The enemy of my enemy

What is power? Akado experienced the essence of power firsthand on the platform in Moscow, where not a single idle person could be found. The Soviet military had thoroughly cleared the area, even the train had been emptied. The other passengers were instructed to disembark within ten minutes. Thus, the stage was set for a grand welcome ceremony, meticulously shielded from any leaks.

Akado mused that if one were to investigate, it would likely be found that the girls handing out flowers were from families of poor farmers, innocent for three generations. As they were ushered into a car by the Soviet military, Geer couldn't contain his excitement, exclaiming beside Akado, "God! I feel like a national leader. Their welcome is overwhelmingly warm. I'm beginning to enjoy this!"

"They're so enthusiastic, they must want something from you. If you agree to their requests and betray Germany's interests, they might even award you a medal!" Akado joked, adding, "Of course, if you were on Germany's side, you wouldn't be receiving such warm smiles today."

"Really? Then should we leave quickly?" Gore, startled by Akado's words, responded in a fluster.

"Sir Akado, please don't frighten our Lieutenant Gore; he's still quite young," Brooke chimed in with a laugh.

"I can't believe they sent a youngster with a large-caliber pistol to protect a lieutenant colonel. God, this isn't funny," Akado said with feigned seriousness before bursting into laughter himself.

"Mr. Lieutenant Colonel, you have quite a sense of humor," remarked the Soviet officer driving the car, his head tilted with a smile. "You're on an important mission, yet you don't seem nervous at all. I admire a soldier like you."

"Do you understand German?" Akado asked, somewhat taken aback. It was clear the Soviet officer was fluent in German—and his pronunciation was impeccable.

"Of course! Sir, everyone on the platform, even the students who presented flowers, are proficient German speakers. Comrade Stalin instructed us to treat our friends from Germany with warmth and consideration," the officer, named Polovsky and also a lieutenant colonel, explained courteously. "Lieutenant Colonel Akado? Rudolf! Hello! My name is Polovsky, but you can call me Polov. I also speak English and French."

Why do so many people here speak multiple foreign languages? Akado felt a blush creep up his cheeks; his own English skills were modest at best. In his former life, he'd struggled just to pass level six, often resorting to gestures when asking for directions abroad.

After mentally cursing the unfair advantage of these multilingual 'geniuses,' Akado returned Polovsky's greeting with a polite smile, "Hello, Colonel Polov. You can also call me Colonel Akado!"

In the winter of 1921, the Soviet Union was not yet home to the grand hotels that would later define its capitals. The famous landmarks, the high-rise towers built during Stalin's era in the 1950s—including the main building of Moscow University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and others—were years away from existence. Thus, Akado and his entourage were accommodated in the most luxurious and classic building available at the time: the Kremlin.

Before the Kremlin became known as a source of dread for the United States and the mysterious red core of the world, it was merely a strategic target for the German Wehrmacht. As someone who had traveled through time to alter the course of history for the Third Reich, Akado felt no awe for this place.

As Lieutenant Colonel Polov led the way, the setting seemed to take on a more strategic air. The banquet was less extravagant than one might expect. While summoning a military orchestra and students to give flowers was a simple command away, securing a delicious meal and a bottle of aged red wine in winter was a more costly affair. This suited Akado and his companions—Brook and Gore—just fine, as they preferred more intimate settings over daunting grandeur.

"I believe Lieutenant Colonel Polov is familiar with the German character. We are known to be traditional, stubborn, earnest, and serious," Akado remarked during the meal.

"Of course, but Lieutenant Colonel Akado, you strike me more as an American," Polov replied.

Akado was internally irked by Polov's comparison, equating German traditionalism and Chinese wisdom with American traits. Spreading his hands, he asserted, "But I am still a German, and I wish to start negotiations as soon as possible! We are running out of time!"

"Yes, time is something we all lack nowadays!" Polov agreed, nodding. "I will report to Comrade Stalin immediately."

At the end of 1921, Lenin's health was deteriorating, and he was nearly incapacitated, leaving many decisions to Stalin, who effectively ruled the Soviet regime during this period.

"I heard Mr. Lenin caught a chill. Has his condition improved?" Akado inquired, deliberately downplaying the severity of Lenin's health issues.

"Comrade Lenin is recuperating, and I am not entirely sure of the details. I hope for his swift recovery," Polovsky replied, rising from his seat. "I will pass on your concerns. Rest well tonight, and I will bring you news tomorrow."

"Then I'll await your news," Akado responded courteously, standing up.

On a calm and cold night, Akado reflected on his past life and remembered the famous tune "The Evening in the Outskirts of Moscow." With only the outskirts missing, he could hum the song himself, which he found amusing.

As for the negotiations the following day, he wondered who would represent the Soviets and whether they would be historical figures he recognized.

The next morning, after breakfast, Akado was greeted by the Soviet military representative for the negotiations, and it turned out to be none other than the famously historical figure Nevsky. At this time, Tukhachevsky had just resigned as commander of the Western Army and had quelled the Antonov uprising in the Tambov region. He had been reassigned to the central office and was serving as the president of the Red Army Military Academy of Workers and Peasants.

"Let's get straight to the point! We are here seeking cooperation! We firmly believe that the enemy of our enemy is our friend, and we hope to collaborate with the Soviet authorities. The scope of our cooperation is broad, and I believe the details will pique your interest. Please share your thoughts," Akado stated directly, not wanting to waste a minute.

"What will we have to pay? What will we gain?" Tukhachevsky, a visionary general and the current dean of the Soviet regime, was a trusted figure in the Soviet military, admired by Lenin and others. He had played a pivotal role in modernizing the Soviet military, including the development of armored units and paratroopers, and had initiated the research for the renowned Soviet tank T-34 and early jet engines.

"Germany can assist the Soviet Union in developing its heavy industry, including the arms and steel industries. We can provide the most advanced machinery and equipment in Europe, perhaps even the world," Akado proudly declared.

"Excellent! We indeed need technical support. If Germany can provide practical assistance, the Soviet Union will ensure all conveniences for our German friends within our borders," Tukhachevsky responded after a moment's thought. "Tell us what you need."

"We require the Soviet military to provide locations for the National Defense Forces' training exercises and to maintain confidentiality. We intend to establish factories here to produce artillery and reconnaissance aircraft. After our cooperation concludes, these facilities will be transferred to Soviet ownership. During the cooperation, we welcome Soviet personnel to train and work in these factories," Akado explained with a smile.

"No problem, I will facilitate this cooperation, including the vodka plan you initiated a few days ago to supply arms to China. It will be taken seriously and safeguarded," Tukhachevsky assured him.

"In the next three days, I would like the military to allow me to visit Soviet industrial facilities. I need to understand my partners better to cooperate effectively," Akado added thoughtfully.

"Yes, I will arrange for our comrades to accompany you on your visits. Although our industrial base is weak, there are still some achievements we can showcase," Tukhachevsky agreed, nodding.

"Happy cooperation, Lieutenant General Tukhachevsky," Akado said, rising and extending his hand.

Tukhachevsky smiled and shook his hand, replying, "It's a blessing for the German Wehrmacht to have someone like you. Perhaps in ten years, you'll even manage to scare your French adversaries."

Not only the French, Akado thought darkly, but even Stalin, who would later be responsible for your demise, would be taken aback.