Tank Lord: The Iron Beast

The Poland Invasion the start of WW2 Part 3

Upon capturing the enemy, Richard and his squamates took closer inspection on the enemy where they found out that some of them were civilians who took arms against them. 

During the persuasion, some of the soldiers were still resisting Richard’s word but when they heard Richard mentioned their government was running away as they fought created some doubt in their minds and disbelief about their newly created government attempting to escape 

Upon seeing it themselves as their president was captured as most of the minister was also arrested, they were infuriated as they also despaired knowing the truth of the betrayal done by their government. 

Richard who is outside motioned the panzer group to stay on guard even though they already won the battle then suddenly Ludwig coming out from the panzer two's hatch as he shouted at Richard. 

“Richard, the vice commander wishes to talk with you.” Said Ludwig as he looked at Richard. 

“Okay, patch it through.” Said Richard as he walks closer to the side of the Panzer. 

“Richard, where are you and your squad? I heard from Ludwig that you and your squad bypassed the designated point. Don’t be stupid because the com- “said the vice commander as he was interrupted by Richard. 

“Sir, with respect we have already taken the Warsaw and no losses sir.” Said Richard as he relayed the information. 

On the other end of the radio, the vice commander was surprised as he was silent after hearing the news. 

“You aren’t joking, right? Warsaw was taken and that easily?” Said the vice commander in disbelief after taking a big breath. 

“Yes, sir. We have taken Warsaw; you may send over some squad as we barely have enough personnel to take care of the enemy soldiers who already surrendered to us.” Said Richard as he talks while looking at the enemy being tied up. 

“This….” Said the vice commander as he sighed through the radio “Normally I would have you court-martialed because you ignored high command’s order but due to the result is excellent and exceeded the expectation of the high command, I try to make sure they don’t ever find out of this stunt you made today.” as he continues talking over the radio. 

“Yes, understood sir,” said Richard as he glanced at Ludwig. 

“Since you have a knack for commanding then you can have a spot leading your 11th panzer group into the battle, next time.” Said the vice commander as he gives some info. 

“I would like to request something from you, sir.” Said Richard as he noticed Rommel came out from his driver seat turn his gaze looking at him. 

“Hmm, what is it?” the vice commander asked. 

“It’s like this…” said Richard as he gave a request." 

“Oh… I see, so how? Okay… what about? Alright.” Said The vice commander inquiring about the request before continuing “I'll try to make sure it’s done before you know it, Richard… here I thought I could order someone as someone higher in rank but how come I still get ordered again.” Then closed the radio after he sighed. 

“Richard what about it?” said Rommel as he looked at him. 

“Not sure, I mean we haven’t seen the reinforcement yet.” Said Richard as he turned his head around to Rommel 

“Yeah, they haven’t arrived yet. Well at the very least we have time for a break, right?” said Rommel as he smiled at Richard. 

“Okay a short break, I guess. after that we will continue moving to the east.” Said Richard as he looks at the eastern horizon from beside the panzer. 

“Well, that’s good. Damn, my leg felt cramps after sitting for a long time from the small compartment this panzer has.” Said Rommel as he slowly gets out from his cockpit before stretching his leg. 

“Yeah, but at the very least you’re safe inside, right,” said Ludwig who is still inside the panzer as he glanced at Rommel who is already outside. 

“If you mention that, yeah it does,” said Rommel who went silent for a moment before answering. 

“Well safe or not, when they procure a weapon that could penetrate this panzer’s armor don’t even bother saying time it's safe or not... you wouldn’t ever felt pain as the ammo or the fuel exploded,” said Richard as he still gazing at the horizon. 

After hearing this the two people went silent as they stared at each other as they were also become befuddled by the word that came out from Richard. 

“Well times up, get inside your designated panzer reinforcement should arrive shortly from the rear. Join up when they are already in the lead of the group as we slowly attach ourselves on their right flank,” said Richard as he motioned Rommel and the other soldier to quickly get inside their panzer and starting the engine before the reinforcement arrives. 

After a moment of waiting the radio sparked to life as the voice of the commander was heard from it. 

“Richard are you still there? I Repeat, Richard are you there still in the vehicle?” said the commander from the radio. 

Richard then pressed his microphone piece closer to his mouth as he stared through the viewport before answering the radio. 

“Yes, commander currently we’re here waiting for your arrival sir,” said Richard to the radio. 

“... Heh? Okay, we’re arriving shortly with the grenadier company. I will have them set up the defensive position on the Warsaw then we start the offensive on the next one.” said the commander as he sounds snickering behind the radio. 

“Sir, I know you're happy about it but we haven't finished the entire operation,” said Richard as he closed his eye for a moment. 

“That’s true,” said Ludwig as if interested by the talk while smiling a bit. 

“Yeah, why not join us, commander,” said Rommel as he was excited by the thought alone. 

Some of the other tankers who heard it followed Rommel’s word “Join” repeatedly in their own way persuading the commander. 

“Well as much as I want to continue, most of my work is mostly behind the desk. taking care of your lot’s needs, you know.” said the commander as he laughed at the end of his sentence. 

“Ah, yeah... that’s right,” said Rommel as he laughs nervously. 

“That’s why Rommel doesn’t fight with the commander in the intelligence department you don’t have that ability yet.” said the other tanker jokingly over the radio who didn’t join before. 

“Yeah, since the commander is calmer than you Rommel.” said the other tanker as he laughs at the end of his sentence. 

“You two!!! When we're back at the city again, you two going to pay the previous bill which the two of you owed to me before,” said Rommel as he shouted to the radio. 

“Yikes?! Rommel is nasty.” said one of the tankers. 

“Well, I only added some retort though.” said the other rankers. 

“At the very least you ridiculed me too, right?” said Rommel as he gave a bit angry tone in his voice. 

“Ah, yeah... hee-hee,” said the tanker nervously. 

“Still, you still owed me some though,” said Rommel sound sneering to the radio. 

“Er... yeah.” answered awkwardly. 

After finishing the conversation, the entire panzer group army has arrived in the area as the few of them about bypass Richard’s squad then the half of the grenadier company quickly captured the enemy soldier who surrendered as they were taken to the truck while the rest followed the panzer group to the east of Warsaw. 

“Well, let's get moving then,” said Richard as he glanced at Rommel. 

“Alright, I consider that debt gone if you guys hurry up and move,” said Rommel as he gave a small laugh. 

“Thank you, Rommel, you’re the best.” said one of the tankers. 

“Yeah, I make sure that you have a long life and a proper marriage.” said the other tankers happily. 

“Shut up you two, now I'm started to regret even considering to erase that debt now,” said Rommel as he shakes a bit hearing the two shameless words. 

The two of the tanker, later on, laugh as the panzer’s engine roared as they started to move to the east of Warsaw as few more cities have fallen to the German occupation since the swift and powerful maneuver made by the German army as they didn’t stop for a very long time which made the new Poland army unable to resist nor do they able to reorganize against the currently on progress invasion. 

Upon nearing the eastern part of the Lublin town, the main panzer group stopped as most of the panzer leaders comes out from their safety, they take a look at the horizon as some turned their heads and glanced at the commander. The grenadier infantry who are at their vehicle comes out from the truck and gets in the formation as it was a natural thing being the open field as the captain of the grenadier standing in one side of the German army. 

“Hm... they should arrive shortly.” said the commander as he also looks at the horizon. 

“Who?” said one of the tankers at the commander’s side. 

“Who else on the east that has the same national power as ours and those French men,” said Richard over the radio while looking uninterested. 

Hearing the word “same national power” almost everyone was surprised by it as they thought to themselves who are the country who has the same strength after that many manage to correctly guess the mentioned country. After few minutes of waiting, they saw an army almost comparable to their own but with no tank like the panzer as one of their soldiers carries their signature flag which is the infamous red hammer and sickle. 

Wearing their brown uniform and green helmet the other army’s soldiers arrived at their designated area as one of them come out from their vehicle then walk to the center of the field while at the same time the General of the German army walks to the center of the field and after a closer look, Richard then noticed it was general field Marshal Fedor von Bock. 

Richard then remembered it was actually because of him being tangled by the previous bully before and not taking care of the problem head-on before his reincarnation Rommel become trouble kid in the eye of the superior getting in a fight with a fellow soldier, that his merit for promotion was halted and he even gets demoted because of it since he always being close to Richard he regularly mingled with his peers and goes to the cabaret where he meets Angie his lover thus he stopped being ambitious and now are content with his life. 

“Ah, I see... those Bolsheviks?” said one of the tankers over the radio. 

On the horizon, the general talks something at the center of the field probably they are discussing the division of the conquered land for the two great nations of Germany and the Soviet Union as they reached an agreement the General raised their hands then shake accepting the agreement which is now official before later naming it the Molotov-Ribbentrop Treaty a name that came from the signer’s and the idea proposer’s name. 

After shaking hands, the two generals talked a bit more before laughing a bit before turning around then return to their own perspective army then after arriving at the army and was about to sit on his vehicle one of the radiomen talked to the general as he gave the radio by the man. 

The general talked through the radio but mostly he nodded as he turned his head to the side, where he's second in command is standing beside then briefly talks before the second in command then leave with another vehicle while telling some of the soldiers to get in their vehicle as they would also be leaving together with him. 

The soldier then started the engine after they already loaded up then moved away from the army to their designated goal while leaving the main army and its general, Richard and his company was ordered to escort the general back to the barrack once more as they were tasked to accompany the rear side of the company. 

As the General finished the talking, he gave the radio back to the man then walked back to his vehicle then tell the driver to quickly turn on the car and be ready to drive away. 

Knowing the General already finished and no longer has any more agenda in the area most of the soldiers also entered their respective vehicles as the Panzer crew start to turn on their panzer's engine. 

“Easy win, right Richard?” said Rommel as he talked through the radio. 

“Just consider it a live exercise since they barely make a good amount of resistance against us,” said Richard a bit tired. 

“You talk like someone who’s been in the war for a very long time, Richard.” Said Rommel jokingly while operating the gear near him. 

Richard after hearing the word from Rommel made him only laugh bitterly as he comes out from the safety of the panzer, where he felt the breeze of the cold wind since it was already at evening where the sun is slowly setting down on the horizon as he glanced from time to time at the setting sun. 

When the night already came the entire army arrived at their home base as the grenadier company continued to move ahead of the panzer as their home base are further inside the German empire which separating the panzer group from the grenadier company to their own respective sector thus setting a possible fallback point for the possible worst-case scenario. 

Upon stopping at their designated spot Richard and Rommel slowly comes out from their panzer as the same happens to the other panzer crew since it has a small hatch and is hard to get from, after crawling out Richard heard something in the farthest garage as he has seen some of the panzer group talking about something and it manages to pique his interest. 

Noticing Richard’s odd stares made both Rommel and Ludwig turn their head while Ludwig who was still standing at the side of the panzer manages to fumble a bit as he was mid-turning his head around but held on to the Panzer’s hatch just barely. 

“What is it, Richard?” said Rommel a bit curious. 

“Hm... want to go there? They talked something interesting over there,” said Richard as he answered. 

“Sure, why not... Ludwig wants to join up?” said Rommel as he turns around to Ludwig before Rommel help pull him down from the panzer. 

“Nah, I want to go to my room and write a letter to my mum. She always gets worrywart if I don’t send her letter daily,” said Ludwig as he smiled bitterly and regretfully. 

“Okay then if you say so, let’s go, Richard,” said Rommel as he taps Richard’s shoulder. 

Without saying a word Richard take a glance at Rommel in which he smiled at him before walking to some panzer crew discussing something in the farthest end of the garage, closing to the crew who was discussing made some of them notice Richard and Rommel as two who mid-talk manages to gawk after noticing Rommel. 

“Ah, Richard, was it?” said one of the tankers. 

“Yeah, I am,” answered Richard. 

“I see, Great then.” said the tanker as he smiles. 

The two tankers who are beside him only smile nervously at Richard as they manage to glance at Rommel, where in turn Rommel smiles at them which they quickly turn their head away. 

“You two still have a debt to pay me a drink, tonight,” said Rommel to the two of them as he looks. 

“Yes!!!” the two of them said a bit scared. 

“Well, let’s go.” Said Rommel as he quickly pulls both of them away from the group and walks away as he put his hand over their shoulder locking them unable to run away. 

After the rest of them finish looking at the departing Rommel and the two tagged crew, they turn around and look at each other before glancing at Richard for a mere moment before opening their mouth when they stared at Richard. 

“We were talking about this invasion as it’s a bit rushed and this guy still a bit anxious about the great leader's intention toward Poland in which I replied no, it's not our great leader are fighting for our people different than those politicians before who only think for their own benefit.” said the tanker as look a bit nervous and wavering. 

“That’s...” said the other tanker as he stared at him a bit confuses. 

For a moment everyone was silent as they could not answer it enough for him to get relieved of his action but that silence was broken when someone opened his mouth and it was none other than Richard which made everyone in the group turn their head to him, the person who asked the question stopped being regretful a bit as he also turns his head to Richard. 

“No, your question is justified but there one thing you need to know if we do not do such our country would get a problem far worse than this,” said Richard as he sighed. 

“Even so isn't there any alternative to it? Do we really need to spill blood for it?” the nervous tanker as he stared at Richard by the eye 

“Sadly, we do need to spill it the blood that is,” said Richard as he looks at the other tanker. 

“Yeah... it seems so, I heard from the other that the great leader was enraged by their action because rejection of the handover of Danzig.” said the other tanker as he looks at his grieving 

“Is that so...” said the tanker as he still downed because of it.” says the grieving tanker before glancing away “Even so I still hoped it won't grow bigger than this.” he continued. 

Richard who knows the future and knowing his wishes won't be granted showed the only frown looks as he glanced away to the side not wanting to see the man’s eye. 

“I hope, I really hope so,” said Richard as he turns his eye back to the grieving man. 

“Well shouldn’t we get back to the barracks.” said the other tanker to break the atmosphere and pointing to the door behind them to the barrack. 

“Yeah, we should... let’s go then.” said the third tanker who didn’t talk during the conversation. 

The four people without any word and only nodded as they walked out to the door as they close it before returning to their barrack and into their designated bunk beds, Richard upon arriving at his Barrack noticed most of the people inside of it was already asleep or maybe perhaps sleeping like a rock is more correct since some of them, for example, Rommel had his sleep upside down his head on where his feet are and his head is for his feet. 

Richard reaching his own bunk bed made him awake for a moment as he was still thinking about tomorrow's plan and remembering what event that would appear in his past life.