Akado was not merely a man driven by the desire for a promotion or personal fortune. He skillfully utilized his position to subtly consolidate his influence within the military ranks. In a series of covert operations, Akado strategically divided weapons among the newly formed defense force divisions, established tank units, secretly promoted capable officers to command these nonexistent forces, and enhanced their benefits. His efforts bore fruit: despite Germany being officially prohibited from having its own tank force under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Akado managed to equip the German Wehrmacht, predominantly an infantry force, with the most advanced armor available—albeit only on paper.
According to Akado's meticulous training programs, Germany had successfully trained over 5,000 qualified tank drivers. Additionally, he personally oversaw the training of more than 700 tank war commanders in the tactics and strategies of armored warfare, effectively preparing Germany to equip 1,000 tanks at a moment's notice. On Akado's recommendation, the military covertly dispatched Air Force officers to establish several large glider clubs in the civilian sector. These clubs attracted numerous members, including some World War I pilots eager for the chance to fly again. Despite the inherent risks, they would haul heavy equipment up mountains and launch from cliffs, all under the guise of harmless sport. Even though the Coalition Arms Control Committee inspected these clubs, the non-threatening nature of gliders meant that the issue was quickly dismissed. Protests from the United Kingdom and France were largely ignored by German authorities, as the Wehrmacht's strength of 100,000 was minuscule compared to the forces amassed by neighboring countries.
Unbeknownst to the Joint Arms Control Committee, a German army lieutenant colonel named Akado was systematically undermining the Versailles Treaty. Through his "Pluto Project," he had effectively doubled Germany's defense forces to 200,000, maintaining not only an armored force but also an air force and other modern military infrastructures. Akado, a visionary with substantial financial resources, had embezzled 3 million Deutsche marks to secretly fund groundbreaking research in several private laboratories. These projects spanned a variety of fields, from radio miniaturization and liquid rocket fuel to synthetic rubber technology, alloy advancements, and nuclear physics. Though the financial support was divided among numerous projects, it proved both timely and prescient.
At the train station, filled with the hiss of steam and the screech of metal, two men in Nazi SA uniforms, characterized by their dark yellow shirts and military caps, disembarked from a newly arrived train. Following them was a man in a gray trench coat, his hair meticulously combed to one side, and a notable moustache under his nose. His piercing, eagle-like eyes scanned the surroundings with an air of authority. "The leader, the car is ready!" called a portly man from behind him. The man in the trench coat, none other than Adolf Hitler, nodded and proceeded to exit the platform, flanked by his entourage of SA members.
Outside, a crowd of poorly dressed individuals mixed with dozens of SA members, holding banners and vocally welcoming Hitler to Berlin. He responded with a nonchalant wave and quickly got into a waiting luxury car. "Don't go to the hotel, I want to visit a friend," Hitler instructed the driver as soon as he settled in, altering the planned itinerary. The driver, catching Hitler's stern gaze in the rearview mirror, hesitantly asked for the destination. "Drive to Bodhi Street," Hitler commanded without further explanation.
Bodhi Street, known for its imperial parades and lined with architecturally significant buildings, was a prestigious address in Berlin. General Akado Tosikt, leveraging his increasing salary, had managed to secure a modest apartment there. The location was strategic, not far from the National Defense Army headquarters and with a pleasing view. Inside, Akado had prepared for Hitler's visit, setting out red wine and light vegetarian snacks—a nod to Hitler's known dietary preferences.
As Hitler entered, he bypassed the customary handshake, commenting on the view before critiquing Akado for not fulfilling a promise. The tension was palpable as Hitler, now a prominent Nazi Party leader with thousands of SA members at his command, contrasted his rising influence with Akado's stagnant military rank. Despite Akado's significant grassroots reputation and influence over certain military decisions, his actual power was limited. The most influential unit under his indirect control was the 15th Division, headquartered in Hamburg, which was considered the elite unit thanks to Akado's efforts and was equipped with the latest armored vehicles and radio stations.
The conversation between Hitler and Akado quickly turned from personal grievances to political strategy. Hitler, seeking to consolidate his power further, extended an invitation to Akado to join the Nazi Party, promising him a high-ranking position and hinting at potential control over the National Defense Forces. However, Akado expressed concern about the party's radical trajectory and its alienating effect on potential military allies. He advised Hitler against continuing down a path that might jeopardize their support within the military, suggesting a more moderate approach that could facilitate their ultimate goal of controlling Germany and launching a renewed global conflict. Yet, it was clear that Hitler was already set on his course, leaving Akado to ponder the implications of their diverging visions.
"For those who are defenseless, what good does it serve you?" Akado asked, his frown deepening as his tone took on an edge of hostility. "Besides inciting hatred and garnering more support from the masses, there really isn't any benefit, is there?"
Hitler sneered in response, his voice laced with contempt. "I targeted them? No, they became the parasites of Germany! They were the reason Germany was defeated in World War I! They are the reason for my humiliation! They brought it upon themselves!"
Akado shook his head, disappointment etched across his features. "I didn't expect a mere two-year gap would make you even more extreme."
With a dismissive snort, Hitler retorted, "And I didn't expect that the same two years would render your insights so superficial." He walked toward the door, pausing to glance sideways at Akado, who remained seated on the couch. "I had considered making you one of the core members of the Nazi Party, but you've disappointed me greatly, Akado. I thought you would be my most reliable ally, but you haven't risen to the occasion."
Since the meeting began, Akado had been weighing the pros and cons of his involvement. He felt as though history exerted an immutable force, thwarting his efforts no matter how ardently he pursued his goals. It was as if a giant eye in the sky mocked him, rendering all his efforts futile. This realization unsettled him, sparking a desire to smash something in frustration.
He stood abruptly, fixing Hitler with a determined stare. Taking a deep breath to regain his composure, he said, "I can join the Nazi Party, but only if it undergoes reformation. I will not tolerate any extreme measures. We need to win elections fairly, take control of the army, and transform Germany entirely. Can you commit to that?"
Hitler's expression softened slightly as he attempted to lighten the mood. "Of course, if your support helps me win the election, I can consider dialing back some of the more radical rhetoric."
"I hope you can stick to that promise," Akado said, eyeing Hitler intently, searching for sincerity in his gaze. However, Hitler's eyes flickered evasively, revealing his true intentions.
"I promise," Hitler stated flatly, before turning and hastily descending the stairs of Akado's apartment, his departure marked by the echo of his shoes on the wooden steps.
Akado sank back onto the sofa and closed his eyes. His agreement to join the Nazi Party was merely a facade. Similarly, Hitler's assurances were nothing more than empty words.
As midnight approached, the clock struck twelve times, then silence enveloped everything once again.
...
In his car, Hitler thumped his thigh in frustration, then turned to one of the Nazi Party leaders beside him. "Strasser, we need to devise a more radical action plan! The Party must establish clear objectives—we will target all Jews and Democrats obstructing our path. I want to initiate a new purge!"
"Yes, my Führer," Strasser responded immediately, nodding in agreement.
The night deepened as their convoy drove under the dim streetlights, casting eerie, twisting shadows on the ground.
The following morning, Akado, appearing as if on official business, entered Lieutenant Gore's car. Gore, a young officer Akado had mentored and who had picked him up from the train station years earlier, was now assigned to the Core Command of the National Defense Force.
Gore drove out of the headquarters and into a narrow alley, stopping before an unassuming house. Akado instructed Gore to keep watch and not to be noticed, then stepped out and quickly entered the building next door.
After a cautious wait in the stairwell, Akado ascended to the third floor and knocked on an apartment door. A young man opened it, his hand cautiously resting on a pistol at his waist.
"Hello, Mr. Lieutenant Colonel! Thank you for your assistance these days," the young man greeted.
Inside, an elderly man with a wild shock of hair and a beard rose to greet Akado with a warm handshake. "How have you been, Dr. Einstein?" Akado asked with a smile, removing his hat and tucking it under his arm as he shook hands.
"Quite well, Lieutenant Colonel Akado. Your support for my research over the past few years has been unparalleled. Thanks to your funding, I've established an advanced laboratory in the suburbs. I'd be happy to share my latest findings with you," Einstein replied, returning to his desk to gather various documents.
"There's no rush; I understand your research is a long-term endeavor. My support is rooted in both friendship and a belief in the potential of your work," Akado said, settling into a chair with a relaxed wave of his hand.
Einstein looked at Akado with a mixture of respect and curiosity. "Your grasp of atomic physics and fission processes is impressive, almost like that of a Ph.D. If you weren't so focused on your military duties, I believe you could achieve remarkable things in scientific research."
Akado laughed nervously, wiping sweat from his brow. His background was in history, not physics, and he felt like a fraud discussing such topics. "Oh, specialization is key! I'm merely dabbling in science," he deflected, shifting the conversation to the topic of coffee production, a safer subject for him.
Meanwhile, Hitler's invitation for Akado to join the Nazi Party had slipped from his immediate concerns. The Supreme Command of the National Defense Force, led by a commander named Sikh, upheld a strict ban on any political affiliations within the military, a tradition stemming from the old aristocratic military management system.
However, Akado faced challenges in his current role. The Allied Arms Control Committee had intensified inspections of the Berlin Defense Force's First Division and had revisited German industrial giants like Krupp, severely impeding the secret self-improvement plans of the Wehrmacht. Despite the efforts of General Seekert and Akado's strategic maneuvering, the French and British inspectors found nothing, but the upcoming large-scale military exercises in Berlin had to be canceled.
With the exercises called off, Akado found himself with a week of unexpected free time. He decided to address a matter he deemed crucial. In the office of the Commander-in-Chief, he sat across from General Siket, presenting a report with persuasive zeal. "Your Excellency, I believe our new defense force needs not only new weapons and equipment but also new uniforms to underscore its distinctiveness. Since we're restricted in terms of armaments, perhaps we could start with the uniforms."
"Lieutenant Colonel Akado, you know our military budget is strained. We must be judicious with every penny. Why propose such a frivolous idea now?" General Siket was clearly unimpressed with Akado's suggestion, believing there were cheaper ways to boost morale.
As he spoke, Siket reached out and took a design sketch from Akado's hand. His initial skepticism faded as he examined the drawing. "Perhaps there is merit in this after all," he murmured, his interest piqued. "I'll discuss it with Marshal Hindenburg, but let this be a final warning—no more extravagant requests for funding. This is the last time."
Akado remembered a similar 'last time' when he had requested additional high-power radio equipment. He shrugged and left Siket's office with a wry smile.
Within a fortnight, the entire National Defense Army, with Berlin at its heart, had adopted the new uniforms. The classic gray of the World War II German military appeared on major media covers years ahead of schedule, earning unanimous praise for its striking appearance. The German forces had thus positioned themselves as the most modern military power of the 1920s.
Meanwhile, in Munich, Hitler, who had been contemplating various military uniform designs, slammed his fist down in frustration upon learning that his ideas had been preemptively implemented by someone he considered a rival.
The intertwining fates of Akado, Einstein, and Hitler continued to unfold, each driven by their ambitions and haunted by the shadows of impending conflict.