Erich stood at attention in the office of the General Staff in full dress regalia. Every award he had earned through sweat, blood, tears, and relentless service to the fatherland proudly adorned his feldgrau attire.
The seat that once belonged specifically to the Reichsmarschall was vacant, yet still centered at the table.
Flanked on its left and right sides where Germany’s current greatest talent crop. Heinrich von Koch sat to the immediate right of where Bruno would have been seated. His expression was relaxed, informal, and frankly done with all of this.
He had yet to tender his resignation, simply because he didn’t want to step on Bruno’s big moment. But his days of sitting at this table were numbered, and he acted like it.
To the right of Heinrich was Josef "Sepp" Dietrich, newly minted Generalfeldmarschall shoulder boards crested atop his torso. His position was not nearly as relaxed as Heinrich’s yet not as stern as the others.
He had been in command of the Philippines theater during the Second World War, and bore witness to Erich’s prowess both as a field commander and something more.
Guderian and Rommel sat to the left of where Bruno would have normally been. While Rommel remembered Erich as his adjutant in the Spanish Civil War, Guderian was entirely unfamiliar with Erich’s performance as a commander or the operations he had led, which were critical to the Central Powers’ victories in the Pacific.
If anything, they were more wary about preserving the balance of power and preventing another von Zehntner from rising above them all. Because of this, their glances were far from as familiar as those from the right side of the room.
Ultimately, however, it was Heinrich who forced the conversation forward.
"Let’s get this formality over with already, shall we? We are here because recently many of our general officers have tendered their resignations. And since we are now facing a potential shortage of command experience, Sepp here has petitioned that we discuss filling those vacancies with new blood."
All eyes gathered on Heinrich, who seemed to be trying his best to prevent himself from yawning before continuing his prepared speech.
"Oberst Erich von Zehntner has proven himself through two wars and multiple campaigns. He is a decorated war hero, and a proven battlefield commander. According to Generalfeldmarschal Dietrich, it would be prudent to promote the Oberst to the rank of Generalmajor. The floor is open for discussion."
Rommel glanced over at Erich. The man was young, not even in his thirties. He had graduated from the Officer Academy no later than the age of sixteen, and was nearly immediately deployed to Spain as part of the International Legion.
Back then, when he was merely a boy, Rommel had thought that Erich was mature beyond his years.
And now, despite the lack of lines beneath Erich’s eyes, Rommel knew that the man had inherited the spirit and capability of his grandfather.
This was particularly why he was so hesitant to immediately agree with Sepp’s petition. If Erich had been made a Generalmajor at the mere age of 25, he would have risen to the position a year later than Bruno had, but through entirely different means.
Many had forgotten, but the earliest years of Bruno’s military service were fast-tracked to success by the Kaiser. Wilhem had repeatedly removed barriers that would have prevented Bruno’s excellence from shining.
Whereas Erich was forced to overcome them on his own, specifically because Bruno showed no favoritism to his own grandson.
It was because of this that after some internal reflection, Rommel broke ranks with Guderian and voiced his support.
"I must admit, coming into this meeting, I had initially thought that Oberst von Zehntner was far too young to properly be given a position on the General Staff. But after some internal debate, I have changed my mind. Despite his young age, Erich has proven himself worthy of the position. His service record as an adjutant, as an officer, and a field commander is impeccable. And with all due respect, he has proven himself to a far greater capacity than his grandfather did when he was seeking promotion to the same rank at a similar age. If anyone disagrees with me, speak now. Or learn to endure without complaint."
Rommel eyed Guderian whose lips were practically pursed in agitation. The man expected Rommel to be on his side in this meeting, yet in the moment that counted, Rommel sidestepped him entirely and stabbed him in the back.
All eyes were now on Guderian as Rommel, Dietrich, and Heinrich were all in agreement on the petition for promotion.
In the end, upon seeing that he was woefully outnumbered and had no chance of succeeding in preventing another von Zehntner from rising above the rest of the General Staff, Guderian was forced to relent.
"I have no complaints I wish to give voice. Proceed however you see fit...."
The man instantly stood up and left the room, not giving another glance to the men who still remained behind.
Heinrich, having seen that the meeting concluded, instantly rose to his feet and informally gave Erich a brief hug.
"Congratz boy! I know your father and grandfather must be proud of you. I look forward to watching you replace that miserable old bastard and outshine him two generations from now."
Erich could only chuckle; he had known Heinrich his entire life. Hell, the man was technically his other grandfather. As his mother was Heinrich’s adopted daughter.
"My grandfather is lucky to have such a good friend....’
From the outside, it might seem as though Erich’s words were referencing Bruno; Heinrich couldn’t actually tell whether he was supposed to be the grandfather in this situation or the friend.
Either way, the man didn’t dwell on such casual words, and instead allowed his grandson to properly thank the other two generals who had allowed him to advance in rank.
By the end of the day, Erich had returned home not in the uniform of a colonel, but that of a general.