webnovel

Brewing Tensions

Little Moltke's confidants and the generals influenced by Mauser and Rheinmetall continued their vehement opposition to the weapons developed by the German Arms Company. Their objections fixated on minor flaws, which they exaggerated to paint a picture of disaster should the German Army adopt these weapons.

The blatant resistance infuriated Crown Prince Oscar. He could see through their self-serving motives. In his mind, these officers symbolized the decay infecting the Army—a rot that he vowed to eradicate once he ascended to power. The Crown Prince envisioned a German Army revitalized, free from corruption, and capable of securing dominance in the impending global conflict.

Nearby, Gustav Krupp watched the escalating tension, his face etched with concern. He had hoped the demonstration of the weapons' superior performance would lead to unanimous support, but the reality was far from his expectations.

Even Kaiser Wilhelm II appeared unsettled by the discord within his military leadership. His usually commanding presence was tinged with unease as he surveyed the room.

Oscar broke the stalemate with a commanding tone. "Generals, you cannot deny the superior performance of these weapons. Are you truly willing to risk Germany's future by clinging to outdated equipment? Our enemies are evolving—shouldn't we?"

A silence hung over the room, heavy with tension. Some generals avoided the Crown Prince's piercing gaze, while others exchanged nervous glances.

"Your Highness," Little Moltke replied, his tone measured but firm, "no one here denies the potential of these weapons. However, we must consider the practicality of their implementation. The logistical demands alone would strain our current infrastructure beyond its limits. And the cost—"

Oscar interrupted sharply, "Cost? What is the cost of losing a war, Your Excellency? What is the cost of countless young lives sacrificed because we failed to arm them adequately?"

The exchange grew heated, and the room seemed divided between those who silently sided with the Crown Prince and those steadfastly loyal to Little Moltke.

Wilhelm II raised his hand for silence. "Enough!" His voice was firm, his patience clearly tested. "This is not the time for petty squabbles. Both of you are key to the Empire's success, and I will not tolerate discord in these critical times."

The Kaiser's gaze swept across the room. "General Waldsee, as Chief of the General Staff, you have the experience and expertise. I want your honest assessment—are these weapons worth adopting, and if so, how should we proceed?"

General Waldsee hesitated, aware of the weight of his words. "Your Majesty," he began cautiously, "the weapons developed by the German Arms Company are undeniably advanced. Their adoption would significantly enhance our combat effectiveness. However, the financial and logistical burdens cannot be ignored. A full-scale refit at this stage would be unfeasible. I propose a phased approach—equipping select units first while addressing logistical challenges gradually."

Oscar's expression tightened, frustration evident. He had hoped for bold action, not cautious compromise. Gustav Krupp, standing beside him, looked equally disheartened.

Wilhelm II nodded thoughtfully. "A phased adoption seems prudent. The Empire's resources are already stretched thin, and we must balance ambition with reality. Secretary von Falkenhain, can this plan be executed effectively?"

Von Falkenhain stepped forward. "Yes, Your Majesty. We can prioritize elite units for the initial rollout, ensuring they have the best equipment. Their performance in the field will provide valuable insights for broader implementation."

The Kaiser's decision was final. Even Little Moltke and his allies could no longer oppose the plan without directly defying the emperor, a move that would isolate them politically.

After the meeting, as the generals dispersed, Oscar and Gustav Krupp regrouped to assess the outcome.

"Your Highness," Gustav began, "the Army has agreed to purchase 2,000 MG09 general-purpose machine guns, 5,000 MG10 squad machine guns, 5,000 M2 sniper rifles, 20,000 M1 semi-automatic rifles, and 2,000 mortars. It's far from what we envisioned, but it's a start."

Oscar nodded, though his frustration was evident. "At least this ensures the factory can operate and keep the production line moving. But this is not enough. We need to demonstrate the undeniable value of these weapons. Only then will the Army's resistance crumble."

Gustav managed a faint smile. "We've overcome the first hurdle, Your Highness. The road ahead is long, but I believe we will succeed."

Oscar's gaze hardened. "Success is not optional, Gustav. These weapons are the key to Germany's victory in the wars to come. We will prove their worth—one way or another."

Despite the setbacks, the Crown Prince's resolve was unshaken. He was determined to overcome the obstacles and ensure the German Army was prepared for the challenges of the future.

Bab berikutnya