Bearing fruit

The year 1923 was calamitous for Germany. From the onset, the nation was embroiled in crises. The first major challenge was the French invasion of the Ruhr industrial zone, which brought the German heavy industry to a near standstill. The defense army's plans for revitalization were severely hindered, exacerbating the already dire state of the German economy. The German mark began to depreciate at an alarming rate. President Ebert remarked that it now took a wheelbarrow full of marks to buy a single loaf of bread.

Amidst this financial turmoil, right-wing separatists in Germany seized the opportunity presented by the French occupation of the Ruhr to advance their agenda. They organized strikes and armed riots, plotting to take control of Bavaria, the largest state in southern Germany, and declare it autonomous. The German government, already beleaguered, struggled to mobilize forces to suppress these separatists.

As the situation escalated in September, with right-wing separatists growing increasingly bold, left-wing factions also began to incite large-scale riots, destabilizing the regions of Thuringia and Saxony. Germany appeared on the brink of fragmentation, a situation that seemed to surpass even France's expectations for the turmoil their invasion would cause.

In his office, Seekert praised Akado, "This is a good opportunity! Your plan is perfect. The IDF gains more from this than fighting the French directly." After this, he asked Akado to leave, as a crucial meeting was scheduled for that morning to discuss the crisis further. This meeting, chaired by Hindenburg himself, was critical. However, being of lower rank, Akado was not eligible to attend. He often received only second-hand information about such high-level discussions from Seekert.

Seekert was content with the passive stance the IDF had adopted during the French invasion, despite his earlier calls for a vigorous defense of German cities. He had not ordered any military action against France, seeing clear benefits in this approach. Lieutenant Colonel Smith from the British headquarters had met secretly with General Seekert, indicating British support for a modest expansion of the German National Defense Force. This was a significant gesture, as it suggested that the British, within the Allied Arms Control Committee, would tacitly support Germany's rearmament efforts against domestic threats and the French occupation.

The U.S. ambassador to France had made a stern demand for the immediate withdrawal of French troops from German soil, criticizing France's aggressive actions. The Netherlands, maintaining its friendly ties with Germany, also condemned the French invasion. From Asia, Sun Yat-sen of the Chinese Kuomintang issued a statement from Guangzhou, condemning the French actions and expressing solidarity with Germany.

"Our Chinese friends have come through," Akado mused, reading a newspaper report on the military aid and financial support from China, which included substantial loans from the United States. This support was crucial, not just for Germany, but for the Chinese revolutionary forces gearing up for significant internal conflicts.

Outside, the streets were filled with protestors. For three days, crowds had been demonstrating against the government's inability to defend the nation, their anger palpable. Akado, watching from his office, discussed with his assistant, Gore, why the protestors had not targeted the Defense Forces Command. Gore, somewhat naively, suggested it was because the military was perceived as too weak to resist the foreign invasion.

Akado corrected him, revealing that Germany was not as defenseless as it seemed. They had hidden armaments and had significantly bolstered their forces. However, he explained the strategic necessity of restraint; engaging in battle would expose their military capabilities, likely resulting in perpetual international restrictions under the Treaty of Versailles.

The conversation turned emotional as Gore expressed frustration over their inaction despite having the means to repel the French. Akado, burdened by his role and the secrets he carried, explained the long-term vision that necessitated current sacrifices—a vision that involved preparing Germany for a future where it could defend itself without international interference.

The next morning, Seekert informed Akado that President Ebert had called him to a special meeting, likely to discuss a compromise. As they prepared to attend, rumors abounded about the resilience and cunning of the German military leadership, particularly praising the roles of Seekert and Akado.

At the government meeting, Ebert outlined the dire situation, his tone desperate. He sought confirmation of the Defense Force's loyalty and support amid the chaos. Before Seekert could respond, Akado assured the President of their unwavering support, subtly positioning the military as a pivotal force in navigating the ongoing crisis.

This tumultuous period in German history highlighted the complex interplay of domestic and international politics, military strategy, and the personal convictions of those in power, all set against a backdrop of economic collapse and social unrest.

"Lieutenant Colonel Akado, I find that I can't see you anymore," Seeker said as he sat in the shaking car, glancing at Akado in the passenger seat.

"How should I interpret that statement? As a compliment or a criticism?" Akado asked, a smile playing on his lips.

"Three years ago, you were merely a soldier, not even a junior officer. Your file states you're an orphan, your father was a middle school teacher, and your mother a servant, both of whom died early in the war. I apologize; I'm not trying to reopen old wounds. But your talents surpass even those seasoned strategists at the old army headquarters," Seeker explained, his voice tinged with fatigue. "I had someone look into you, and I still can't fathom where you acquired such skills."

"Born with them," Akado replied cheerfully. "I firmly believe in Germany's strength, so I work tirelessly."

"Many are diligent, but none have risen as swiftly as you, Lieutenant Colonel Akado," Seeker remarked, closing his eyes as if bracing for a more detailed explanation.

"I was stationed in Hamburg for a year where I studied 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu and Clausewitz's 'On War.' Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I grasped and analyzed them thoroughly. Thus, I understand more than most, seeing further into the future than others," Akado explained, noticing Seeker's eyes snap open in a mix of shock and curiosity.

"I believe I was sent by God to revive our National Defense Force! There's no doubt about that," Akado declared with conviction.

Seeker stared at Akado for a long moment before bursting into laughter. "Germany needs men like you. I'll write to Marshal Hindenburg, recommending your promotion to Colonel of the Wehrmacht. Congratulations, Akado? Rudolph."

"Thank you, General Seeker!" Akado responded, giving a crisp Prussian military salute.

"And, I appreciated what you said to President Ebert today!" Seeker added triumphantly. "I really liked the vision you outlined for our defense!"

The next day, under intense internal and external pressures, President Ebert declared a state of emergency, significantly increasing General Seeker's powers, effectively making him a dictator. Seeker immediately ordered the 1st Division of the National Defense Forces to move out of Berlin to suppress right-wing elements in Bavaria. This move was well-received by local patriots and the general populace, who enthusiastically supported the troops, aiding them in apprehending local right-wing extremists. The operation in Bavaria proceeded exceptionally smoothly, almost effortlessly successful. Photographs of the National Defense Forces, proudly mounted on horses, were widely circulated by international journalists, becoming iconic propaganda images.

France, previously vocal with accusations that Germany was secretly manufacturing tanks and cannons, found itself unable to substantiate these claims. Instead, the German military's reliance on seemingly outdated equipment like bicycles and horses painted a picture of an under-equipped force, starkly reminiscent of the early days of World War I. This apparent lack of modernization led to the disbandment of the joint arms control committee, pushed primarily by British and Belgian initiatives, forcing France to withdraw many of its military observers.

Germany was subsequently permitted to produce civilian aircraft, develop new armored vehicles for police use, and increase its arms and ammunition to manage escalating border tensions with France. French forces retreated from the Ruhr, and Colonel Charles de Gaulle, who led the operation, was demoted and reassigned to a nascent French tank unit. On Christmas, the artillery magnate Gustav Krupp was unconditionally pardoned.

Eager to bolster its military capabilities, Germany launched two destroyers within the next three months and established two "new" infantry divisions. Negotiations with the United Kingdom and Belgium led to a revision of the terms concerning the Wehrmacht in the Treaty of Versailles. The allowed strength of the army was increased from 100,000 to 120,000, and the navy from 15,000 to 17,000. Though seemingly minor, these changes were significant, marking a shift in Germany's military posture. This challenging negotiation was spearheaded by Akado, with Seeker personally coordinating with Foreign Minister Gustave Stlesman to counter France's diplomatic maneuvers.

The increase in the National Defense Forces' numbers also expanded the scope of Akado's secretive "Pluto Project," complicating oversight and reducing external supervision. By the end of 1923, the actual strength of the National Defense Forces had surged to about 230,000, more than double the permitted size.

In November 1923, Akado was tasked with leading a suppression of an armed insurrection in Bavaria, a mission approved directly by headquarters following his rapid deployment from Berlin. Upon his arrival, he was greeted with documents confirming his promotion to Colonel, endorsed by Hindenburg for his "exceptional performance."

Meanwhile, at the Allied Arms Control Committee headquarters, a young French official, Lieutenant Sneese, was tasked with delivering documents to Colonel Grudeau of Belgium. As he perused the documents, which detailed Akado's recent activities and a mysterious phone call that had twice tipped off the committee about the National Defense Forces, his eyes narrowed in concern. He delivered the documents without revealing his growing suspicions.

On November 5, 1923, while breakfasting in his Bavarian office, Akado received a call from Berlin. "Colonel Akado! This is Major Gascoll. Congratulations on your promotion," came the voice over the phone.

"Thank you," Akado replied, smiling.

The tone on the other end turned grave. "The Falcon reported a leak within our ranks. The last forced operation, 'Rhino,' was compromised by an internal phone tip-off, prompting close scrutiny from the arms control committee."

Akado's response was a heavy silence, punctuated only by his breathing, leading Gascoll to momentarily worry the connection had been lost. After a pause, Akado commanded, "Investigate the source immediately! We must also conduct an internal Gestapo investigation. Find the traitor!"

"Understood," Gascoll affirmed before ending the call.

Akado checked his pistol, then summoned his aide. "Gear up, Ger! We've been marked by the Allied Arms Control Committee. Stay vigilant!"

After making preparations, Akado and Ger rushed back to Berlin. Upon arrival, Akado contacted Hulk and Kruze, commanders of local regiments, instructing them to ready their troops for potential deployment into Berlin to secure key facilities.

At the National Defense Forces headquarters, General Seeker greeted Akado. "Your creation of the Gestapo has proven invaluable," he commended.

"There's little to celebrate," Akado replied grimly. "We've merely uncovered a deep-seated mole."

That evening, the results from the telephone bureau investigation arrived, revealing that the suspicious calls had originated from the office of the presidential secretary, directed at the joint arms control committee.

"What did you say?" Seeker exclaimed, rising abruptly to confront Gascoll, who struggled to articulate the shocking revelation.