Akado, a prominent figure of German descent, stood before a gathering of influential Jewish businessmen, his demeanor both serious and earnest. He began his address with a respectful nod to the cross adorning the living room, signaling his deep reverence. "You are all aware of the sacrifices I've made to shield you from the Nazi Party's threats," he said, his voice imbued with sincerity. "However, it's undeniable that we have both benefited from this alliance."
The room was filled with some of the most prominent Jewish leaders in Germany, who listened in silence as Akado spoke of the longstanding friendship between their peoples. Despite their reservations about some of his policies and their wariness of the German SS, they remained quiet, not wanting to provoke the head of state.
"I understand there might be dissatisfaction among you regarding my policies, and for that, I am truly sorry," Akado continued, his tone one of regret. "Today, I wish to propose a bold and risky plan that could potentially change the future of the world. I am eager to know if you would join me in this endeavor."
A heavy silence fell over the room as the businessmen processed Akado's words. Despite their initial reluctance to engage, the gravity of the discussion compelled them to listen. Eventually, an elderly Jewish businessman broke the silence, his voice cautious. "Could you elaborate on this remarkable plan you mentioned?"
With a knowing smile, Akado replied, "My proposal is straightforward. Germany will support the establishment of a Jewish state in the Middle East. When the time is right, we will back your return to your holy city."
The response was immediate and varied—shouts of disbelief and exclamations of support erupted from the group. The Jewish leaders were visibly shaken, their expressions a mix of skepticism and hope as they sought to discern Akado's sincerity.
"In light of the injustices faced by Jews worldwide, Germany empathizes deeply and wishes to support your cause by helping you establish a homeland in the Middle East," Akado declared, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Those of you here will be remembered as heroes in the annals of Jewish history, with your names honored in Jerusalem."
After a moment of contemplation, a leading businessman posed a critical question, "What would be required of us in return, and what guarantees do we have?"
Akado leaned forward, tapping the table for emphasis. "You need only keep from opposing my decisions and maintain loyalty. Should Germany prevail over Britain and France, your new nation will stand as a formidable ally, and we will look to you for access to oil resources. If Germany falls, this meeting will have never occurred. What do you say?"
The businessmen exchanged looks, their minds racing with the possibilities and risks. The idea of founding a state was tantalizing yet fraught with uncertainty. However, the promise of support from a powerful nation like Germany made the proposal significantly more appealing.
As the meeting concluded, Merkel, a close associate of Akado, expressed his doubts privately. "My head of state, do you truly believe the Jewish community will support us based merely on a promise?"
Akado shook his head slightly. "It's not about immediate support. I'm offering them an alternative path, one that keeps them from aligning too closely with Britain as we prepare to secure oil resources in the Middle East."
He then instructed Merkel to manage relations with Britain, maintaining a delicate balance of power. Afterward, Akado proceeded to his next meeting focused on technological advancements.
"Any updates from the Ministry of Science and Technology?" Akado inquired as he entered another room filled with his top engineering advisors.
"The new naval fighter, the FW-190, is progressing exceptionally well," announced the Luftwaffe Technical Director, a man of considerable influence within the Air Force. "It matches the ME-109 in speed but exceeds it in durability and ease of operation."
Akado, interested, turned to the designer, Dr. Kurt Tanke. "Tell me about the advantages and disadvantages compared to the ME-109."
Dr. Tanke explained, "At lower altitudes, the FW-190 is on par with, if not superior to, the ME-109. It boasts greater firepower and is easier to maintain. However, it falls short at higher altitudes."
After reviewing the test data and pilot feedback, Akado decided, "Develop a liquid-cooled engine for the FW-190 for high-altitude interception."
He then addressed the broader strategic implications of their military technology. "We'll continue to produce the ME-109 but focus on the FW-190 for our needs. Export the ME-109C variant with reduced capabilities to our allies."
As the meeting shifted to rocket development, Akado was informed of successful tests and production readiness for new rocket launchers, which pleased him greatly. He ordered immediate deployment to the artillery units and requested a detailed report on their effectiveness.
Finally, addressing tank upgrades, Akado was briefed on the sale of older tanks to Franco's government and the introduction of the new No. 4 tank. He approved the production of the No. 3 assault gun, setting a production target and emphasizing the importance of timely updates on progress.
As the meetings concluded, Akado felt a cautious optimism. His plans for military enhancement, coupled with his geopolitical maneuvering, were setting the stage for a significant shift in power. However, the true test would be in the execution and the reactions of both his allies and adversaries in the turbulent times ahead.
Four tanks have undergone several enhancements. Firstly, we've reduced the total internal ammunition from 79 rounds to 70. Secondly, the armor plates on both sides are now inclined inward by 15 degrees. Additionally, the barrel of the 75mm caliber artillery has been lengthened to address the firepower deficiencies our tanks faced during the Spanish Civil War, as was evident with the No. 3 tank," the army equipment consultant explained.
"Ah!" Akado suddenly had a thought and whispered to his military advisor, "Instruct your designers to develop a colossal super tank equipped with a 105mm caliber cannon, heavy armor, and complex walking gear!"
This idea was the antithesis of the streamlined, efficient tank models that the head of state had been advocating for: bulky, massive, and not conducive to production.
The consultant looked perplexed. "My leader, the No. 4 tank already fully meets our operational needs. Why pursue another weapon that is challenging to produce?"
"What if someone desires our tank design drawings? What if we prefer not to hand over the No. 4?" Akado asked with a sly smile.
"Wouldn't it suffice to give them the No. 3?" the army equipment consultant inquired, puzzled.
"We'll provide No. 3 to our allies! For the enemy, we just..." Akado knew these technicians lacked a penchant for political maneuvering, so he clarified.
"Ah! I understand now!" The consultant nodded quickly. At this point, the whispering between the two had drawn a crowd, prompting Akado to change the subject swiftly. He glanced at his army equipment consultant, "No one can stop you from expanding the army's arsenal now! Be bold!" He said, chuckling as he teased his air force equipment consultant. The general of the army approached, "Your colleague is too timid. You need 5 guns one day and 1 tank the next..."
Laughter spread among the military advisors and technicians, lightening the atmosphere for a moment.
"Dr. Einstein! You're overseeing two significant projects at the University of Berlin—computers and atomic research. What progress have we made?" Akado inquired, turning his attention to the renowned scientist standing at the edge of the crowd.
"Progress is slow," Einstein replied, somewhat embarrassed, handing a report to Akado. "Our advancements in computer technology are modest at best. Even with intelligence from Britain and the United States, developing a practical computer system by your deadline is unlikely."
"And the atomic research?" Akado asked, smiling at Dr. Einstein, a jewel of the German scientific community.
Einstein's hesitance was palpable. Gascol had reported more than once that Einstein was deliberately delaying technical research in Germany. Two German scientists had privately complained that Einstein had locked away completed experimental data in his safe, then misled Akado with trivialities. Despite the Gestapo infiltrating Einstein's residence and photographing those files for continued secret experiments elsewhere, this had delayed Akado's military development plans. However, due to Einstein's significant reputation, eliminating him was problematic.
"Due to inadequate equipment and insufficient heavy water supplies, the atomic weapons program cannot proceed. I'm planning a new project on atomic energy utilization. Once again, I must urge caution—this weapon should never reach the battlefield," Einstein responded with his usual cautionary tone.
Einstein, once a planner for Manhattan in the United States, now hindered Germany's atomic ambitions. Akado suppressed his frustration, nodding at Einstein before moving on to another scientist. He needed to use Einstein's limited utility to attract global scientific talent to Germany, a crucial part of his talent acquisition strategy.
Rubbing his sore nose bridge, Akado sighed. Persuading the navy to abandon its battleship program had required multiple military meetings and changes in naval ministers. And now, the Einstein before him was always a thorn in his side, even daring to obstruct critical scientific projects.
Akado's thoughts then shifted to another German luminary, Manstein, a potential key talent under Admiral William List's command. To ensure he remembered, Akado borrowed a pen from Einstein's chest pocket, wrote Manstein's name on his palm, and returned the pen, leaving Einstein slightly bewildered.
"How is the Navy's plan progressing?" Akado asked, shifting his focus.
"The two Zeppelin-class aircraft carriers are progressing well in terms of hull construction, but due to technical and experiential limitations, the installation of equipment is lagging," reported a naval officer cautiously, noting Akado's frosty demeanor.
Akado didn't discuss the full extent of Germany's military capabilities at this technical meeting. In reality, Germany was prepared with 1500 FW-190 high-speed fighters, 1000 Stuttgart bombers, 69 ocean-going submarines—including 13 of the era's largest at 1900 tons—and an impressive arsenal of tanks, artillery, and firearms.
Yet, despite these preparations, Akado was still waiting for the right moment, his military and naval forces yet to reach their full potential. Since 1919, he had been biding his time, and now, in 1934, he was ready to reshape Germany's military strategy. However, the looming threat of resource shortages, particularly oil, posed a significant challenge, potentially stalling the war machine he had meticulously built.
"You've done a great job!" Akado encouraged his team as he left the meeting room, his mind already on the next strategic moves in the Middle East and the diplomatic maneuvers necessary to secure Romanian oil fields.
As he walked past the high windows in the corridor, the sunlight streaming in, Akado sighed, feeling the weight of his responsibilities. Anna, walking beside him, squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"My leader, everything will be alright," she said.
"I hope so," Akado replied with a forced smile, "It will get better."