'Emperor gone! Enemy invading! Reinforce at once! Absolutely imperative that you', says the colonel.
'That we what?' asks the baron.
'The message stops there, sir', replies Czernázmije. 'These messages can't be very long if they are to fit on a pigeon's ankle'.
'Dammit - couldn't they find a pigeon with longer legs?' asks Hunchmausen. 'Well, the message is from Schrote town itself that's clear. Gads! They've lost the emperor and there's an enemy invasion force. Well, that's terrible luck. Imagine, Chunkymonkey, the chances of both of those things happening at the same time?'
'It's Czernázmije', says Czernázmije, 'and might it be possible that the two events are linked?'
'Jumping jellies! What can we do?'
Czernázmije points at a map. 'We are here, sir, and we have with us the following: the Hussar Regt. Schmetterling; two companies of the Jäger Regt. Frettchen; two 3 pounder cannons; the 1st Btn. Regiment Ostmarck; four supply wagons; and two Sqns of the Giftschlange Dragoon Regiment'.
The major then points on the map to Schrote town itself. 'Here, we have the Lieb Grenadiere Company under Colonel Kluck und Gluck'.
The baron nods. 'Aren't there some dirty Vulgarian weasels on the way, that we could call upon for help?'
Czernázmije nods. 'My Vulgarian compatriots are here, sir. They include the Bremse Hussar Regiment: two squadrons of von Karnstein’s Dragoons; three companies of the Strzyga Jäger Regiment; four supply wagons; and the carriage containing The Traitor Agorn. The force is commanded by an excellent officer by the name of Brevet Colonel Rimmer'.
'Well', says the baron decisively. 'We need a plan, and some orders'.
'I shall get a quill and paper, my lord' says Czernázmije.
'Excellent. And, since delegation is nine-tenths of effective command, I delegate you, Chigglebits, to produce those plans and orders'.
Czernázmije sighs. 'I shall return presently, sir'.
'No need for presents, colonel - just get me those plans and orders'.
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