The Setting: A Boardroom in Praha. It is 1 February 1937
For several reasons, Edouard was both pleased and annoyed that Bluto, Antonin and Boris were not present. They were still trying to find a use for those Sail-Gliders Bluto had cooked up and casualties among the 1st Sail-Glider Assault Battalion were mounting at an almost preposterous rate, approaching 100% on most training missions and reaching as high as 212% during an unfortunate Urban Training Exercise.
“Well then, let us call this meeting to order. I know we are short-handed today, but there is a new face at the meeting and I’m sure we’re all eager to hear his perspective on the German Threat and also on the mythical Pocket-Axis. But, first, let us hear from the Foreign Minister. Kamil?”
Kamil started talking as he fumbled with his tri-fold. “Okay, so…
“Kamil! What have I told you about that damned hat!”
“Right. Sorry sir.” Kamil sheepishly pulled off his beret. It was his favorite hat and he wore it everywhere, so he had simply forgotten it was on.”
“Okay, since the Pocket-Axis threat is so great and we have decided to split them by destroying Hungary, I decided to focus on their diplomacy for this meeting.”
“As you can see, the other Pocket-Axis member, Austria, has guaranteed Hungary. No surprise. What is a surprise is that Poland hasn’t. Probably because they don’t want to alert the world to their evil intentions too early.”
“Interestingly, Italy has guaranteed their independence. However, I think we all know what a cowardly dolt that Mussolini fellow is…
“He’d fit in great around here.” Edouard muttered while glaring around the table. He would have quit coming to the meetings but for two things: they were his idea and, should a meeting happen he wasn’t around to supervise, well, there is no telling what trouble the others would cause.
Kamil decided Edouard was still mad about the hat and so chose to ignore his comment. “so I doubt there will be any intervention.”
Kamil sat down happily.
“Thank you Kamil! I don’t know about the rest of you, but that presentation sure made me hungary!” Milan winked knowingly at his fellow November Conspirators. Ludvik rolled his eyes. “Right fellows? Any of you getting hungary?”
Heinrich glared at Milan until he stopped talking.
Edouard thought to himself. “Finally, something the spy and I agree on.”
…
“Are you finished Milan? Because there are bagels in the other room.”
“No no, I’m fine. Really. Just an observation, that’s all.” Milan poorly suppressed a giggle.
Well then, why not introduce us to this fellow you’ve earmarked to head the War Department in place of dear Machnik.
The lean and hard man rose from his seat and waved to the room
"Do not trouble yourself, Milan. Like my dear associate Heinrich, I am Slovakian by birth and culture. My name is General Ferdinand Catlos and I look forward to working closely with all of you to end forever this Pocket-Axis threat."
"Ahem. You mean the German threat, of course."
"If you say so Edouard." Catlos laughed a booming and cold laugh, which sent shivers down Edouard's spine. "If you say so."