Chapter 58

An hour later...
Sunday, 29 June, 2014,
Temporary Clarke Residence
Roanoke, Virginia

“So, I think that we need to revisit our strategy for this war, which was heavily bent toward defensive attrition, of the enemy bleeding white while throwing himself against our fortifications. It is clear that, in spite of drawing in every Nazi and similar-minded sympathizer from every corner of the world, the ASF is weaker than they would first appear. At least they are now, after encountering the highly professional Norfolk defense forces.

“They have been exposed on their flank in a critical fashion, badly mauled, battered, bloodied. They are vulnerable here. This is an opportunity. I vote that we prepare a more aggressive strategy, but for that purpose, we must take advantage of our growing numbers and collaborate with the other leaders in the coalition. I favor the creation of better offensive capability, by means of a western central command with a single field commander in charge of the others.

“For that role, I suggest putting Colonel Andre Lassard in overall command. He has performed phenomenally so far, given the latest reports that have had the enemy hemorrhaging tanks by the dozens due to the hunter-killer anti-tank teams. To say nothing of the snipers and a variety of other tricks up his sleeve that have caused the enemy to pull out of that sector entirely. Yes, friends, Waynesboro is safe now, which will make it a great base of operations for the western central command.

“So, yes, friends, comrades, and lovers, it’s time to plan a counter-offensive. It might be tougher for us than for the folks in Norfolk, but there is no harm in making plans for it and getting ready to attack the foe. We have more manpower than we had months ago, thanks in part to all of the refugees who have fled to join us, and they are well-motivated to fight. They are even more so than us, I might argue, since they have witnessed the kind of atrocities committed by Eckart and company.

“Here is my proposal. We create, with the consent of the other leaders, a mobile fighting force under Lassard’s command, though he would also have general command of the front. We would have enough manpower for an armored regiment or brigade for now, three infantry brigades, one light, the other two mechanized, and three or four batteries of artillery. The pieces we have vary somewhat in quality and range, but we can improve upon that in time ... and after capturing more enemy gear ... and training more artillery troops.