Rising to the top

"Read the newspaper! Read the newspaper!" shouted a newspaper boy energetically, waving the latest edition high in the air as he navigated through the bustling street. "His Royal Highness the Prince attended the military exercise as a premier guest! The military supports the restoration of the royal family!" he cried out to anyone who would listen.

On the other side of the street, a young vendor selling schoolbags raised his voice to compete with the din. "Come and see! The Emperor sent his son! General Defense Commander General Sikett publicly supports His Majesty the Emperor!"

From a high window above the street, the curtains were pulled back, revealing two officials. A French official, adorned in a round military cap, turned to his Belgian colleague with a puzzled expression. "Is such fanfare really necessary? Why the urgency to dismiss General Sikett, who has commanded the German Wehrmacht for over three years?"

Colonel Grudo, the Belgian, offered a slight smile. "We've gathered substantial intelligence. Germany is heavily arming itself. For now, though, we lack concrete evidence. But it's clear they've assembled at least ten divisions."

"And what of it?" the French officer retorted, spreading his hands in exasperation. "The higher-ups know full well the Wehrmacht is concealing their true strength. Yet they choose to ignore it."

"I'm merely visiting friends, not on official business," he added, a hint of resignation in his voice.

Colonel Grudo sighed. "Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Gaulle, it's evident to us that no one perceives the rising German Wehrmacht as a threat like we do. These officials believe Poland far outmatches Germany. But once war breaks out, they think France can breach the Rhine in three days and march into Berlin within months."

"Are we to simply watch them violate the Treaty of Versailles?" Charles de Gaulle asked, his voice tinged with frustration. "What can these minor actions achieve against their rearmament?"

Grudo smiled wryly. "It's no minor action, Charles. With General Sikett's backing, the Wehrmacht has been covertly expanding. If we manage to remove Sikett now, it could significantly hinder their plans."

"But what about Captain Akado? Rudolph," de Gaulle pressed, his brow furrowed.

Grudo nodded. "That's why we start with General Sikett. Akado's influence isn't as formidable as we anticipated. Sikett has been blocking his promotions, which suggests Akado isn't as deeply entrenched in the military hierarchy as we feared."

"Has that anonymous caller contacted you again?" de Gaulle suddenly inquired.

"Since President Ebert's death, the calls have ceased, and we've lost a valuable source of intelligence," Grudo replied, shaking his head.

"The intelligence section reported that President Ebert's secretary is also missing. It seems we've lost a significant ally," de Gaulle remarked with a sigh.

"We'll keep our eyes open and protect any forthcoming ally who steps forward," Grudo assured him.

Below, the clamor intensified as the newspaper boy's shouts grew louder. German capitalists, outraged by the headlines, were rallying to demand the government's harsh reprimand of General Sikett. They labeled him an "arrogant old man who must suffer."

That morning, representatives from four noble families and seventeen major consortia had approached President Hindenburg with two starkly opposing demands. The capitalists and consortium spokespeople insisted that Hindenburg punish General Sikett and strip him of his command for overstepping his authority by involving royal members in military exercises, thereby threatening national security.

Conversely, some of Hindenburg's old comrades and several nobles urged support for Sikett, encouraging suppression of the capitalists' demands and even suggesting that Hindenburg facilitate the emperor's return from the Netherlands to govern the great German Empire.

The following day, Hindenburg contacted the Bavarian military barracks and quickly summoned a young, confident Colonel Akado Rudolf, whom he trusted deeply.

"Can I trust you?" Hindenburg asked, peering intently at Akado as soon as they met.

"I arrived as soon as I disembarked from the plane, Mr. President," Akado responded, standing erect before Hindenburg. "If needed, I can secure control of Berlin immediately."

"Are the police and the Gestapo reliable?" Hindenburg continued.

"Major Gascoll is in the office, ready to execute any order. I've spoken with the police chief at the airport; Berlin can be placed under martial law at any moment," Akado replied confidently.

Hindenburg nodded, then posed a third question: "Lieutenant Colonel Akado, would this be a betrayal of the royal family? I have served them for decades."

"President Hindenburg, are you prepared to betray and sacrifice everyone who elected you, including risking your own life, to maintain your loyalty?" Akado countered, not directly answering the question.

Hindenburg sat in silence for a few minutes before picking up a document from his desk. "Take this to General Sikett's office; he is dismissed," he said solemnly, his voice heavy with loneliness. "And convey to all the businessmen you know that Hindenburg will defend the democratic regime to the last."

"Yes! Long live Greater Germany!" Akado saluted sharply, then turned and exited Hindenburg's office.

Seeker glanced at Akado, smiled, and sat back on the sofa with a satisfied sigh. Now that the major decisions were made, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. "Remember when I first brought you here?" Seeker said, a hint of melancholy in his voice as he propped up his legs comfortably. "Back then, you were still..." 

"At that time, I was still a captain," Akado replied with a smile. "You presented me with the plan for the formation of the 1st Division, showed it to me, and then asked for my opinion. I told you I wanted to build a very powerful mechanized unit, and you agreed to give it a try."

"But I must admit, I had my reservations about mechanization. The reliability of those machines and armored vehicles seemed uncertain," Seeker confessed, glancing at Akado. "I agreed to your proposal, but at that time, I really wasn't sure how the National Defense Force would handle future wars, so I let you proceed with caution."

"As it turned out, I was very pleased with your performance," Akado said proudly. "I told you! In the entire National Defense Command, I was the only one capable of handling the job."

"You've done exceptionally well! Forming a sniper force, developing a secret police, covertly executing the 'Pluto Plan' you devised, sending missions to the Soviet Union, and making secret visits to China. You've successfully managed the tasks I assigned you and the initiatives you started on your own. That's why, even when you defied me, I couldn't bring myself to confront you," Seeker said with a sigh.

Akado stood up straight, clicked his heels together producing a crisp sound, saluted Seeker with a standard military salute, and then bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle. "Thank you, General, for your guidance and trust! I will carry on your will and transform the National Defense Force into the world's strongest army."

"With my departure, the Defense Force is now under your command, Akado! Don't disappoint me," Seeker said as he stood up, walked over to Akado, and clapped him on the shoulder. "I'm handing over the National Defense Force to you."

Akado nodded. "General Seeker, thank you for all you've done for the National Defense Force."

"General Harmon has been loyal to me for many years; I hope you'll treat him kindly," Seeker said, suddenly remembering something. He walked over to his desk, picked up a pen, and began writing down many names and roles in a notebook. Handing it to Akado, he looked into his puzzled eyes and managed a weak smile. "We've both fought for the future of the National Defense Force. Since you've won, it proves you were the better choice. I have no grand blessings to offer you, as we were once rivals, but I can give you these."

He pointed to the names and job titles listed on the paper. "These are my people, and I'm entrusting them to you. If you don't mind, I can call them to explain."

Akado laughed. "General Seeker, I have no intention of harming you, and there's no need for such formalities. Take a week off, then perhaps you can meet with the people on this list for afternoon tea."

Seeker's eyebrows raised. "Are you really not planning to eliminate me? You're that confident I won't attempt a comeback?"

"Your Excellency, as you said, we've both fought for the future of the National Defense Forces. If one day I fall, it will only prove that the National Defense Forces need you to reach a higher level," Akado replied.

Seeker exhaled and pointed at Akado, a gesture of approval. "Today, I'm certain I chose the right person."

"I've arranged a villa for you on the outskirts of Berlin. I hope you'll like it," Akado said, gesturing for an aide. "Gell, escort General Seeker downstairs."

Seeker chuckled and walked out of the office he had occupied for more than four years. The next day, the German government announced that, in light of General Seeker's reckless decision to invite the former German prince to observe a military exercise, General Seeker was permitted to resign and relinquish his command of the National Defense Forces. At the same time, General Kurt von Hammestein was appointed as the new commander-in-chief of the National Defense Force, promoting Major General Akado Rudolf and bestowing upon him the Hindenburg Order for the newly established secret agency, "General Staff of the National Defense Force."

In reality, General Kurt von Hamstein was merely a figurehead. All decisions regarding the National Defense Force required the approval of the General Staff of the National Defense Force, effectively placing all power in the hands of the newly promoted Major General Akado Astoria. The new officer, Akado, wasted no time in consolidating his power. He promoted Guderian to Colonel of the Defense Force and commander of the 25th Armored Division; Hulk to Lieutenant Colonel of the First Division; Kruze to Lieutenant Colonel of the Third Division; Brahich, a recent recruit from the German Party, to Colonel and commander of the Fourth Division; Lutz retained command of the Second Division; and Rennes continued to lead the 15th Division. Along with Carter, the 22nd Division Commander whom Akado had personally organized, Akado's direct control over the Defense Force now extended to seven divisions, comprising over 100,000 men, and he firmly held Bavaria, the Ruhr Industrial District, and the area around Berlin, effectively grasping most of Germany in his hands.

Akado didn't trust Seeker's assurances. He believed that the generals who had originally supported Seeker would switch their allegiance to him, so he decided to reassign Seeker's loyalists to less influential positions. The most notable among these was Colonel Nazmeer, a staunch Seeker loyalist, who was assigned to Guderian's armored force as a regiment leader. Guderian, however, treated his old superior with respect and took good care of him.

However, many of Seeker's old allies were astute. General Chechwitz, for example, applied to join the German Party the day after Seeker's resignation, and his application was swiftly approved. He was then appointed as the commander of the 19th Division, taking over from another of Seeker's old comrades. And Akado made sure to keep Seeker busy; he found a very suitable job for his old boss—sending the experienced general to China.

Originally, General Seeker was scheduled to go to China in 1933, but Akado, considering national sentiment and his own interests, sent the newly retired Seeker to China at the end of 1924, a full nine years ahead of the historical timeline. Chiang Kai-shek, an old German ally in China, was delighted and personally welcomed Seeker, the former commander-in-chief of the German Wehrmacht. After extensive discussions, he appointed Seeker as a private military advisor.

Akado hoped that Seeker would help Chiang Kai-shek strengthen his forces and play a significant role in the looming conflict with Japan, potentially dragging the Japanese into a protracted war on the Chinese front. Of course, Seeker alone would not suffice. Akado also sold a large quantity of outdated German equipment to Chiang Kai-shek, including over 2,000 bicycles that were being phased out by the 1st Division of the National Defense Forces. These items were meant to be handed down to newly formed second-line troops, but the Akado-led National Defense Force urgently needed funds and opted to sell the equipment instead. This arrangement proved to be a win-win: China acquired useful, affordable equipment, and Germany obtained the funds it desperately needed.

However, General Seeker, who traveled to China ahead of schedule, also faced unprecedented challenges. Due to the shift in timing, Chiang Kai-shek had not yet consolidated control over most of China, which complicated Seeker's efforts. Moreover, Chiang Kai-shek was preoccupied with subduing warlords in the Central Plains region. Another complicating factor was that Mr. Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the Kuomintang, was seriously ill at the time, yet he still accepted invitations from Zhang Zuolin, Feng Yuxiang, Duan Qirui, and others to travel to Beijing to discuss national affairs. Akado was aware that this great historical figure would pass away in Beijing a few months later, casting a temporary shadow over the dawn of a new era in China.

Despite these difficulties, Seeker managed to impress Chiang Kai-shek with his German rigor, significantly revitalizing the Kuomintang army within just a few months. Meanwhile, Germany's secret support for the Soviet Union reached its peak. German engineers constructed two of the Soviet Union's largest tank factories in Kiev and Minsk and established ten large arsenals elsewhere to produce artillery shells and firearms. The Soviets reciprocated generously, bolstering Germany's foreign exchange reserves with substantial quantities of oil and raw materials and providing nearly one million tons of corn and potatoes to Germany free of charge. Although farmers in many regions of the country were still struggling with hunger, these contributions did not hinder the Soviet Union's aspirations of becoming an industrial empire.

Back in Germany, the National Defense Forces were not idle either. Akado managed to save enough funds to purchase an additional 30 P-2 tanks from the Man Company, significantly strengthening Guderian's 25th Armored Division. Although supply issues persisted, the acquisition effectively doubled the division's tank contingent. Additionally, the Bai Lanhua Group, a subsidiary of Akado's enterprise, established a firm foothold in the aviation industry. The group founded Imperial Airlines, which produced a new type of twin-propeller transport aircraft and undertook various air transportation operations across Germany. Importantly, the company also provided training for Akado's newly established German paratroopers and transported rapid assault troops and critical military supplies in preparation for potential conflicts.

As Akado methodically reorganized and developed the Wehrmacht, his old friend Adolf Hitler was compiling his thoughts in prison, resulting in the infamous "My Struggle." Hitler's eloquent court debates and personal statements had transformed the Nazi Party from a minor political group into a significant force. Remarkably, his imprisonment conditions were relatively lenient: he had a private room with bright windows and was allowed visits from friends. Assistants came to his cell daily to help him write his autobiography. He was biding his time, waiting for the day he would be released and, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, reemerge invincible.

Unbeknownst to many, Akado was also waiting, but for a different reason. He needed Hitler to disrupt the political landscape, creating an unprecedented opportunity for his own German Party to emerge into the spotlight.