New defense force

In the serene expanse of southern Bavaria, nestled within the confines of Germany's clandestine military base H-1, a gate painstakingly enclosed by barbed wire was gradually nudged open by a contingent of soldiers. Beyond the perimeter, a sleek new Mercedes-Benz idled, its engine humming softly as it awaited the clearance to proceed. As the gate swung wide, the vehicle began its slow advance.

Inside the car, Lieutenant Colonel Guderian, occupying the co-pilot's seat, gestured towards the expansive field ahead and turned with a smile to address Akado, who was seated in the rear. "In a moment, you'll witness the tanks coordinating with the Air Force in an assault exercise. It's been meticulously prepared for your viewing," he said with evident pride.

Akado, unmoved by the display set before him, responded with a hint of irritation, "You're staging this for the benefit of the defense officials and the numerous military factory technicians present, not for me. Those officers are the financiers, and the engineers are the creators of the weapons. I am merely a spectator here."

The mood lightened as Gustav Krupp, sitting adjacent to Akado, let out a chuckle. "As the vice-chairman of the Grand German Party, I must remind you, you're not just any spectator. You are our supreme leader, hardly an insignificant figure," he asserted with a serious tone cloaked in humor.

Krupp then leaned forward, his voice filled with enthusiasm as he boasted about their armaments. "We have sixty 150mm cannons and ninety 88mm anti-aircraft guns, all featuring the latest designs and capable of being transported by mule carts. I stake my reputation on the fact that these weapons are the most advanced globally. When the French manage a single shot, we can unleash twenty in return."

Curious about more strategic assets, Akado interjected, "And how are the preparations for the secret weapons coming along?" His interest clearly lay beyond conventional artillery; his focus was on the recently added tanks to the Defense Force's arsenal.

"The P-2 tanks have been outfitted with 30 units. I've arranged for tank drivers from the Soviet Union to rotate through training on five tank trains. The demand is high, and we're struggling with the slow pace of delivery," Guderian confessed, casting a glance towards Krupp, his tone tinged with frustration.

Krupp, understanding the logistical challenges, shook his head, dampening Guderian's hopes for a quick resolution. "Lieutenant Colonel, do you realize how limited the funding from the FDF was? Barely 90,000 German marks, which wouldn't even cover the cost of the tank wheels! Between the IDF and the Mann company, we're owed upwards of 700,000 US dollars. Every cannon we supply is a financial hit."

Krupp expanded on the difficulties, "Moreover, we must operate under the radar of the joint arms control committee. We're forced to initiate production in the dead of night, avoiding heavy machinery to remain discreet. This not only escalates costs but also curtails our production rate and volume. Despite being a major business, we're financially strained, and Mann is faring even worse, currently entangled with the Swedish over unsettled debts."

Akado, constrained by financial limitations, was equally troubled. His enterprises needed nurturing to evolve into the behemoths they were destined to be, and he was wary of diverting too much funding, fearing it might stifle their growth.

Historically, regimes like Hitler's had resorted to extreme measures such as confiscating Jewish property to bridge fiscal shortfalls. However, Akado, bound by the ethos of the Great German Party, steered clear of such overt actions.

With a heavy sigh, he proposed a controversial solution. "Krupp, draft a list for me, and I'll have the Gestapo initiate proceedings. We'll target wealthy capitalists, specifically those who are merely speculating. Industrialists must be excluded from this list."

Krupp nodded in understanding. Although the approach was fraught with moral ambiguity, it presented a rapid means to alleviate financial pressures.

Akado had previously commandeered private mining operations in the Ruhr, redirecting the coal to France and Sweden to mitigate grievances and distract French officials. This covert operation mimicked embezzlement, yet the proceeds were funneled into the National Defense Forces through clandestine channels managed by the Gestapo.

The 90,000 German marks paid to Krupp had been scraped together through various schemes, including skimming egg whites from soldiers' breakfasts to sell to local eateries, a tactic that epitomized Akado's desperate financial maneuvers.

Akado even resorted to tactics from a forgotten tome, instructing merchant ships to 'accidentally' lose their chimneys en route to Sweden and Denmark, only to acquire superior copper replacements which were then smuggled back as reserves.

Despite these stringent measures and the omnipresent surveillance of the Coalition Arms Control Committee, the German Defense Forces had burgeoned. By January 20, 1924, confidential documents revealed a force of 300,000 regular troops, equipped with the latest in military technology including aircraft, destroyers, and tanks.

Yet, the true strength of the Wehrmacht lay not just in numbers but in the caliber of its personnel. Over half of the soldiers possessed at least a high school diploma, and a significant portion held university degrees. The forces were well-trained and technologically adept, boasting patent holders and published scholars among their ranks.

Akado's relentless pursuit of military preparedness had amassed an impressive arsenal and stockpile, including millions of rifle bullets, thousands of artillery shells, and substantial reserves of essential resources like oil and rubber.

The financial strain was omnipresent, with every facet of military readiness demanding substantial funds—from weapon production and infrastructure development to strategic reserve accumulation and personnel expenses.

As the Mercedes-Benz approached the observation platform, Akado's thoughts were interrupted by the sight of twenty new tanks arrayed on the training field, accompanied by infantry and armored vehicles in a simulated assault. Biplanes swooped low, dropping stones to mimic air support.

The display culminated in resounding applause and chants of Akado's name, swelling into fervent cries of "Long live Great Germany! Long live victory!" Standing, Akado saluted the troops, his voice booming in response, "Long live victory! Long live Great Germany!" The echoes of allegiance and determination resonated across the field, encapsulating the spirit and aspirations of a reborn military force poised to confront and surpass its rivals.

At this moment, Akado felt a certain level of satisfaction. After all, he had managed to alter history and strengthen the National Defense Force ahead of time. The force was now robust enough to potentially expand his army exponentially over the next decade. Meanwhile, far away in Berlin, General Seeker was busy orchestrating his own dreams. Unlike Akado, who had meticulously trained several future armored divisions, Seeker had transformed some of his divisions into elite infantry and cavalry units. Most of Seeker's troops were equipped with bicycles and horses, and even carriages were incorporated into his cavalry units.

Take, for example, the 1st Division, which General Seeker held in high regard. Under the command of General Harmon, the 1st Division of the National Defense Force boasted nearly 13,000 personnel, but only 140 cars and 52 armored vehicles. The majority of the soldiers were equipped with bicycles or horses, and the division also included an independent cavalry troop of up to 3,000 soldiers. In contrast, the 15th Division, another main force of the National Defense Forces, was equipped with 70 armored reconnaissance vehicles and over 500 cars. With only 10,000 personnel, thousands of whom were undergoing tank training, the 15th Division was evolving into a true armored division.

However, Seeker dismissed Akado's efforts. He believed that warfare would continue in the mode of World War I, hence his preference for seemingly outdated equipment like bicycles and war horses. He was well aware of the secret military exercises Akado conducted in the southern Bavarian mountains. To maintain secrecy, he assigned traditional German military drills to the 1st Division under Harmon's command, ostensibly to prevent the Joint Arms Control Committee from spying on Wehrmacht secrets.

This time, Seeker prepared an elaborate military exercise to counter Akado's arrogance and reassert his dominance within the IDF. He felt increasingly threatened as more soldiers, officers, and even high-ranking generals of the IDF joined a secret organization long under investigation but only known as the Great German Party. Because of this, Major Gascolle had also come under criticism from Seeker, despite the Gestapo's otherwise flawless record in investigative and espionage work. The investigation into the Great German Party had made no progress.

Seeker harbored a vague unease, yet he was reluctant to use any pretext to dismiss Akado, who was also striving to enhance the National Defense Force. Moreover, he knew that Akado privately owned many companies and enterprises that sponsored the development of the National Defense Forces. Neither he nor Seeker wanted to incur the infamy associated with ingratitude.

As the routine exercises of the National Defense Force continued, observation groups from various countries gathered, chatting and laughing together. This grand exercise seemed less like military training and more like a theatrical performance. The IDF soldiers, devoid of tanks, rode high-headed horses, and ran between trenches carrying Mackin heavy machine guns, which weighed over 50 pounds. There was no indication that the German armed forces posed any threat.

During the exercise, a middle-aged man sitting next to General Seeker commented with a smile, "I am truly delighted to witness such a spectacular military exercise." The man was clad in a resplendent Prussian military uniform, adorned with various ceremonial medals. Seated on Seeker's right, this middle-aged individual held even more nobility than Seeker himself. He was none other than the eldest son of the former German Emperor Wilhelm II, the former Crown Prince of the German Empire, H.E. Friedrich Wilhelm Victor August Ernst. His lengthy name alone indicated his high status within aristocratic circles.

Over the years, Seeker had maintained contact with the former emperor's family, being a staunch loyalist who sometimes despised the Weimar Republic and its ineffectual old army. "This is a gift for Your Highness," Seeker gestured towards the refreshed-looking IDF soldiers. "Even with only 10,000 men, these soldiers can defeat an enemy ten times their size. They are the finest!"

"Will you support my return and help reclaim everything my father once had?" the Crown Prince asked, his gaze fixed on a heavy machine gun company firing live ammunition in the distance. He leaned in to pose the question to General Seeker.

"It will take time, and the merchants who have recently come to power are not so easily dealt with. The Defense Force still listens to their voices. I have been working to sideline these adversaries, but to no avail," Seeker explained. It wasn't a matter of days to seize power, and the current circumstances were not favorable for the royal family.

"Too many have betrayed us, including those who always supported us! These villains will face justice sooner or later," the Crown Prince said angrily, his brow furrowed. "The audacity of Hindenburg to take the presidency after my father! He was but a mere officer in front of my father!"

Realizing that discussing military figures might be sensitive for Seeker, as it implied an insult to the current Seeker, the Crown Prince quickly changed the subject. "And that scoundrel Gustav Krupp! He married Miss Bertha Krupp by leveraging my father's trust. He turned out to be nothing more than a profit-seeking businessman!"

"And recently, he and Colonel Akado Rudolph have been seen together, supporting some of his internal activities within the IDF! This has made it difficult for me to control the IDF," Seeker admitted, sounding helpless.

"So you can't hold your breath?" the Crown Prince asked, slightly displeased. "Did you invite me in haste to this military exercise so everyone can see your stance and garner more supporters?"

"Yes, I want a decisive battle with Akado, who represents those businessmen! I believe Hindenburg will stand by my side, and ultimately, we will gain control of the entire National Defense Force. This way, we can welcome His Majesty the Emperor back to Germany," Seeker affirmed, nodding his head.

"Have you considered how those businessmen might react? They could respond more fiercely! And Hindenburg's support is not guaranteed," the Crown Prince said, his tone tinged with nervousness, contemplating the potential success of Seeker's strategy and the power it would grant him.

"President Hindenburg is a monarchist! Trust me," Seeker declared proudly. As the remote artillery positions fired live ammunition, he raised his voice to be heard.

Not far behind, Gustav Stresemann, the German Foreign Minister, overheard the conversation and smiled subtly.

Meanwhile, the news reached a secret military base in the southern Bavarian mountains. Krupp paced around Akado in the lounge, concerned. "What should we do? Seeker has brought out the Crown Prince, rallying the supporters of the old nobility and His Majesty the Emperor. If they join him, we're finished."

"Why do you say that? Since the Emperor abdicated, it proves that the capitalists are powerful enough to challenge imperial authority. What are we afraid of?" Akado responded confidently.

"But not all these merchants support you. I was originally a follower of the royal family. Maybe one day I'll switch sides! Then you'll have nothing, and you might end up at the guillotine," Krupp argued, his voice tinged with irritation.

"You? You won't switch sides! There's no benefit in doing so!" Akado laughed. "But they always have the support of the army, though the army's stance is not unified. Take me, for example, or President Hindenburg. Any rash action could lead to civil war."

"How can you be so sure President Hindenburg won't side with the royalists? You know, just a year ago, he was a prominent figure among the royalists who supported the Emperor," Krupp said anxiously.

Akado looked at the worried Krupp and replied with a hint of humor, "You can rest assured. Marshal Hindenburg is a loyal supporter of the Emperor, but President Hindenburg absolutely does not want such an Emperor."

"What if the Emperor promises Hindenburg the position of Prime Minister?" Krupp speculated after a moment's thought.

"Remember Bismarck?" Akado chuckled. "Promising Hindenburg the Prime Ministership, where does that leave Seeker? He's the Marshal of the National Defense Force now!"

Reassured, Krupp settled back into his seat. "So we don't have to worry about anything this time?"

"What are you worried about? You think these people are going to march themselves to their doom?" Akado took a sip of coffee. "I'm more concerned that the royal family is backing some political parties for their own benefit, rather than standing behind certain individuals trying to regain power."

"You're watching out for Hitler's Nazi Party? He's still in prison now," Krupp said, his sense of crisis alleviated, and his mood considerably lighter.

Akado shook his head. "You also went to prison and soon became a national hero. If it wasn't for the Nazi Party stirring things up, I should have ordered his execution that day. I always worry that not doing so was the biggest mistake I made."

"Are we not doing anything this time? Isn't it too easy on old man Seeker?" Krupp changed the subject, stopping the debate about the Nazi Party with Akado. After all, Hitler was a friend of Akado's, and Krupp felt it was somewhat rude to discuss his life and death.

"Watch your words, Krupp! Seeker is an indispensable figure in the revitalization of the National Defense Force! Although he and we are not in the same camp, you still have to respect him," Akado cautioned. "Besides, I'm certainly not doing nothing."

Krupp paused, then laughed.

Author's note: Historically, General Hickett allowed Prince William to participate in the military exercise held in 1926 as a soldier. For the purposes of this narrative, the character has been changed to the Crown Prince and the timeline advanced to 1924. Please forgive any historical inaccuracies. Thank you.