Manstein and Blummentritt. Manstein stood up with a tired expression in his face, and reluctabtly walked away at the gunpoint of Lorber's mauser.

"This is treason, you're all going to pay for this!" Blummentritt shouted as he too was marched away, before being jabbed in the back by the muzzle of Streiker's pistol.

Camden then turned to Streiker. "Issue orders ro our reserve army forces to corden off the federal district." Streiker saluted and immediatly saw too it.

When Kruger recieved her orders she detached her battalion into companies and barricaded the roads leading into the district and set up checkpoints. Kruger had been instructed to detain any police units of the Ordungspolizei if they attempted to interfere. Luckily for Kruger few interfered as they were only armed with pistols and batons, and knew they could do little to intervene, plus many though the military authorities were exercising a lawful command.

Back at the nest of the conspirators Canden was gesturing to some officers on a map, determined to reibforce the Brandenburgers with more reserve army troops which had yet been contacted. Suddenly an aid came bursting into the room and said they'd intercepted SB communications.