The Little Bird-Jan 1936
"Good morning gentlemen," said Toivo from his seat at the head of the table. "We have much to discuss today and the first order of business is our neighbor, the Soviet Union. What is the status of our neighbor?"
Antti rose from his seat, "The giant is still slumbering within its borders, Minister Kivimaki..."
"But it shall stir," said Esko in his usually enigmatic tone.
"And what has our little bird heard on these wintery winds," asked Antti, only slightly annoyed at the interuption.
"Your little bird has heard that winter is coming and it shall be long and hard."
Antti turned to the frosted window and looked at the flurries falling outside. He laughed, "It has already come you fool..."
Toivo raised his hand and stopped Antti before he could continue, "Antti sit down... and Esko speak plainly I have not the patience today to listen to riddles."
Esko smiled slightly, "Very well, Minister Kivimaki, I have heard rumors that Stalin is planning a purge of his officers."
"Then should that not be a good thing for us as it may cause unrest and uncertainty in our enemy?" said Antti.
"For a short time perhaps, but any physician knows that purging the body makes it stronger in the end, if one can survive the cure... and so shall our giant be emboldened once he has finished his regiment."
"When do you expect these things to take place Esko?" asked Toivo.
"The Stalin has already prescribed the cure and he shall seek to remedy Russia by the end of the year."
"And after that?"
Esko's eyes narrowed in thought, "If I was to hazard a guess I would say that the Soviets would turn their eyes towards Finland... or perhaps Poland, Estonia, or Latvia, though Finland would be the more logical choice as our defeat would secure the Soviet flanks before they move on Europe proper."
"Unbelievable!" cried Antti. "The Soviets would be foolhardy to attack us, they would not only bloody themselves against our lines, but they would bring the ire of our allies!"
"And who might those be?" asked Arvi, minister of armaments. "Did I miss a memo? Have we gained the backing of Germany, the UK, or... the Americans?"
"Nothing official mind you," replied Antti. "But I have received words from some countries that if we were to find ourselves at odds with the Soviet Union that they would help us with men and materials."
"Enough to bury our dead most likely," said Arvi with a sniff.
Antti leapt up from his seat and exclaimed, "If you doubt me..."
Toivo immediately stood from his chair, "Be calm Antti and Arvi I too have spoken to the Swedes and it does seem that they are concerned about the prospect of Soviets upon their border. I feel confidant that they shall aid us. In any case, Esko's theory is one that we shall need to address. What can we do to prepare for the day when our giant wakes and crosses our border with mal intent? Antti?"
"I shall continue to work towards gaining alliance with other countries to ensure our survival. The UK and Germany are obvious choices, though I shall also continue our talks with Sweden and Norway as well."
"Good," said Toivo. "And you Arvi?"
"I shall speak with Oesch, Osterman, Valve, Lundquist, and the rest of High Command about preparing for the probability of war with the Soviets and come up with a plan of action that will ensure our victory or at least give the Soviets a great wound."
"Yrjo, you have been silent today. What shall you do?"
"I have a cold," said Yrjo plainly. "And for my part I shall make sure the people love you enough to elect you in a year and a half. That is if we survive that long."
"Just don't twist too many arms, Yrjo."
"If I do you shall hear nothing about it," Yrjo's lips curled in an eerie grin. "Though perhaps Esko may."
Toivo raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, instead he turned to Esko, "And speaking of Esko, what shall our little bird be doing to insure our safety."
"A bird can do little against twenty divisions minister Toivo, but he can watch and wait for his opportunity to make a difference."
Toivo looked around the room and said, "For my part I will speak with Pehr and we shall look into increasing our industrial capabilities and begin work on the fortifications we had planned near the city of Vipuri."
"We should also look into building up our infrastructure and other fortifications in case we are unable to hold Vipuri best to have a defense in depth," said Arvi.
"I shall have our enginners look into the infrastructure and fortifications of our heartland, but I believe it best if we leave the countryside as barren as possible that way if the Soviets do come they shall find themselves in an inhospitable land facing a mobile and entrenched enemy."
"A wise plan and one that Field Marshal Mannerheim shall appreciate," stated Arvi and others around the table nodded their approval.
"Now onto other business..."
