"Well, what can I say? You are right," Bertho said with resignation in his voice. "The elders want us to help build a road to the Rhine River and establish a small settlement there. The idea is to create a trading point where merchants can stop, rest, and exchange goods as they travel through the wilderness." He rubbed his forehead before continuing. "Apparently, they believe it will become a profitable investment for the family in the long run."
"Of course they do," Arin replied with a sigh. "I can even guess which elder came up with the idea." He leaned back against the tree and stared up at the canopy. "Still, is the plan actually complete? There are far more rivers than just the Rhine now that nature has recovered. This entire region used to be a giant swamp before humans spent centuries draining it."
"Yes, the elders are aware of that problem," Bertho answered. "Luckily, the fifty kilometers surrounding our forest are relatively stable farmland. Unfortunately, after that we are going to be dealing with marshes, wetlands, and all sorts of unpleasant terrain." His expression darkened at the thought. "Building roads through swamps is miserable work because you never know if your next step will land on solid ground or sink into mud."
Bill grimaced at the image. "And let's not forget the smell," he added. "Every swamp I have ever visited smelled like something died there a century ago and never stopped rotting." He shook his head dramatically. "If the road crews survive the labor, they might still die from the stench."
"It's going to be unpleasant," Arin admitted. "But remember, our ancestors dealt with exactly these kinds of environments." He tapped his temple confidently. "We have extensive records on how they drained swamps, stabilized roads, and reclaimed land for farming. If anyone knows how to handle this terrain, it's us."
"Sure, but do you know how much timber that is going to cost?" Bertho asked with a pained expression. "We'll need thousands of trees just to reinforce the unstable sections." He looked genuinely distressed by the prospect. "I can already hear the accountants crying from here."
"It probably won't be as bad as you're imagining," Arin replied. "We'll make use of the naturally stable ground whenever possible and reinforce only the worst sections. Planting additional trees should also help stabilize the soil over time." Then his expression turned serious. "Besides, stop complaining before the elders hear you. If they decide we're being difficult, our remaining free time is finished."
That warning was enough to motivate everyone. Bill immediately stood up, while Tom practically launched himself off the ground. Bertho muttered a curse under his breath as he brushed dirt from his clothes. Within moments, the entire group was walking back toward the villa to hear what new responsibilities had been assigned to them.
Far away from the forest, another conversation was taking place inside the highest military office in Europe. Massive maps covered the walls, and countless reports were stacked across several desks. The room radiated authority and responsibility, though one particular visitor seemed completely unaffected by either. Natan Merz casually strolled through the door as if he owned the place.
"Dad, why do you look constipated?" Natan asked cheerfully. He ignored every rule of etiquette that normally applied when entering the office of the Marshal of Europe. Instead, he dropped into a chair without permission and stretched comfortably. His complete lack of respect would have horrified most military officers.
"What do you want?" Herman asked without even looking up from his paperwork. "You never visit unless you need something." His pen continued moving across the page. "And stop pretending this is a social call."
Natan placed a hand over his heart in mock outrage. "I'm wounded by that accusation," he declared dramatically. "Can a son not simply visit his beloved father and pay his respects?" He waited a moment before adding, "Honestly, I thought family values meant something to you."
"No," Herman answered immediately. "Now either tell me what you want or leave." For the first time, he glanced up from his desk. "I'd much rather spend my time with my granddaughter than with you."
"Fair enough," Natan admitted. "But before I explain why I'm here, what exactly are you working on?" He walked over to a cabinet containing Herman's tea collection. "Because whatever it is seems serious enough to give you wrinkles."
Without waiting for permission, Natan began preparing himself a cup of tea. The aroma quickly filled the room. He took another cup from the cabinet and began preparing a second serving before he had even tasted the first.
"I should visit more often," he said happily. "Your tea is excellent."
"You parasite," Herman muttered. "If you're going to steal my tea, at least help solve my supply chain problem." He gestured toward the large map spread across his desk. "Then maybe you'll earn the right to drink it."
Natan immediately became more interested. He carried both cups over to the desk and examined the map. Various routes had been marked across Europe, some following rivers and others crossing stretches of wilderness. Several locations had been circled in red ink, indicating points of disagreement.
"Why are you dealing with logistics?" Natan asked after a moment. "Isn't that Uncle Rain's responsibility?" He looked genuinely confused. "Your job is making strategic decisions, not planning transportation networks."
"That was the original plan," Herman replied with a weary sigh. "Unfortunately, the issue has grown beyond normal logistics." He rubbed his temples before continuing. "The military and government need entirely new supply networks, and now everyone is arguing about how they should be built."
Natan sat down and listened carefully. The expansion of Earth had dramatically altered transportation routes across the continent. Distances were greater, infrastructure was limited, and entirely new economic realities had emerged. Establishing reliable supply lines would determine how quickly civilization recovered.
"We already have a rough understanding of where important resources are located," Herman explained. "That means these transportation routes are vital for both military and civilian development." He pointed at several marked locations on the map. "The disagreement is whether we should prioritize roads or shipping routes."
"Ah," Natan said slowly. "Now I understand why you look miserable."
The problem immediately became clear to him. Both options had obvious advantages and disadvantages. Worse, both sides likely had valid arguments supporting their position.
"Let me guess," Natan continued. "The logistics branch wants highways connecting every major city." He leaned back in his chair and considered the implications. "Expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to build, but extremely valuable once completed."
Herman nodded.
"They argue that roads provide reliable troop movement, consistent trade routes, and long-term infrastructure growth," Natan continued. "Plus, military convoys are easier to coordinate over land than through a patchwork of river systems." He smiled slightly. "Sounds exactly like something the logistics department would support."
"Yes," Herman admitted. "That's almost word for word what they told me."
"And the opposition?" Natan asked.
"The Finance Department and the Navy."
Natan nearly laughed.
"Those are some heavyweight opponents," he said. "I can already predict their arguments."
Herman gestured for him to continue.
"The Finance Department wants ships because they're cheaper," Natan explained. "From their perspective, the government should build roads eventually anyway, so the military shouldn't waste resources duplicating that effort." He pointed toward one of the rivers marked on the map. "Meanwhile, the Navy sees this as an opportunity to regain relevance."
"Exactly," Herman said.
"The naval officers are probably arguing that rivers already exist," Natan continued. "Ships can move large amounts of cargo efficiently, and expanding river transport would allow them to maintain their influence." He chuckled. "Nobody likes becoming a landlocked navy."
Herman leaned back in his chair.
"The worst part is that both sides are right," he admitted. "Roads are strategically valuable. Ships are economically efficient." He gestured helplessly at the map. "Every department involved has produced convincing reports supporting its position."
"And now everyone expects you to make the final decision," Natan concluded.
"Correct."
Natan finally tasted his tea and smiled in satisfaction. The situation was undeniably complicated. Neither option offered a perfect solution, and any decision would inevitably upset part of the military establishment.
"The think tanks couldn't help either, could they?" Natan asked.
Herman laughed bitterly.
"No. They're split almost perfectly down the middle." He pointed toward several reports stacked on one side of the desk. "Half recommend roads. Half recommend ships."
Natan shook his head in amusement.
"So you're trapped between two groups that both have legitimate points," he said. "The logistics branch claims the navy is relying on ships that don't exist yet. Meanwhile, the navy argues that building roads duplicates infrastructure the government will eventually create anyway." He leaned back comfortably. "Honestly, Dad, this might be the first time I've ever seen you completely stuck."
Herman glared at him.
Unfortunately, Natan could not stop smiling. The problem was genuinely difficult, but seeing his normally unstoppable father reduced to frustration was simply too entertaining to ignore. For once, the Marshal of Europe had encountered a challenge without an obvious answer.
And judging by the mountain of paperwork covering his desk, he was not going to solve it anytime soon.