Chapter 300: Looting
As the British presence in Zanzibar sparked concern among East African officials, including Prince Constantine, there was a sense that the British might have ulterior motives. Although this suspicion was not confirmed, Prince Constantine decided to increase vigilance along the coastal areas.
In Venice, after its capture by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, General Albrecht didn't linger but instead moved swiftly to continue the campaign against the Kingdom of Italy. He left a brigade of second-line troops to oversee Venice.
Lieutenant General Admonsto, tasked with overseeing Venice, began the process of screening and expelling those who had betrayed Austria or had affiliations with the former Italian government.
Venice's port was abuzz with activity. Austrian soldiers, acting as porters, transported various boxes of machinery and equipment from the factories and enterprises under military control in Venice. The Hexingen Consortium's mechanical identification personnel had carefully packed these boxes after confirming the machinery's value and function.
Adro, a Hexingen Consortium staff member, emphasized the importance of handling the cargo with care to Will, an Austrian soldier involved in the transport. Will assured him that they would take great care and mentioned that he had even procured a flatbed truck to ensure smooth transportation.
Adro warned Will about the red-marked boxes, containing delicate and valuable components. Any damage to these parts would lead to rejection and losses for the Hexingen Consortium.
After the boxes were transported to Warehouse No. 1, they underwent inspections to ensure their contents were intact. The staff recorded the machinery components and provided a small ticket, which could be exchanged for cash later.
Will and his fellow soldiers were pleased, knowing they'd have some extra money to enjoy at a tavern.
Meanwhile, inside the City Hall of Venice, Anthony, the manager of the Venice branch of the Hechingen Bank, met with General Admonsto. There were still documents from the Venice city government on the desk. As Italians were barred from any involvement in the city's affairs, the Austrians had reclaimed Venice without much resistance.
Anthony expressed his gratitude to General Admonsto for the support the Austrians had provided. He handed over a Hechingen Bank check as a token of appreciation.
Admonsto accepted the check and remarked on the ease of their cooperation. He mentioned the availability of equipment from the seized factories and extended an offer to Anthony to purchase additional machinery if needed.
Anthony declined the offer, explaining that the equipment from the seized factories was sufficient for their requirements. He also mentioned the need to leave some resources for the local population to prevent unrest.
Admonsto joked about the favorable prices, but Anthony knew that the Hexingen Consortium had already acquired what they desired. Anthony's visit was more of a gesture of goodwill.
The looting and redistribution of wealth and resources continued in Venice, with different parties benefiting from the spoils. Venice's population and industries were dispersed among the Austro-Hungarian Empire, East Africa, and Italy, leading to shifts in power and employment dynamics. The consequences of this upheaval were still unfolding.