When the Fast Boat set sail again, Otto, Edvin, and Wolf remained on U148 to command the submarine to sail at the same speed. The other 20 officers and crew members who stayed on board were all fully committed to following Zhang Hainuo and Hessen to the Americas. As for the remaining people, including those who had decided to leave, those who were still undecided, and those who had basically decided to follow the majority, they were gathered in the dining room of the Fast Boat.
After most people had finished their meal, Hessen and Zhang Hainuo walked to the most conspicuous position in the dining room, one after the other.
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
With just one sentence from the most senior and well-known Hessen, the entire dining room quieted down, but it was well known that the most important speaker was usually saved for last.
"I am officially announcing that the Aegean Treasure Operation has been successfully concluded!"
While usually characterized by composure and coldness, when saying this sentence, Hessen's demeanor was completely different from that of great leaders announcing major events. He seemed more like calmly narrating a matter, devoid of any exaggerated elements. Of course, he lacked the intense agitation of the madman who initially liked to give speeches in beer halls.
The tone was too calm, and the crew present didn't know whether to applaud or cheer, so in the end, they simply did nothing, earnestly perking up their ears and focusing their gaze on Hessen.
"Our enemy in the war, Britain, has recently intensified patrols in the Aegean Sea and has taken note of our previous activities in Antalya Harbor, purchasing diesel and food. After collective deliberation, we have decided to sail to the Americas to seek a new hiding place! However, in line with the principle of voluntarism, we do not compel everyone to accompany us to the Americas. You all have two options!"
Following this, Hessen handed over the speaking position to Zhang Hainuo. Without any transitional words, Zhang Hainuo took out a piece of paper from his pocket and said loudly:
"Deducting all previous expenses, our current assets are as follows: Turkish gold coins 256,000 pounds, silver coins 72,000 pounds, banknotes 78,000 pounds, 7 diamonds, 1 piece of jewelry set with various gemstones, 24,630 gold coins salvaged from sunken ships, 86 large gold objects, 361 small gold objects, and 29 gem-set gold objects!"
Pausing for 5 seconds, Zhang Hainuo continued:
"According to our previous agreement, these treasures belong to everyone and will be distributed according to military ranks and seniority. Considering that we are setting sail for the Americas next, I propose to allocate twenty percent of these assets as a common fund, which will be used to purchase supplies and pay various expenses. If anyone disagrees, please speak up now!"
This proposal had already been agreed upon within the officer team. To better implement their "sail far with the boat" plan, this was a necessary measure.
After waiting for a few minutes and seeing everyone waiting for the continuation, Zhang Hainuo announced:
"After extracting the common fund, the remaining eighty percent will be directly distributable wealth. Those who decide to leave the team and return to Germany will receive their fair share according to proportion. However, it needs to be clarified that the exact value of various treasures is difficult to calculate, so we can only provide an approximate estimate for now. For those who stay, we will formally distribute the wealth after determining its total value. Those leaving now, non-commissioned officers and below can receive 8,000 pounds of Turkish gold and silver coins as travel expenses, as well as 300 salvaged gold coins and 5 small gold objects. Those leaving now can still enjoy a share of 0.5 percent of the team's future investment returns in the Americas. If anyone disagrees, please speak up now!"
Next, no one spoke. However, this did not mean that everyone agreed with this distribution ratio. Most people were still calculating whether this ratio was favorable to them or not. After a few minutes, a non-commissioned officer on U21 raised his hand.
"Captain, although your distribution ratio seems very fair in terms of quantity, it seems that the gold objects set with gemstones and the jewelry salvaged from the No. 3 wreck are worth much more than gold coins!"
This statement immediately received agreement from some other crew members who were preparing to leave. Everyone was waiting for Zhang Hainuo's explanation.
"Yes, you are correct!" Zhang Hainuo replied without evasion. "But we have no way to break them apart for equal distribution, and their value cannot be accurately estimated! Therefore, we will use them for investments, and those leaving now will still enjoy a 0.5 percent share of the unallocated assets, meaning the unallocated assets will be included in everyone's future dividends!"
The officer who spoke just now thought for a moment and asked again, "Can you guarantee that these profits will be distributed to those of us who are leaving now in the future?"
"Yes, I guarantee it on behalf of the von Finkenshtain family's honor!"
"And the honor of the Hessen family!" Hessen added.
The officer did not speak anymore, but at this moment, another voice came from the back:
"If I give up the 0.5 percent dividend, can I receive more gold coins now?"
Without hesitation, Zhang Hainuo stated a number, "80 salvaged gold coins and 1 gold object. If you think these treasures are safer in your hands! I need to remind you that in a few days, we will dock at a Spanish port, where you can take a ship back to Germany or travel overland through Spain and France. But regardless of which option you choose, you must take care of the gold coins you carry!"
Such a reminder seemed more useful than a warning. However, for someone who had already decided to return to Germany and no longer wander, Zhang Hainuo believed that these words could not change their original intention. But for those observers, he still hoped to persuade them with emotion and reason.
"Now, those who have decided to leave, stand on my left side, those who have decided to stay, stand on my right side, and those who still need to consider, please stay where you are!"
As soon as Zhang Hainuo's voice fell, people began to move. Proll and Setz were Hessen's capable assistants, but their concern and sense of responsibility for their families made them go to the left without hesitation. Yangke had also been diligent on U148, and for the same reasons, he also joined the ranks of those leaving. Although Zhang Hainuo was very regretful about this, he had to respect their choices—allowing some people to leave under certain conditions could have a positive effect on maintaining the stability and cohesion of the team, while the opposite could lead to members of the team being at odds or even causing trouble at critical moments.
Gradually, the faces of the two major camps became clear, and what pleased Zhang Hainuo and Hessen was that most people still stood on their right side. Ten minutes later, there was no one left standing in place.
In his mind, Zhang Hainuo quickly counted and found that there were still 12 people determined to leave. It was clear that their mood was heavy after making this decision. In contrast, those who decided to stay all stood tall and proud, as if they were a group of excellent soldiers just selected for frontline duty.
"In fact, I am not an Austrian businessman. My name is Hainuo von Finkenshtain, a captain in the German Navy! This gentleman is my colleague, Captain Roderick von Hessen!"
Once again standing in front of Thomas and the sailors, Zhang Hainuo had changed into the familiar uniform of the German Navy. Standing beside him, Hessen maintained his dignity and pride as always.
This statement surprised everyone, including the eight German sailors, including Thomas.
"Mr. Link, no, I should call you Mr. Captain Hainuo von Finkenshtain now. Can you tell us what this is all about?" Thomas, a tall and sturdy man, spread his hands, looking very puzzled.
"I apologize for concealing my identity before, but I had my reasons! I believe most of you already know that the main fleet and all submarines of the German Navy have been confiscated by the Allied Powers!"
Zhang Hainuo paused, then continued, "The war is lost, but we do not want to see the most precious treasures of the German Navy fall into the hands of England, France, and other countries. Now, I need your help! Each and every one of you!"
The sailors began to whisper among themselves, but Thomas lowered his head and thought for a moment before turning to the sailors and saying, "Quiet!"
Although the voice was not loud, it seemed very effective.
"Captain von Finkenshtain, what do you need our help with?" Thomas stared at Zhang Hainuo calmly and seriously.
"To fulfill the sacred duty of a German citizen, to keep secrets for the country, and to keep secrets for the Navy!"
Zhang Hainuo intentionally elevated this matter to the level of national importance.
"Secrets? What secrets?" Thomas's eyes widened.
"In your lifetime, you must not reveal anything you see here to anyone! Can you do it?" Zhang Hainuo looked sincerely at Thomas and the German sailors. He believed that these people, who prioritized national honor above all else, would help him with this favor, but he still needed to verbally confirm it at this point.
Thomas thought for a moment and said, "If it is something beneficial to Germany, we will do it without hesitation!"
The sailors behind him also echoed his sentiment.
"Very well, I now declare that you have become auxiliary personnel of the German Navy, and from today onwards, you will enjoy additional sea-going allowances. Upon your return to Germany, I will apply for medals on your behalf!"
The identity of "auxiliary personnel" and the promise of "medals" were both still empty promises at the moment, but Zhang Hainuo needed to use them to enhance the sailors' sense of honor. Undoubtedly, within ten years, Redel would be able to ascend to the position of Commander of the German Fleet. By then, would it be difficult to apply for medals for a few deserving individuals?
Thomas did not accept Zhang Hainuo's conditions on the spot but asked, "Can my men and I discuss it first?"
"Of course!" Zhang Hainuo extended his right hand generously, allowing him and his companions to discuss.
Three minutes later, the sailors had finished their discussion and still elected Thomas as their spokesperson.
"Mr. Captain, if all this is true, we are willing to serve the German Navy! May I ask, how can we be sure that you are indeed a German Navy officer with a special mission?" Thomas didn't question, but before joining this operation concerning national secrets, he wanted to confirm one last time.
Zhang Hainuo smiled and said, "If my uniform and that of Captain Hessen are not enough to prove it, you can go up to the deck now. Our U148 is on the starboard side of the Fast Boat!"
"U148?" Every German sailor, including Thomas, once again expressed their surprise.
Zhang Hainuo turned and walked towards the deck, the sailors slightly stunned for a moment, then followed one by one.
It's easy to imagine the expressions on the faces of the German sailors when they saw a German long-range submarine with a displacement of 1,500 tons and equipped with three deck guns in their sight.
"Thomas!"
Zhang Hainuo called out, and at this moment, Thomas and the other sailors were also surprised and speechless.
"And everyone else!" Zhang Hainuo said loudly, drawing the sailors' attention back to him.
"Are you now willing to help me with this favor?"
The sailors looked at each other, their expressions changing from surprise to joy and excitement.
"Of course, of course!" Thomas was the first to come back to his senses. He seemed to want to salute, but realizing that he was not yet an official military personnel, he shrugged, "Sir, we are willing to serve you!"
"The German Navy has not surrendered!" Zhang Hainuo took advantage of the situation to address these German citizens, "We retain the greatest hope of the German Navy! With your help, we will rise again!"