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墨書 Inktalez
Colonel Strasser walked into his office, where three men were standing. Two of them were in the uniforms of the National Defense Forces, while the other was dressed in a suit.
"Colonel Strasser!"
Upon seeing Strasser enter, the two National Defense Forces Majors immediately saluted, while the other man raised his hand in greeting; it was Speer.
A few days ago, to honor Strasser's contributions to the expansion of the National Defense Forces, General Siket once again presided over Strasser's promotion ceremony.
The ceremony was very grand, attended not only by all the high-ranking officials of the National Defense Forces but also by many junior officers who came to observe.
Strasser's reputation has thoroughly spread within the General Staff of the Army. If you were to enter the General Staff of the Army and ask an officer how many names they know from there, they would likely struggle to name General Jung or Major General Mark, but they would definitely know Colonel Strasser.
It can be said that Strasser's infiltration of the National Defense Forces was quite successful, with one-third of the officers below the rank of Colonel in the General Staff of the Army being members of the National Socialist Party.
The National Socialist Party was able to attract so many military personnel not only because of Strasser's personal charm and talent but also due to their compelling slogans.
Most mid-level and lower-ranking officers in the National Defense Forces came from humble backgrounds, and the poor economy of the Weimar Republic affected their standard of living. The National Socialist Party's call for the confiscation of land from landlords and the redistribution of wealth from large capitalists was particularly appealing to them.
Furthermore, the National Socialist Party advocated for Germany to rearm, tear up the Treaty of Versailles, reclaim Danzig and the Rhineland, firmly uphold national unity, and combat separatist forces. These slogans resonated strongly with their aspirations, as war was the fastest way for junior officers to rise through the ranks. Strasser placed great importance on winning over the National Defense Forces; in his view, the function of the vanguard under the National Socialist Party was more aligned with street brawling and propaganda, much like Rom's stormtroopers. When it came to actual warfare, they still relied on professional soldiers.
Now, Strasser has gained considerable power and can establish his own faction at any time. However, rather than doing so, Strasser prefers to expel Hitler from the party directly.
"I have reviewed both of your resumes and know that you studied at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, possessing extraordinary artistic talent."
The two Majors that Strasser brought in today are Karl Dibisch and Walter Heck, who are also the designers of the German army uniforms in history and renowned artists.
"You flatter me, Colonel Strasser."
Colonel Strasser's compliment made the two Majors feel a bit embarrassed.
"No, I called you here because I have a mission for you. If you complete it, you will be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Are you willing to accept?"
Strasser smiled. Although he did not have the authority to promote to sergeant, Seeckt did.
"Ensure the mission is completed!"
Upon hearing this, the two Majors immediately kicked their heels together and stood at attention.
"I ask you to design two new military uniforms. The first set must be tailored to fit the physique of the Germanic people, with a place to hang badges on the chest, adjustable cuffs, and the officer's uniform should resemble formal attire, featuring a large collar and a fitted waist, giving the wearer a sense of ancient aristocracy," Strasser stated his requirements.
"Is this uniform designed for the National Defense Forces?" Dibiguchi asked curiously.
"One set is, and one set is not."
The overall structure of the second set of clothing is the same as the first set, but there are still differences. First is the cap badge. The cap badge of the first set is composed of a red badge surrounded by an eagle emblem and oak leaves, while the cap badge of the second set is composed of an eagle emblem and a skull, and their eagle emblems are also different in shape. Then, a distinctive symbol should be added on the second set."
Strasser took out the design he had created yesterday from the drawer of his office. It was a circular black background featuring crossed red hammers and swords, which would later become the flag of Strasserism.
Overall, Strasser's design concept was no different from that of the German army uniforms during World War II; he simply replaced the swastika emblem on the Waffen-SS uniforms with the Hammer and Sword. The hammer represented the working class, while the sword symbolized military power, signifying the workers' defense of their labor achievements through force.
"In summary, there are only three principles for your design."
First, the uniform should be handsome.
Second, the uniform should be very handsome.
Third, the uniform should be extremely handsome.
"Not a problem, Colonel Strasser, just rest assured and wait for our good news," Hecate said, patting her chest.
"I will be waiting for your good news."
······
"Then what about me?"
After Dibiguchi and Hecate Major left excitedly, Speer asked Strasser about his position.
"There is a place that is perfect for you to showcase your talents, Speer. Follow me," Strasser said with a slight smile.
Strasser left the headquarters of the National Socialist Party with Speer, where Coy had been waiting for them in a car. They departed from the National Socialist Party headquarters and headed to the General Staff of the Army.
"Are you saying that I should arrange for this kid to work in the Equipment Department of the National Defense Forces, and right from the start, he should hold the position of Deputy Minister?" Seeckt squinted his left eye.
"Strasser, do you really think of yourself as my illegitimate child?"
"How could that be?" Strasser replied without getting angry, treating Seeckt's words as if he had called him that in advance. "I would never assign an incompetent person to work in the National Defense Forces. Speer is a genius; in fact, I believe he is fully deserving of the ministerial position."
Seeckt studied Speer for a long time and ultimately decided to give him a chance. "Kid, I'll trust you this once. Strasser has never let me down, and I hope you can do the same. I'll give you three months to prove yourself as the acting Minister of the Equipment Department."
"I will not let you down, General Seeckt!"
"Speer said excitedly, knowing that his opportunity to showcase his abilities had arrived.
After the excited Speer left, only Seeckt and Strasser remained in the office. The older and younger men stared at each other, both silent, caught in an eerie stillness.
Finally, Strasser decided to break the silence; he did not feel that speaking first represented a sign of weakness."
"Are you really going to invite Prince William to watch the military review?" Strasser still wanted to try to persuade Seeckt. Historically, Seeckt was attacked by the bourgeois parties of Congress and the proletariat parties because he invited Prince William to participate in the military review of the National Defense Forces. In the end, President Hindenburg took this opportunity to order Seeckt's removal from the position of Commander-in-Chief of the General Staff of the Army.
Although Hindenburg is also a Royalist, he believes that the stability of Germany is paramount. The recent defeat in the war has left Germany in disarray, and it is clear that the German Emperor does not have the support of the people. Forcing a restoration would only lead to civil war, and even the bourgeoisie does not want an emperor to come back and rule over them.
Of course, perhaps Hindenburg is simply unwilling to welcome Wilhelm II in order to maintain his own power.
"It is only natural. The House of Hohenzollern has shown me great kindness, and I cannot forget that. As long as I am in this position, I must remain loyal to the royal family," Seeckt stated firmly.
"If you fail?" Strasser asked.
"I will not fail. The people of Germany will surely welcome their emperor back and restore the glory of Germany."
"We have known each other for so long, so let's not speak in platitudes, General Siket."
Strasser stared intently at Seeckt, who met his gaze defiantly. However, in the end, Seeckt had to concede; he could deceive himself, but he could not deceive others.
"If I fail, then you and Ludendorff can rely on your own abilities. Whoever seizes control of the National Defense Forces will be the new leader," Seeckt said helplessly.
"Are you so confident in us? Aren't you afraid of Hindenburg intervening?" Strasser retorted.
"Don't forget, you already possess considerable power, Strasser. A whole division of troops is completely under your command, which accounts for nearly one-fifth of the National Defense Forces. Hindenburg is merely a nominal president; the troops he mobilizes may not necessarily defeat you. Moreover," Seeckt said with a mysterious smile, "do you think I am unaware of your little maneuvers within the National Defense Forces? You have only equipped your First Infantry Division with the gear from Krupp Company, while many advanced weapons meant for other divisions have been intercepted by you. You even confiscated most of the Panther tanks from the National Defense Forces under the pretense of testing them. In my view, with just the troops you have, you could defeat all the other National Defense Forces, especially since they are not united."
"Truth be told, the National Defense Forces currently consist of eight divisions. The First Division is completely loyal to me, and they will carry out all my orders as long as they do not involve treason. You are asking me to take responsibility for reorganizing the three divisions for military review, which are the most heavily infiltrated by the National Socialist Party. If I were to clash with Hindenburg, they would stand by and do nothing."
"So in the end, if a civil war breaks out, I will use the strength of one division from the First Infantry Division to confront the forces of four divisions. Based on the combat effectiveness of my troops, the odds are roughly fifty-fifty," Strasser said candidly. "Therefore, I need to strengthen my combat power, General Siket. If you support me, I believe those neutral divisions will immediately align themselves with the National Socialist Party, and then my chances of victory will be nearly one hundred percent."
"So, you really can't support me?"
Seeckt pulled out a cigar from his jacket and lit it, seemingly everyone likes to smoke when facing a choice.
After a while, he gave his answer.
"I support you because you have made the National Defense Forces strong, but that doesn't mean I support your The concept of building an army. So, I let you develop your power, but I won't support you.
In my heart, the strength of Germany is most important. It doesn't matter to me who makes Germany strong.
My principle is that the strong survive. If you win, it proves you are strong, and Germany should be under your control. If you lose, it means you are not strong enough, and you are not suitable to lead Germany."
"So stop forcing me to support you, Gregor. Everyone has the freedom to choose, just as I haven't forced you to support the restoration, have I?"
Strasser's expression kept changing as he thought about how to persuade the stubborn old general.
In the end, he sighed, stood up, and saluted Seeckt.
"I understand, General Siket. I will rely on my own strength to overcome all enemies."
After saying this, Strasser turned around and left without looking back.
"Today is March 7th. I expect to conduct the military review in the fall, so you have six months to prepare."
At the moment Strasser was about to walk out the door, Seeckt reminded him, but Strasser did not stop and directly left the office.
Watching the office door slowly close, Seeckt felt a twinge of guilt. The numerous new weapons designed by Strasser could elevate the combat capabilities of the National Defense Forces to a whole new level, representing a significant qualitative change. Strasser's contributions to the National Defense Forces were no less than his own as the father of the National Defense Forces.
However, he had given too little in return to Strasser. Although he had promoted Strasser and granted him a high position, he chose to stand by during Strasser's most dangerous and critical battle.
After all, Hindenburg was once his old boss, and their relationship was quite deep. Since Strasser could not stand on the side of the Royalists, he had no choice but to give up on him.
"I hope he can understand me; I have my own difficulties," Seeckt thought to himself.
But can he really stand by and do nothing?
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