ตอน 8: Becoming a major
Akado had been serving as a captain for only three months and four days when he received an unexpected appointment letter. As he boarded the train to Berlin, he still found it difficult to distinguish between the southeast and northwest directions. The sudden happiness was overwhelming, almost too much for him to bear. He felt a mix of confusion and disbelief, unable to fathom why such an order had come from Berlin. It was indeed unusual for a newly promoted captain to be elevated to the rank of major, making him part of the defense army's official officers. His rapid promotion was arguably the fastest in German military history.
To some extent, his advancement could be considered entirely irregular. Fortunately for him, his previous promotion had been orchestrated by a wholly unauthorized interim government. The chaos spawned by this interim regime had not yet fully subsided, with the aftermath of various coups still being addressed. Amidst this turmoil, the promotion of a lieutenant to captain barely registered as a concern. After all, there were as many as 17 temporary ministers and over 20 major generals awaiting attention. Moreover, Akado's promotion to captain had been endorsed by Colonel Kruzer, making it well justified and entirely within the bounds of military regulations.
However, his newest promotion to major was more controversial. Akado's experience was minimal, having occupied the captain's post for just over three months without any notable achievements or exemplary performance. His role had been largely ceremonial, overseeing the gas prevention team without real engagement. Yet, this promotion to major had been proposed by the newly appointed commander-in-chief, General Sickett, and met with no substantial objections. It seemed everyone tacitly accepted the decision—perhaps suspecting that Akado, the young officer, was a protégé or even a relative of General Sickett.
Upon his arrival in Berlin, Akado was greeted by Sergeant Gore, who saluted crisply, the sound of his heels clicking together resonating even amidst the bustle of the train station. "Mr. Major, I am Sergeant Gore from the headquarters garrison, guard camp. I salute you," he announced.
Akado, still unaccustomed to his new rank, awkwardly returned the salute and introduced himself, "Hello, Sergeant Gore. I am Major Akado, coming from Hamburg to report to the headquarters."
Sergeant Gore appeared slightly puzzled, having already been briefed about Akado's identity. The major's nervousness and cautious introduction amused him; this major was indeed an interesting character. He lacked the typical demeanor of a commanding officer and certainly didn't carry the air of an aristocrat. To Gore, Akado seemed more like a simple countryman than the rumored illegitimate son of General Sickett.
As they left the station, Akado slowly began to embrace his new identity. A black car navigated through the crowded streets of Berlin, slicing through the throng of people. Inside the car, Akado listened to Sergeant Gore, who alternated between introducing the local customs of Berlin and complaining about the "Treaty of Versailles."
They soon arrived at the headquarters of the National Defense Forces. As Akado presented his identification to the soldiers guarding the entrance, he noticed the metal sign with "German Defence Forces Headquarters" inscribed in elegant lettering. The soldiers, after inspecting his ID, saluted and welcomed him, "Welcome, Mr. Major."
Inside, Akado was directed to General Sickett's office, where he encountered a robust female secretary named Grace, who was sharing a light moment with a maid. Upon seeing Akado, Grace gestured for Sergeant Gore to leave and warmly addressed Akado, "You must be the luckiest person in the world."
Akado, slightly bemused by the comment, touched his nose and offered a wry smile. At 21, being a major was indeed a stroke of luck, though he was aware of the challenges that awaited him at the headquarters. He doubted many others could manage the responsibilities as effectively as he believed he could.
"Do you know me?" Akado inquired, curious about the familiarity with which everyone seemed to treat him.
"I'm Lieutenant Grace, General Sickett's secretary. You've become quite well-known around here recently, so it's not surprising many are familiar with you. And now you know me too," Grace replied with a smile that reflected the typical resilience and competence of German women.
Grace then knocked on the door to General Sickett's office and, upon hearing the invitation to enter, pushed the door open for Akado. Inside, the office was dominated by a large desk, seemingly oversized for the room, a testament to the importance of the headquarters of the German Wehrmacht. Akado humorously wondered if it was larger than the President's desk.
General Sickett, spotting Akado, removed his monocle and greeted him warmly. Surprisingly, Akado recognized the general as the middle-aged man he had encountered on his train ride to Hamburg. The general confirmed his identity with a smile and explained that he had been impressed by a conversation they had on the train, which led him to recruit Akado as his assistant.
Skeptical yet intrigued, Akado questioned how the general was so sure of his suitability for the role. Sickett, with a life of military experience, confidently reassured him of his decision, pointing out that if he were mistaken about Akado's capabilities, it would be a significant oversight.
The general then challenged Akado with a stack of documents detailing the reorganization plan for the 1st Division of the German Wehrmacht. As Akado reviewed the plans, he suggested bold innovations, including the formation of a tank force, despite the restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. He proposed using vehicles disguised with canvas to simulate tanks, ensuring the division could effectively simulate armored warfare.
Impressed by Akado's audacity and vision, General Sickett tasked him with overseeing the reorganization of the division, expecting significant progress within a month. As Akado left to meet with Major General Harmon and begin his new assignment, he felt the weight of his responsibilities but also a thrilling sense of opportunity. This was his chance to truly make a mark on the future of the German military and, by extension, the nation itself.
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