Chapter 68: Iron and Blood, Golden Freedom (8)
Translated by Vine | Proofread by Lust
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< German Civil War – Iron and Blood, Golden Freedom (8) >
November 22, 1939
Central Germany, 9th Military District, Kassel, Frankfurt
“How is it?”
I was reviewing the draft of the speech Claudia had prepared in my office.
“Excellent as always, adjutant.”
“You don’t sound very convinced.”
I smiled wryly. The Marburg University speech, which had transformed the indecisive and power-hungry Franz von Papen into an icon of anti-Hitler sentiment…
Her claim of having helped her father write that speech when she was just a university student wasn’t an exaggeration. Even the draft of the deployment ceremony speech had been her work, so her skills were undeniable.
“The speech isn’t the problem. I’m just… having second thoughts.”
“Second thoughts?”
I struggled to explain my feelings to Claudia.
I had instigated this civil war to remove Hitler and the Nazi regime, believing it was the only way to stop the rising tide of nationalism in Germany.
But what if, even after removing the Nazis, Germany continued down the same path, simply under different leadership? What would be the point of everything we had sacrificed?
“If we glorify the prince’s death, fueling the public’s hatred and their desire for revenge against Italy, how would that be any different from the Nazis’ methods?”
Of course, we had been attacked, unlike in the original timeline, where World War II began with the Nazi invasion of Poland.
The Italian fascists had bombed civilian targets in Tyrol. They were the aggressors.
However, I feared that this “justified” anger and hatred would lead Germany down the same path of madness as in the original timeline.
Claudia considered my words, then shrugged.
“While I believe I understand you quite well, I don’t understand you this time.”
“Hmm, I see.”
Perhaps it was the difference in our lived experiences.
“We were attacked. The prince was killed, and our cities were bombed. Many people died or were injured.”
“…”
Claudia sighed and then continued, “It’s only natural to be angry about such atrocities. It’s not going to cause any major problems.”
“That’s true.”
Even the United States, the supposed bastion of liberal democracy, had been consumed by war frenzy, chanting, “Kill Japs, kill Japs, kill more Japs.”
As I was thinking this, Claudia narrowed her eyes and said, “You’re more worried about an uncertain future than grieving for the prince, for Tyrol, for the people who died or were injured.”
I felt a chill run down my spine.
“I don’t know what you’re so worried about, but you’re not thinking that you’re the only one who can lead Germany down the right path, are you?”
“No, I…”
To hear such words from Claudia…
Had I become so obsessed with returning Germany to normalcy that I had started to believe I was the only one who could do it?
“Anger and the desire for revenge are also forms of freedom, powerful motivators. I lost my father to the Nazis, and my desire for revenge brought me here. Is that wrong in your eyes?”
My mind reeled. Had I become so arrogant that I judged people’s free will, deciding what was right and what was wrong, based on my own standards?
“You’re incredible, of course, leading the New Government with your unique ideas. But you didn’t get here alone. You didn’t start this to become a dictator who controls Germany, did you?”
Claudia, seeing my speechless expression, sighed and added, “You belong to this era. You live in the same time as we do. Stop worrying about the distant future and look at our current situation. We, together, have empowered the German people, who once blindly followed the Nazis, to think for themselves and rise against them.”
Perhaps it was I who was haunted by the ghosts of an altered past, so much so that I couldn’t even properly grieve for those we failed to protect.
“You’re right. I’m sorry.”
Claudia nodded.
“You should be. The people are now judging based on what they see and hear, and they’re not fools. They won’t tolerate anyone trying to control Germany for their own purposes, even if it’s you.”
“That’s a bit scary.”
I chuckled. I had been worrying unnecessarily. The Nazi era was ending, and we would establish a new, democratic government. The Holocaust, which would have condemned Germany as an eternal pariah, hadn’t happened.
The German people would decide their own future, and our role was simply to present them with the truth and do our best.
“Then, I apologize for troubling you again, adjutant. Let’s present the truth, concisely and without embellishment.”
Since when had I blindly followed the Emperor’s orders? The truth alone would be enough to enrage the people.
I handed the draft back to Claudia, and she accepted it readily.
“Yes, yes. I’ll revise it.”
If Germany strayed from the right path, I would do everything in my power to stop it. Even if I couldn’t do it alone, there were many who would join me if my cause was just.
How arrogant of me to assume that Germany would inevitably descend into chaos if I didn’t intervene. I wasn’t the only one who could lead Germany down this path.
I had merely gathered the seeds of change that had already been sown in Germany, and now, I had to work alongside others to nurture them.
Now was the time to mourn those who had fallen in Tyrol and to think about how to protect the living.
But more importantly-
“I apologize for showing you my weakness, adjutant.”
“Frankly, you were getting a bit dangerous. I almost fell out of love with you.”
I burst out laughing. She was truly merciless.
“I truly have the best adjutant.”
–
November 22, 1939
Northern Germany, Berlin, New Reich Chancellery
[On March 15, 1938, Adolf Hitler declared in Vienna that no one could deny that Austria was German! I was there, witnessing his words and the enthusiastic cheers of the Austrians!]
The radio broadcast echoed through the Führer’s oversized office in the New Reich Chancellery, a building designed to intimidate rather than to be functional.
[We all cheered for the Führer’s promise and pledged our loyalty to him as a united Germany! But how has he repaid us? His henchmen attacked our own people, the very people he swore to protect, to start a war! And now, he has sold out Tyrol, the rightful territory of Austria, the land of the German people, to the invaders!]
Hitler glared at the radio playing the New Government’s broadcast, as if it were Schacht himself.
[Tyrol burns, betrayed by the self-proclaimed Führer of the German nation and people. The Italian invaders’ boots trample upon those who have risen to defend their homeland. Even Prince Wilhelm, who personally went to rescue our countrymen in Greater Germany, has fallen in battle!]
Franz Halder, Wilhelm Keitel, Hermann Göring, and Alfred Jodl stood before Hitler’s desk, nervously swallowing their saliva.
Hitler, silently, gestured for them to turn off the radio.
[They were all proud German citizens! They died fighting for Germany’s freedom against the Italian invaders, while the Nazis, the self-proclaimed legitimate government of Germany, did nothing! Their lies have been exposed! Why should the German people shed their blood for their crimes! This must end-]
As the radio was turned off, a deathly silence fell upon the Führer’s office.
After a long, tense silence, Hitler finally spoke.
“We lost the 14th Army without a fight, and the 10th Army is down to half its strength.”
Hitler’s voice was surprisingly calm, a stark contrast to his usual agitated state.
“And our Italian allies bombed our cities and killed a member of the royal family.”
He scoffed and said, “If you have anything to say, speak.”
Halder, Keitel, Jodl, and Göring remained silent.
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Hitler, who had seemed calm until then, slammed his fist on the desk and shouted, “I said, speak!!”
When they still remained silent, he asked, “…Where is Himmler?”
“H-Himmler… we haven’t been able to reach him. We’re looking for him, but…”
Hitler frowned at Göring’s nervous reply.
“Since when?”
“…It seems he disappeared after the 8th Army surrendered.”
Hitler began to tremble.
“Himmler… Himmler is gone? The man who swore eternal loyalty to me?”
“M-My apologies, mein Fü-”
Before Göring could finish, Hitler roared, “They’re all traitors! Pledging loyalty to my face while plotting betrayal behind my back! Those deceitful bastards!”
He glared at Keitel with bloodshot eyes.
“What have you done! I appointed you as Chief of the Armed Forces High Command, and how have you helped me?!”
“M-My apologies, mein Führer.”
It was Hitler himself who had appointed Keitel, knowing full well that he was a yes-man, claiming that was precisely the kind of person he wanted.
Halder, next in line for Hitler’s wrath, flinched and stepped back.
“And what have your brilliant General Staff officers accomplished?! Where are those who claimed Poland would be no problem?! Are they all dead or have they betrayed me?! Defeated by a ragtag bunch of reservists and volunteers without a fight! They’ve made the German army a laughingstock!”
“M-Mein Führer, this isn’t entirely the military’s fault-”
“Outmaneuvered by the enemy and still clinging to your pride, you pathetic losers! You have no right to speak! Where are the mighty legions of Greater Germany?! To think I went to war with these imbeciles who only know how to strut around like peacocks!”
Halder, his face burning with shame, fell silent. Alfred Jodl spoke up, “With all due respect, mein Führer, the army’s defeat is partly due to the Luftwaffe’s failures. There are rumors within the army that the Luftwaffe deliberately sabotaged the operation-”
“Silence! That’s preposterous!”
Göring roared, but Alfred Jodl glared at him and said, “Then are we to believe that the Luftwaffe’s entire air fleet couldn’t even delay the advance of a single panzer division? They blamed the weather, but the weather in Saxony was perfectly clear during the operation!”
Hitler turned to Göring, his eyes narrowed.
“Is this true?”
“M-Mein Führer! The Luftwaffe’s loyalty is beyond question! There must be some misunderstanding.”
As Göring stammered his excuses, Hitler slumped back in his chair, his face ashen.
“I… I was ready to lead Germany, the German people, to greatness. I was ready to become a hero who would be remembered forever in German history.”
No one responded to the Führer’s despondent words.
“I believed the German people, the true Aryan race, deserved to rule the world, after sweeping away those inferior Judeo-Bolshevik scum!”
His voice echoed through the oversized office.
“I have been betrayed. Betrayed by the Germany I dedicated myself to. Betrayed by the German people I sought to elevate. Betrayed by these imbeciles who cannot comprehend my noble ideals, my grand vision.”
Hitler clutched his head and then glared at Göring with bloodshot eyes.
“The Italians were right. Traitors must be made an example of. Germany has betrayed me, and I will punish them.”
He turned to Göring, his voice venomous, “Reichsmarschall, the man I trust above all others. Do not disappoint me this time.”
–
November 23, 1939
Northern Germany, Luftwaffe Air Base near Berlin
Captain Adolf Galland listened to the burly engineer’s words.
“So, you’re saying it’s beyond repair?”
“Yes. I apologize, but we have no spare engines or parts. There’s nothing I can do.”
Adolf Galland looked sadly at his beloved Bf 109 fighter, adorned with a smoking Mickey Mouse emblem.
“It can’t be helped. Thank you for your efforts.”
“You’re welcome, Captain.”
The burly engineer grinned and walked away.
While the Luftwaffe hadn’t flown many sorties during the civil war, the lack of spare parts meant that aircraft were breaking down with increasing frequency.
Wolfram von Richthofen sighed deeply.
“The Luftwaffe is in a sorry state.”
As Richthofen stood there, his face grim, Werner Mölders approached and reported, “Sir, the Chief of the General Staff is here.”
“What?”
The Chief of the General Staff, here without prior notice? That damned…
“Damn it! Assemble the men! Quickly!”
As Richthofen barked orders, Adolf Galland snickered.
“The man who single-handedly crippled the Luftwaffe has arrived.”
“Galland, watch your mouth.”
Mölders nudged Galland, but he wasn’t the only one who disliked Chief of the General Staff Hans Jeschonnek. Most of the Luftwaffe pilots resented him.
He was notoriously incompetent in logistics and had dismissed Richthofen’s request to transfer spare parts from western air bases to prepare for potential shortages during the Polish campaign, claiming it was unnecessary.
Richthofen, facing the Luftwaffe personnel who had been hastily assembled due to the Chief of the General Staff’s unexpected arrival, called out, “Attention!”
Hans Jeschonnek, unusually, had brought four SS soldiers with him, which surprised the Luftwaffe personnel.
“Salute the Chief of the General Staff!”
“Heil Hitler!”
“Ah, you’re all hard at work. I have urgent orders.”
Jeschonnek casually returned the salute and handed Richthofen a document.
Richthofen, surprised that the usually desk-bound Chief of the General Staff had personally delivered the orders, opened the document and frowned.
“…Incendiary bombing of Frankfurt, using the entire air fleet?”
“Indeed. Your specialty. The Führer said the Italians only managed to burn half of Tyrol, but you could turn it into a complete wasteland.”
Richthofen glanced at the visibly shaken Luftwaffe personnel and then looked back at Jeschonnek.
“Chief of the General Staff, Frankfurt is a major German city. With most of the rebel forces deployed to the front lines, there are no significant military targets…”
“But it is where the rebel leadership and their traitorous supporters reside.”
Richthofen inwardly sighed. It seemed they were going down the same path as in his nightmares. Hitler, whom he had once believed to be Germany’s savior, had become a madman.
“Chief of the General Staff, we’ve already lost this war. Burning Frankfurt won’t change anything.”
At Richthofen’s words, Jeschonnek silently gestured, and the SS soldiers moved to arrest him.
“C-Chief of the General Staff!”
As the Luftwaffe personnel watched in shock, Jeschonnek said coldly, “Wolfram von Richthofen, you are under arrest for condoning the Luftwaffe’s sabotage under the pretext of unfavorable weather conditions.”
“Chief of the General Staff! I am loyal to the Luftwaffe! Let me speak with the Reichsmarschall! He wouldn’t approve of this madness! Are you going to send innocent men to their courts as war criminals?!”
Richthofen pleaded desperately, but Jeschonnek’s reply was curt.
“The Reichsmarschall himself ordered your arrest if you disobeyed.”
As Richthofen stood there, speechless with shock, Jeschonnek nodded.
“Take him away.”
As the SS soldiers dragged Richthofen away, a man stepped forward, blocking their path.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”
The burly engineer, who had been working on Galland’s fighter earlier, grinned menacingly and kicked an SS soldier in the stomach.
“Oof!”
As the soldier doubled over in pain, the engineer snatched his Kar98k rifle.
“You crazy bastard!”
Before the other SS soldiers could react, the engineer fired.
The remaining two SS soldiers fired back, but the engineer used the first SS soldier as a shield.
As the SS soldiers hesitated, having just shot their comrade, the engineer dropped to the ground, reloaded, and shot another SS soldier.
“Uh, oh…”
With three of their comrades dead, the remaining SS soldier tried to work the bolt of his rifle, but the engineer was faster, firing again.
The entire incident happened so quickly that no one had time to react. Jeschonnek finally came to his senses and started to run.
“T-T-Traitors! The Luftwaffe has betrayed us! The Führer won’t tolerate this- Argh!”
Jeschonnek, fleeing, was hit in the back by a rifle butt and collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain.
“Uh, oh…”
As the Luftwaffe personnel, including Richthofen, watched in stunned silence, the engineer stood up, dusted off his overalls, and grinned.
“Are you alright, General?”
“I-I’m fine. Thank you. But who are you?”
Richthofen, finally regaining his composure, asked. The engineer, dragging the still-writhing Jeschonnek by the scruff of his neck like a child, replied, “Otto Skorzeny, sir. A contractor working as a Luftwaffe mechanic.”
“Ah, you’re the one whose pilot application I rejected…”
“Too tall and too old to start training, you said.”
Richthofen, hearing Skorzeny’s words, surveyed the scene. Four bodies. The Luftwaffe personnel staring at him expectantly.
“Well, thank you for your help.”
“Traitors! You dare- Argh! P-Please! Mercy! Spare me!”
As soon as Richthofen expressed his gratitude, Jeschonnek, who had been screaming curses, started begging for his life as Skorzeny tightened his grip.
Richthofen looked towards Berlin, where his idol, Göring, resided, and chuckled bitterly.
“Haha, damn it. Is there anyone here who still wants to remain loyal to that damned Führer?”
“No, sir!”
The Luftwaffe personnel answered in unison.
He felt a sense of relief he hadn’t felt in a long time, as if a weight had been lifted from his chest. He grinned and shouted, “Alright then, get every flyable aircraft ready! Ditch the bombs and weapons, and load up the mechanics and ground crew! The Luftwaffe is heading to Frankfurt!”
“Yes, sir!”
< German Civil War – Iron and Blood, Golden Freedom (8) > End
ⓒ Carcassonne
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