Kagg frowned. "Captain von Dantz, if you would let me finish, I will tell you what has been decided. Your job is to carry out the orders you receive. And I do not want to have to remind you again that you are serving with American troops and the New United States is not—directly—part of our king's territory. Neither, since last fall, is Franconia. So politeness toward our hosts is the order of the day."
Anse decided he liked the Swedish general. But he could see where this was headed, and started a mental packing list.
"Now, before I was interrupted, I was about to tell you I have been in contact with General Jackson and President Stearns. They both agree that we need to send some people to Suhl. A small investigative party, however, not a large military force. There is already an American administration set up for Franconia proper. It is headquartered in Würzburg. But since Suhl is a state of the N.U.S. rather than part of Catholic Franconia, Stearns' people in Würzburg have no authority there. In any event, our group will be only looking for evidence of gun trafficking with the CPE's enemies."
Kagg turned to Pitre. "Because of Suhl's status, I do not want to send a large expedition, or a purely Swedish one, or even one under Swedish command, although"—he nodded toward von Dantz—"there will be someone along from our army. There is already a garrison in the town, should more troops prove necessary. The king placed it there before Suhl chose to join the N.U.S."
His expression became very bland. "Negotiations between the Swedes and Suhl's city council in regard to its removal have been . . . protracted. Thus far, President Stearns has not seen fit to make its removal a priority. But we all feel that an American soldier should be officially in command, for political reasons. General Jackson specifically recommended Warrant Officer Hatfield. Captain Pitre, I would appreciate it if you would release him temporarily from his duties with your unit and loan him to me."
Captain Pitre frowned. "Well, certainly, if General Jackson says so. Although I'm not quite sure why he'd want someone from TacRail."
Kagg shrugged. "Nor am I. From what I understand, there is no early prospect of creating a rail line to Suhl. Not over that part of the Thueringerwald, certainly! But that was his suggestion." He turned to Anse. "Mr. Hatfield, do you have any objection? If nothing else, you can visit your brother-in-law who is already residing in Suhl."
Anse was surprised, as well as impressed, that Kagg already knew that much in the way of the personal details of the American soldiers he'd be working with. "Of course, General Kagg. Captain Pitre, I'd like to take a couple of my own men with me."
"Let me guess. You want Private Schultz and Corporal Rau?"
"Yes, ma'am. Jochen Rau is the best man around for finding out what's going on. And if we have to open any locked doors he has a lot of experience. Wili Schultz could help be a cover story, too, if we need one. His sister is going to marry Pat. He could be going to check out the wedding arrangements and to see Pat's business. I know that would leave you with only Toeffel as a trained driver, but Jim Cooper can drive an engine. Toeffel and he have worked together before. And in a pinch Chief Schwartz could drive short hauls."
"All right, Mr. Hatfield. But only those two, no more, and I'd like you back before the first of March."
Kagg nodded. "Better still, if you can send three of your own soldiers. In that case, I will only send Nils"—he waved at the lieutenant—"with Captain von Dantz. As I said, I'd rather avoid any larger Swedish presence in Suhl than we need, given the garrison that's already there." For a moment—a very brief moment—he seemed slightly embarrassed. "I'm afraid there's something of a history of ill-will in Franconia toward the Swedish army.
"That will make a party of five," the general continued. "That is a perfect number; enough to frighten off most bandits and not enough to attract attention. Nils, step over here and meet Herr Hatfield." The last statement was to the big lieutenant who was holding up the office wall.
"Herr Hatfield, I would like to introduce Lieutenant Nils Ivarsson. He has been with me since I became a soldier."
Hatfield measured the Swede with his eyes, as he extended his hand. Ivarsson was a little taller than six feet and looked strong as a bull. "Pleased to meet you."
"Ja, I am happy to meet you also. Captain von Dantz has spoken of you often." There might have been a twinkle in Ivarsson's eyes. Anse had a feeling the big Swede was not a member of the captain's fan club.