Chapitre 57: Breaking point
On the afternoon of that fateful day, Colonel Smith, the military attaché of the British Embassy, stood before a sea of reporters, representing the British government, the Foreign Office, and the Royal Navy. With a solemn demeanor, he delivered a series of statements that echoed through the room, illuminated by the relentless flashes of cameras. "The British Empire supports the German people's desire for national security in principle and understands the efforts made by the Germans to protect the motherland!" he proclaimed. "The British government once again reiterates its support for the German people's actions out of the shadow of war! We are skeptical of the so-called 'Pluto Project'! I firmly believe that this is a scam laid by conspirators who undermine peace and affect regional stability! The British government will continue to trust Germany and cooperate with Germany in various fields! The Royal Navy will strive to ensure the safety of German merchant ships on the high seas... God bless the people of Britain and Germany!"
The Great German Party, having borne the brunt of international humiliation, finally saw a resolution to the tumultuous "exposure of the Hades Project" incident. With Britain breaking the diplomatic barriers that had isolated Germany internationally, Germany emerged as an ally recognized by Britain. Politicians who had sought to leverage external forces to compel the National Defense Forces to relinquish their command were left dumbfounded. They had witnessed the demise of a dozen leaders on a night that came to be known as "Bloody Night," yet they achieved nothing, not even the slightest bit of sympathy. These politicians, viewed as traitors by their own people, faced public scorn and derision.
"Now you have gained the upper hand," remarked Tukhachevsky, observing Akado pour wine with a sly grin. "It's not cheap to drink your wine. Who will compensate for our Soviet Union's losses?"
"Come now, General Tukhachevsky, you don't need to play coy!" Akado retorted with a smile. "Providing technical support for 200 submarines is no small feat. To throw one plan over another, masking the truth with reality, is the most intelligent form of intelligence warfare."
"Don't spout nonsense at me!" Tukhachevsky laughed heartily. "You are the master of intelligence warfare! By selling intelligence, you've made two countries more dependent on your Germany."
"Let's not flatter each other too much!" Akado waved dismissively, still smiling. "You're here not just to bid farewell, but surely you have some pressing questions for me."
"How did you know?" Tukhachevsky was taken aback.
Pointing to his temple, Akado chuckled. "Intuition."
"I'm curious," Tukhachevsky began, his expression turning serious. "You've secretly formed an alliance with us and assisted the Soviet Union in infrastructure development. Yet, you continue to play a double game with the British. Aren't you worried that in the end, you might be isolated by both sides?"
After finishing his wine, Tukhachevsky stood up. "One day, you might suffer because of today's actions. I personally suggest you choose a side wholeheartedly to secure a true ally." With those words, he left Akado's office.
"You're mistaken, my friend," Akado murmured to himself after Tukhachevsky's departure, savoring the last drop of his wine. "Owning far-reaching influence means never having real friends, but it also means eventually eliminating all the false ones."
Akado had thought that by exposing the "Pluto Project" and sending off Tukhachevsky and the Soviet delegation, he could rest for a while. However, the year 1929 was shaping up to be anything but tranquil. On April 11, 1929, Ibn Saud, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, driven by expanding ambitions and dissatisfaction with his country's resource allocation, launched a "war of reunification" against several neighboring tribes. With the tacit approval and even support from Germany, Britain, France, and other countries, the conflict escalated. German "Shen" transport ships ferried countless arms to the Middle East, which were exchanged for vast quantities of oil and dollars flowing back to Europe.
Meanwhile, Britain commissioned Germany to construct two battleships, "Handsome" and "Perfect," with the keels laid down in Kiel. The British paid 16 million pounds for these ships, which featured new dual-unit turrets equipped with sophisticated German firing systems, designed to counter the Soviet-class battleships of the Red regime. The hefty sum was a sore point for the British, especially since the cost of their "George V" battleship had been only 7.4 million pounds. However, intelligence from the Baltic shipyard in Leningrad necessitated the expenditure to match the might of what were to be Germany's "Bismarck" and "Tirpitz."
But what truly occupied Akado's time was the finalization of a near-perfect design by Mercedes-Benz Motors, prompting him to initiate mass production of the future mainstay of the German armored forces—a tank codenamed "Plan No. 4." This tank, an industrial marvel of the era, was a testament to the design prowess informed by Akado's previous life experiences. With a front featuring sloped armor plates 50 mm thick and supported by six pairs of large-diameter load wheels, the design was revolutionary compared to earlier German tanks. Its wide tracks and the mother-daughter cross-track structure allowed it to navigate complex muddy battlefields and harsh road conditions effectively.
The tank was manned by a five-person crew—driver, mechanic, gunner, loader, and captain—a configuration that epitomized the efficient WWII tank crews, capable of processing information swiftly and sustaining prolonged combat operations. The suspension system, an improvement on the American Christie tank's design, enhanced the tank's mobility and reliability significantly. For the first time, German tanks featured a rear gearbox layout, which pushed the turret slightly forward rather than centering it, as in previous models. At Akado's behest, a basket was welded behind the turret for storing various items, a practical touch that slightly altered the turret's aesthetic.
Regrettably, the tank still employed a gasoline engine rather than a diesel one. Although diesel offered numerous advantages and more robust, reliable power, resource constraints and existing practices in Germany necessitated the use of gasoline engines—at least for the time being.
The tank's large, angular welded turret was designed to house a 75 mm short-barrel cannon, formidable against any contemporary tank and adaptable for more potent armaments if needed. This flexibility was akin to "wearing larger pants," allowing room for growth. The engine compartment included space for additional fuel tanks, and the turret's enlarged design made the interior more comfortable, albeit at the cost of reduced speed due to the increased bulk. Yet, it remained the most formidable super tank in Germany's arsenal.
Most importantly, the tank was designed for low-cost, simple production processes, offering significant improvements in protection and firepower over its predecessor, the No. 3 tank, and allowing for future enhancements. Despite its combat weight exceeding 30 tons—a behemoth by the standards of the time—Akado encouraged this breakthrough, knowing that in the looming war, tanks weighing 30 to 40 tons would become the norm.
Satisfied with the design, which combined the best features of German and Soviet tank technology, Akado ordered the Krupp plant and Mercedes-Benz to commence joint production of this new tank, christening it "Leopard." By early 1933, he anticipated that the National Defense Force would have 700 of these new tanks, replacing the No. 3 tank as the standard equipment of the German armored forces.
Unlike other commanders of his era, Akado did not dwell on categorizing tanks into "support" and "combat" roles. Instead, he focused on developing tanks capable of engaging enemy tanks effectively—"tank hunters," as he called them. The role of supporting infantry was to be assigned to the new German "3rd assault gun."
However, just as Akado was finalizing his plans for the production and deployment of the IDF tank 4, a piece of news reached him that threatened to undermine his extensive preparations, casting a shadow over his otherwise flourishing endeavors.
"What are you talking about?" Akado asked, visibly shaken, his hand loosening its grip so that the file he was holding fell to the ground with a soft thud. "General, please, take a moment to mourn," Anna said, her head bowed, her voice heavy with sorrow. "Didn't I instruct you to have someone look after him? How could this have happened so quickly?" Akado's frown deepened as he directed his frustration towards Anna.
"The people we dispatched did everything within their power. We even secured the best doctor available," Anna replied, her voice breaking into a sob. "But he was constantly preoccupied with 'Plan 4'. The overwork... it just worsened his condition…"
"Don't say another word!" Akado interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. "Leave me. I need to be alone."
As Anna exited, Akado's heart sank with a profound sadness. Mr. Carl Benz, his loyal supporter and mentor, akin to an elder, had passed away. The old man had dedicated his entire life to advancing Germany's automotive industry and had entrusted his connections and resources to his favored protégé, Akado. Now, feeling utterly powerless, Akado reflected on the recent events. Despite his efforts to provide Mr. Benz with the best medical care and advice, it seemed only to add to the old man's burdens, hastening his decline. A troubling thought crossed his mind: was all his hard work to strengthen the German Wehrmacht in vain?
"Anna!" Akado called out, regaining some composure. "Arrange the funeral for Mr. Benz personally. Also, contact Mr. Robert Adams for me; I intend to appoint him as the new head of Mercedes-Benz. And ensure that Mr. Benz's family receives a 5% stake in the Mercedes-Benz Motor Company. They should want for nothing. Understood?"
"Yes, General! Please take care of yourself. The German people still need you," Anna responded, performing a customary German salute before leaving.
"I know. You may go," Akado dismissed her with a wave of his hand.
Just then, Sindra entered, carrying a large stack of papers. "General, four representatives from the German Union Chamber of Commerce are here to see you. They are inquiring about the timeline for returns on the 'Sewing Needle Project'."
"A bunch of vultures, only ever concerned with profits! Mr. Carl Benz has only just passed, and they can't even find a more suitable time to return?" Akado slammed his fist on the table, his voice filled with indignation.
"Yes, General," Sindra replied, turning to leave.
"Wait!" Akado called out suddenly. "Reassure them. After Mr. Benz's funeral, I will hold a meeting to discuss the 'Sewing Needle Plan'."
"Understood, General," Sindra responded, noting the brief lapse in Akado's composure, a rare glimpse of vulnerability. In that moment, she saw him not just as a leader, but as a person.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have lost my temper at you," Akado said after a moment's pause.
"It's okay," Sindra replied, accepting his apology. "I too mourn Mr. Carl Benz's departure. Please, take your time to grieve."
The day of the funeral was overcast, the sky a blanket of grey. Akado, dressed in his military uniform, led the procession. Behind him followed the members of the Grand Deutsche Party, including a hundred members of Congress and several high-ranking officials from the National Defense Force. The assembly watched in solemn silence as Mr. Benz's coffin was lowered into the ground and a tombstone erected in his honor.
After bowing three times before the tombstone—a gesture whose significance was lost on the onlookers—Akado addressed the crowd. "Thank you for attending Mr. Carl Benz's funeral. He was a mentor to me, almost like a grandfather, and he taught me much about duty and perseverance. His dedication to the prosperity of Germany was unmatched. He loved this country deeply, more so than many who claim patriotism. His contributions to our nation surpass those of anyone present here. He lived for Germany's prosperity."
"I aspire to emulate him—to dedicate my life to the future of the German people, to ensure our nation stands strong among world powers. Long live the Great German Party! Long live the Great German people! Victory—long live!" Akado saluted the tombstone as the crowd echoed his sentiments, their right arms raised in unison.
"Rest in peace, Carl Benz. I will fulfill your wishes. I will lead the Great German Party and our people towards victory, to realize our shared dreams," Akado thought, looking out over the fervent crowd.
That evening, representatives from various businesses arrived at the headquarters of the Great German Party, a new building named "Comet" located at the end of William Street. Eager to learn about the potential profits from the "Sewing Needle Plan," they gathered for an emergency economic meeting to discuss the implementation of the plan, which had tied up significant funds.
The meeting began chaotically. "Mr. President, when you initiated the 'Sewing Needle Plan,' we agreed, trusting in your and Mr. Krupp's vision. However, the anticipated opportunity to leverage these funds has not materialized. Our capital is tied up, yielding no returns, and we've missed other investment opportunities," a balding businessman complained.
"General Akado, the interest alone from these funds could make anyone wealthy overnight, but the cost has been high. Many of us have foregone chances to expand and develop our businesses. If you cannot provide a satisfactory explanation, I will be at a loss to justify this to our board," added another in a gray suit.
"Mr. Krupp, you initiated this fundraising. You have at least three billion in it. Surely, you must have something to say?" a distant voice inquired, the owner obscured in the shadows.
Another chimed in, "Yes, Mr. Krupp, I heard you mortgaged your own villa to support General Akado. Doesn't he owe you an explanation?"
Voices of discontent continued until Akado, maintaining a calm demeanor, spoke up, "If you are dissatisfied, you may withdraw your funds. I will ensure you are paid interest. Please register your company and account details on your way out, and leave your name."
Silence fell. No one dared move; to be the first to withdraw would be to invite scrutiny, perhaps even retaliation, though it was unspoken. The businessmen, seasoned in corporate battles, understood the stakes. They exchanged glances, but no one stepped forward.
"Since no one wishes to withdraw, I assume there are no further issues?" Krupp stood, his tone laced with a challenge.
The businessmen left, their dissatisfaction palpable but unvoiced, each privately contemplating how to recover their investments.
"Akado, this is not a sustainable solution," Krupp remarked once they were alone, wiping sweat from his brow. "If the opportunities we anticipated never materialize, these men will become uncontrollable."
"Give it a few more months," Akado replied, leaning back in his chair, a wearied hand covering his forehead. "Keep an eye on these men. Monitor their communications around the clock. I don't want any leaks about this plan."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone