War Sooner Rather Than Later

The ancient city of Larissa, once under the rule of the Ottomans but now reclaimed by Greece, stood as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of history. Constantine, flanked by his party, entered the city after two days of relentless travel. The cityscape, marked by low buildings of gray stones and slate-paved streets, bore the scars of its recent past, a testament to the struggles and triumphs of the Greek people.

As Constantine and his entourage traversed the narrow streets, the sparse pedestrians observed their arrival with a mix of curiosity and caution. The mere sight of the Crown Prince, adorned in military regalia, prompted onlookers to retreat from a distance, casting furtive glances before lowering their heads and passing by. The city, once held captive, now felt the pulse of Greek sovereignty.

Following the guidance of the blue and white cross flag of Greece, the group arrived at the military station. The guard at the entrance, recognizing Constantine's rank, saluted and announced, "Your Excellency, Private Thales salutes you."

"Private, take me to the command post of your first division," ordered Constantine, and the group was led by Thales to a modest two-story building.

Inside the command post, military minds deliberated over maps, their discussions interrupted as Constantine and his party entered. Schmidt, stepping forward, solemnly read out Constantine's letter of appointment.

Amidst the official proceedings, Constantine's curiosity was piqued by the mention of a railway. "I heard you talking about what railway? What railway?" he inquired, intrigued by the unfolding conversation.

Metaxas, Chief of Staff of the 1st Division, responded while saluting, revealing troubling intelligence about the Ottoman Anatolian Railway. The revelation of the Ottoman-German collaboration, coupled with the arrival of Colonel Golz to train the Ottoman army, cast a shadow over Constantine's countenance.

"Has the Ottomans turned to the Germans?" Constantine pondered aloud, recognizing the gravity of the situation.

Metaxas shared intelligence about Colonel Golz's principled stance and his influence on Sultan Hamid II, who sought German expertise to bolster the Ottoman military. Constantine, familiar with the historical repercussions of such alliances, realized the potential threat posed by the Ottomans' strategic moves.

"Metaxas, your insight is invaluable. The Ottomans may be at their weakest, but their alliance with the Germans and the construction of the railway are dire threats. We must not underestimate the transformative power of efficient logistics and modern military training," Constantine asserted, a steely resolve in his voice.

The room fell into a focused silence as the military minds contemplated the road ahead. Metaxas, recognizing the weight of the decision, ventured further.

"Your Excellency, with your leadership and the prowess of the Greek army, now is the opportune moment to confront the Ottoman threat. We must act swiftly, decisively, and with strategic brilliance to safeguard the interests of Greece," Metaxas implored, his gaze unwavering.

Constantine, now fully embracing his role as a military leader, nodded in agreement. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, but the legacy of Greece demanded resilience, foresight, and unwavering determination.

"Prepare the forces, Metaxas. We will not allow the Ottoman-German alliance to tip the scales against us. The fate of Greece hinges on our ability to face this challenge head-on," Constantine declared, the weight of his words echoing through the command post.

As preparations for the impending conflict commenced, the ancient city of Larissa stood witness to the convergence of history and destiny. The Thessaly Legion, under the command of General Constantine, would soon embark on a journey that would test not only their mettle but the very foundations of the Hellenic spirit.

Intriguingly, the conversation delved into the plans for the Baghdad Railway, a colossal project that could reshape the geopolitical dynamics of the region. The implications of the Ottomans' endeavor, both militarily and economically, were not lost on the astute minds gathered in the room.

Metaxas, sensing Constantine's contemplation, sought insight into Greece's own railway plans. However, Constantine, aware of the financial constraints and the complexity of such infrastructure projects, expressed skepticism about Greece's ability to embark on a similar endeavor.

Metaxas, undeterred, conveyed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need to counter the Ottoman threat promptly. His impassioned plea resonated with the reality that every passing minute saw the Ottoman strength inching towards recovery.

"The Turkish army is now in disarray, officers at all levels are incompetent, and the morale of the soldiers is low," Metaxas declared. "I really can't think of a better time to beat Turkey than now."

As the room buzzed with the weight of strategic decisions, Constantine, now fully aware of the impending challenges, nodded with determination. The destiny of Greece teetered on the brink, and the city of Larissa, once a testament to occupation, would soon become a bastion of Hellenic resilience against the looming shadows of war.