Capítulo 34: Celebration
At the tender age of 26, Major General Akado was a figure worthy of celebration. Gustav Krupp, recognizing the significance of Akado's rapid rise within the military, decided to host a grand reception in his honor. The event was to be a lavish affair, attended by influential figures from both business and military sectors.
"The reception is for me?" Akado asked, a hint of amusement in his tone as he addressed Krupp's personal butler who had come to deliver the invitation.
"Yes, Mr. Akado," the butler replied with a deferential bow. "It has been meticulously prepared in your honor."
As Akado's influence within the military grew, so too did the presence of the German Party within the ranks of the Wehrmacht. More officers were aligning themselves with the party, enhancing its significance. The restless businessmen and scholars within the party saw the reception as an opportunity to advance other agendas.
Upon hearing this, Akado simply smiled and nodded. "Tell Mr. Krupp I will be there," he confirmed.
The evening of the reception was filled with the melodious strains of Bach. Akado, wine glass in hand, was engaged in conversation with several generals from the National Defense Forces. These men showed a keen interest in the German Party; some were already devoted followers of Akado, while others tacitly supported the party's recruitment efforts within their ranks. The atmosphere was congenial, the group of men appearing quite harmonious.
Akado, a striking figure with his tall stature, handsome features, and short blond hair, was the epitome of a military heartthrob. Numerous elegant ladies hovered nearby, eager for a chance to express their admiration once he was free from his discussion with the generals.
However, their plans were thwarted by an unexpected interruption. Carl Benz, the President of Daimler-Benz, approached the group, apologizing as he sought Akado's attention. "Excuse me, gentlemen, I need a moment with Mr. Akado Rudolph," he said, emphasizing Akado's role as the chairman of the Grand German Party rather than his military title.
The generals, most of whom were nobles, politely took their leave after a sip of their drinks, soon surrounded by the group of eager women.
"What's the matter?" Akado inquired, still smiling.
Carl Benz, after a sip of his own drink, replied, "You've acquired about 54% of our company's stock. You're essentially my boss now, and I have matters to discuss that concern you."
Akado shrugged and responded lightheartedly, "I've never seen you as just an employee; you've always been a friend to me."
"That's what makes you remarkable," Benz chuckled. "You treat us as friends, and we respect and follow your leadership with great efficiency. But today, I'm here on a personal matter."
"A personal matter? What could that be? After work, I return to my apartment and spend the night poring over more than 20 books and plans," Akado said, his curiosity piqued.
Benz smiled wryly. "Akado, don't you see the issue here?"
"What issue? What could possibly be the problem?" Akado asked, genuinely puzzled.
Benz shook his glass slightly before explaining, "You're a 26-year-old major general, wealthy, influential, and unmarried. That's unusual and problematic."
"How is that a problem?" Akado asked, still confused.
"The problem is significant," Benz elaborated with a laugh. "If you continue this way, rumors will start. People might think you're gay, and you might even attract unwanted attention from certain individuals who prefer such relationships."
"But I like women!" Akado protested.
"Who can vouch for that?" Benz challenged, half-jokingly.
Frustrated, Akado replied, "What proof do you need? My life is consumed by work. Between the office and the military camp, where do I find the time to meet women?"
Benz grinned, revealing his true intentions. "That's why I'm here. I'm not just here for myself; I have someone in mind for you. My head of sales in Austria has a daughter, 19 years old and stunningly beautiful. She's so lovely that we're naming our latest car model 'Mercedes' after her. How about I arrange a meeting?"
Akado, now understanding the capitalist motive behind the reception, smiled. "What other benefits might this arrangement bring?"
Benz was quick to outline the advantages. "More support from businessmen, a perceived balance between economic and military interests under your leadership, and less funding for rival parties like the Nazis."
Akado, seeing the strategic benefit, agreed. "Bring her to meet me. It seems I do need a companion to ward off unwanted attention at these events."
As the conversation concluded, Benz handed Akado a generous check, a token of the business community's appreciation. Akado decided to allocate half towards developing new aircraft engines, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening his forces.
Later, Krupp and Streisman approached, pleased with the developments. They assured Akado of their support and the backing of the Chamber of Commerce if he decided to run in the upcoming election.
"Join the Grand German Party," Akado demanded, recognizing the need to consolidate power openly. "We must step into the light and face our adversaries head-on."
Both men agreed, committing their resources and influence to the cause. As the night progressed, plans were laid to solidify the German Party's platform, ensuring its prominence and readiness to counter any political challenge, particularly from the Nazis.
The evening, while draped in the guise of a celebration, was a chessboard of strategic moves, with Akado skillfully navigating the complex interplay of military and economic powers.
Streisman looked at Akado and nodded, his voice resolute. "I will immediately summon the manpower to perfect our party platform tonight."
Krupp chimed in with equal urgency, "I will fly back to the Krupp factory at once and order the person in charge there to gather all the workers and have them join the Grand German Party."
Amidst the bustling conversation, Akado, with a smile, interjected, "And what about me? Your two vice-chairmen are busy. Is the chairman idle?"
Krupp looked at him, a laugh escaping his lips, "Chairman Akado, or should I say, Major General Akado? Congratulations are in order tonight!" Extending his left hand, he continued, "Congratulations, the 26-year-old Defense Forces Major General."
Akado shrugged his shoulders and shook hands with him, "Thank you."
Streisman also extended his hand, "Congratulations to you too, Mr. Akado, Chairman of the Grand German Party."
Akado did not withdraw his hand and shook Streisman's firmly, "Thank you too."
Krupp, holding a wine glass in his right hand, raised it slightly, "Wish you a good time tonight."
Streisman merely nodded towards Akado, then turned with Krupp to leave the reception. Akado knew well that the night would not be spent in revelry. He was to rush back to the headquarters of the German Wehrmacht to dispatch troops and arrange everything in anticipation of tomorrow's tasks. As he often remarked, personal time for love was a luxury he couldn't afford. His days were typically spent poring over company accounts at home or approving military documents at the army headquarters. To command a reliable army required more of his time than others might invest.
Watching the two men leave, Akado found a corner with a glass of wine. Honestly, he was not well-adapted to the atmosphere of this banquet, nor could he easily cope with the blond, passionate ladies and girls who surrounded him so closely he could hardly breathe, their incessant chatter making it impossible for him to think. So, finding a corner, he sought a moment of tranquility to breathe freely and maintain a composed mind in such settings.
"Hello, General," a timid voice reached him through the crowd, belonging to the newly promoted guard officer, Geer.
Akado turned around, offering a kind smile, "Hello, Lieutenant, what can I do for you?"
The young officer, appearing only a few years older than Akado, immediately stood at attention and saluted, "Lord General, I am Captain Elvin Rommel of the Stuttgart Cavalry Battalion. You invited me to this reception."
"That's right," Akado nodded, joking, "It seems I'm quite recognizable among a crowd of older men."
"General, may I ask why you summoned me from Stuttgart?" Rommel inquired, his tone laced with a hint of suspicion. "I've heard of your name, of course, but I'm puzzled as to how you've come to know of a mere captain like myself."
"Gold always shines, doesn't it?" Akado smiled, clapping Rommel on the shoulder. "Your performance in the last battle was outstanding. I heard you led three soldiers to repel an attack by twenty French soldiers."
"I also heard about your efforts to save over a hundred soldiers from gas poisoning in the last war," Rommel returned, looking at Akado earnestly. "I prefer straightforward dealings. What do you need from me?"
"I'm forming a cavalry division and need an advisor. Are you interested?" Akado's tone was direct, appreciating the same quality in Rommel.
"Cavalry Division?" Rommel's eyes lit up, "What kind of division? Am I qualified?"
"A brand new cavalry division, so no prior qualifications are needed," Akado reassured, patting Rommel's shoulder again. Despite Rommel being a few years his senior, he still had a youthful appearance. Akado, though also a tall and traditionally handsome German, felt somewhat inferior in comparison to Rommel's striking features.
"And this is a special cavalry division, very special," Akado added.
"I am qualified for this position!" Rommel asserted, sensing his big break. "Trust me!"
Akado raised his hand to halt Rommel's assurances, "What I need is loyalty, absolute loyalty! To me alone."
"To you alone?" Rommel echoed, slightly taken aback.
"Yes!" Akado confirmed. "Join the Grand German Party, be my man, my loyal man!"
This directive became Rommel's lasting memory of the evening. He returned to his hotel in a daze, unable to recall how he had even made it back to his bed. His soldier's instinct for caution had prevented him from immediately accepting Akado's offer. He told Akado he would consider it, and thus left the banquet hall sparsely, his mind heavy with thoughts.
But in the middle of the night, Rommel suddenly leapt from his bed, hurriedly dressed in his military uniform, and rushed to the headquarters of the National Defense Forces. Akado had told him he would be on duty there that night. When Rommel finally encountered Akado around 3 AM, Akado's face was marked by fatigue, evidence of a sleepless night.
Rommel, abandoning all restraint and hesitation, declared, "My lord! I will be loyal to your will, and I am willing to dedicate my life to your cause!"
"No more consideration?" Akado asked with a smile.
Rommel shook his head, "No, I've thought it through. If I work hard, it might take thirty years to become a general, but with you, perhaps ten years will suffice. Twenty years, and I could make a significant impact."
"I plan to have you form the 26th Cavalry Division of the National Defense Forces, but internally, it will be designated the 7th Armored Division. Maybe in two years, I want you to command this unit. Think you can handle it?"
"Of course! I believe I can!" Rommel replied confidently.
"You're still very junior, so I'll assign Major General Sturm to lead this division initially. I'll instruct him to cooperate with you on the formation," Akado explained, waving his hand to signify that Rommel would need to be patient for a while.
"Please rest assured, I know what to do. This division will be mine, and it will be mine soon," Rommel said confidently.
"Not only this division, as long as you follow me, I'll let you command more troops," Akado promised. "Follow General Sturm, learn from him, and apply that knowledge in the future. When I leave, you'll be promoted to Major Rommel."
"Yes!" Rommel saluted just as the office door knocked. Akado casually said, "Come in."
Gore entered, "Mr. Krupp called and said everything is ready."
"How is the party platform coming along?" Akado inquired. "Did you include the four points I mentioned? First, for the welfare of the workers and peasants, and for their happiness; second, to seek development for the capitalists, expand technology, and improve production for greater profits; third, to seek survival for the empire, building a world power to realize a Greater Germany; fourth, the Grand German Party is committed to sacrificing for the freedom and equality of all people!"
"It's been drafted according to your points, but we've made it sound more exciting," Gore reported, handing over the document to Akado. "You should review it yourself. If you agree, sign it, and we'll distribute it to all party members as an internal document."
Akado skimmed the document, then after a few minutes, walked to the desk, picked up a fountain pen, and signed his name: Akado Rudolph. He then grabbed the phone on the desk, "Get me the 15th Division... Hey? I'm Akado, Commander Rennes, order the 15th Division to start implementing the 'Haier Plan', and put the troops on the highest alert. You must not leave the command post! If the first division or any other units show unusual activity, immediately take command of the entire Berlin Armed Forces."
Commander Rennes responded firmly from the phone, "Yes."
After hanging up, Akado glanced at Gore, "Go and tell Major Gascol he's been promoted to the National Defense Force School. Have him start arranging the swearing-in ceremony for the entire headquarters of the National Defense Forces. I'll attend in person later."
"Yes!" Gore saluted.
"And," Akado continued, "take someone and take over the defense of the entire headquarters! Order the soldiers to load ammunition! Enter the highest level of alert! If you encounter any special issues, you can fire directly! You don't need to ask me."
"Yes!" Gore turned and walked out, unbuttoning his pistol holster as he went.
"What do I need to do?" Rommel asked from behind Akado. "I think I can help."
"You? For now, you'll be my guard. And by the way, watch a grand drama with me, a drama that will illuminate the earth at dawn," Akado said, his eyes glancing at the rising sun, his voice carrying a mix of tension and dominance, "The dawn shines on the earth, and the empire welcomes a new day."
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