“Sir, please reconsider! This is madness!”
In a small meeting room with a single table, a man with a retreating hairline was looking at his subordinates with disdain. Felix thought, could these people really not see the direction the war was going? If no drastic measures were taken, their loss would be inevitable! Yes, it’s just like that man told him. He had to push forward and change history.
“Don’t you understand? We’re going to lose! I know you’re all good men and strategists, but we need to alter our plans! If we don’t end the war before winter, what do you think is going to happen to our country?"
“But General, surely there are better alternatives than this! Millions will suffer!”
“And millions will suffer in our nation if we don’t commit to this plan. There are no other options.”
The people around the room all turned their heads to the paper in front of them. Lying at the center of the table was a proposal so unethical, so evil, it could only be made by a demon. But, in spite of that, each of these distinguished strategists understood the benefits. Like the devil leaning over their shoulder, the tempting thought of accepting it passed through their minds. Should they just use it?
“I disagree with this plan.”
A strong voice spoke against it. A man with broad shoulders and a heroic stature stated his opinion for the first time. Unlike the previous speaker, he was also a general. General Albert stared deeply at General Felix as he continued.
“If we go through with it, we will be sacrificing all human virtue. Simply put, we would be demons.”
“Sacrifices always have to be made. As the creator of the plan, I am willing to become a demon to save our nation.”
A few strategists gasped, knowing the hidden implication of his words. General Felix was claiming all responsibility publicly so that whatever consequences may occur in the future would fall completely on his shoulders. Albert, however, just scoffed.
“As if the word of an insane man could be trusted. You would destroy everything we stand for! Even if we lose the war, it would be preferable to losing our humanity. The peace treaty would surely not be too harsh based on our military power.”
Something like treason was plainly stated, but no one reprimanded him. They all thought the same thing in their hearts but did not have the courage to state it. Additionally, this late in the war, replacing such a distinguished general would be impossible. Albert’s previous feats made his position irreplaceable. Perhaps that was why he thought could preach his opinion openly. Felix, however, disagreed.
“Your words demonstrate a complete lack of patriotism. If you do not have the courage to die for your country, then I will help you.”
“What do you–”
A gunshot rang out as Albert looked down in astonishment. Right through his chest, a bloody hole was created. He tried to stutter out a final question, but his last words died in his throat. General Felix, the perpetrator, put his gun back in its holster nonchalantly. He glanced around the room with satisfaction, daring anyone to challenge him. After no one said anything, he slowly walked to the corpse. Putting a hand over his chest, he touched Albert’s shoulder delicately.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
“What a tragedy! A great man has left us today. General Albert, one of the great leaders of our nation, has passed on. But fear not! Even in death, he shall contribute to our country! His last act was to push forward the Nine Plagues! His memory shall never be forgotten.”
In mock sadness, he mourned the loss of the greatest opponent to his agenda. One of the men in the room, Albert’s most loyal subordinate, made a dash for the door while screaming. Before he could leave, however, a gunshot rang out once again. With smoke and gunpowder, the course of history was set. Felix smiled.
“Now. Shall we spread the Nine Plagues?”
—
David looked at his handiwork with satisfaction. It’s not every day that one man gets to change the course of history– though, of course, David was not a man.
“Still, though. Wasn’t he too easily manipulated?”
All he had to do was sit next to him at a cafe, whisper some suggestions in his ear, then leave. Really, he barely had to use any magic at all. Just a small persuasive spell, something that any demon knew how to cast. The man must have been close to doing something similar already.
“Well, that’s fine. Just makes my work a little easier.”
Work? I thought you were trying to get away from work.
“That’s part of it, but don’t you think I should mix fun with obligation? That’s the best way to enjoy a business trip after all.”
You’ve got me there. Although I will say, your fun is going a bit further than anticipated. Maybe I shouldn’t have encouraged you.
“The cat’s out of the bag now Jesse. Besides, it’s not so bad that corporate will intervene right?”
Corporate won’t, but Rules and Regulations might. Manipulating high-level officials is going too far, even for them. I really shouldn’t have encouraged you…
“It’s fine supervisor, as long as we keep our mouths shut, no one will know what happened. All I did was offer a little suggestion, right? So let’s just sit back and watch the show.”
Hah, I guess so. Time for some popcornea then!
“Hey, wait! That’s not fair, let me have some!”
Sorry, company rules. No bringing food on business overseas!
“It’s a different realm, not a continent… I really miss good food.”
David licked his lips mournfully and tried to turn his attention back to work. He looked at the strategy meeting in front of him and the lunatic that was still discussing their crazy plan. David’s eyes lit up in anticipation.
“I hope it will be interesting.”
—
Every war leaves a mountain of dead men in its wake. No battle is a better example of this than the Battle of Somme. Countless people fought and died, losing their lives to leave behind piles of corpses. Instead of burying them, why not use their bodies for something more?
“Major, tell every officer on the ground to bring the cadavers of allies and enemies alike to District 03.”
“Yes sir! Just… is it possible to ask why?”
“I’m afraid that’s restricted, Major. Just follow your orders.”
“Yes sir!”
Gustav saluted the general and went to inform his subordinate lieutenants over the radio. Still, he couldn’t but wonder what the purpose of such a strange order was? For the past year and a half, every soldier’s body was either burned or sent home– depending on the condition of the body and the situation. If they started to gather all of them in one district, wouldn’t that cause disease?
“No, it’s not my place to question Command,” Gustav shook his head to clear it of curious thoughts. Nothing is worse than a soldier who doesn’t follow orders just because he doesn’t understand them. Gustav knew that very well, which is how he became a Major.
After he informed his subordinates, he let them disseminate the order to the rest of the officers. From now until May, every dead body– be it friendly or foe– would be stored in one district across a total of ten warehouses.
“Six months of corpses… How many will there be?”