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墨書 Inktalez
"You are truly a genius! Major Strasser, if you weren't a member of Congress and also serving as a Major in the National Defense Forces, I would really consider spending a fortune to bring you over," Krupp said sincerely after personally driving Strasser back to the headquarters of the National Socialist Party.
"To leave some work for the experts in your company, I think it's better if I don't do that," Strasser replied slyly.
Just moments ago, Strasser not only "designed" the blueprints for the STG-44 Assault Rifle but also presented the MG42 general-purpose machine gun, Wild Bees Locomotion Artillery, and the future renowned 88mm anti-tank gun designed by the Krupp Company.
Due to the technological constraints of this era, the weapons that Strasser presented were all modified versions. For example, the Wild Bees Locomotion Artillery was originally mounted on the Panzer III and Panzer IV tanks, but now Germany had not even produced the Panther tank. Strasser had to ask experts to modify the artillery's chassis so that it could be installed on the Panther tank.
Even so, the weapons designed by Strasser still amazed Krupp. He firmly believed that the National Defense Forces Major before him was a genius in weapon design, especially since Strasser was also his financial backer. Therefore, he even granted Strasser the authority to freely enter and exit the R&D department of Krupp Company to guide weapon design, with his influence second only to his own.
"According to the blueprints I provided, you must manufacture it to the highest specifications, ensuring that the weapon is of the finest quality. The delivery time can be delayed by a few months; for the other weapons and equipment, just follow the current standards of the National Defense Forces," Strasser instructed.
"No problem, I'll keep you informed. The Krupp Company is not only skilled at designing weapons but also at manufacturing them."
As Strasser entered the lobby of the headquarters, he saw Kirov, who had been waiting there for quite some time.
"What brings you here, Comrade Kirov?" Strasser asked, somewhat surprised.
"I came to say goodbye. I've enjoyed our time together these past few days, so I wanted to come in person," Kirov replied as he stood up.
"So soon? You've only been in Germany for three days. Aren't you going to have some fun before you leave?" Strasser tried to persuade him, as he still hadn't gotten the contact information for Moscow.
"Imperialism is eyeing us closely, while we, the Soviet Union, are so weak. We must seize every moment to build socialism," Kirov replied firmly, though his tone softened shortly after.
"Comrade Strasser, I'll call you that for now. Thank you for your help and care over these past few days. Although I have reservations about your advocacy for National Socialism, I will return and discuss the concept of socialism with Comrade Stalin. Before that, let me first consider you a friend."
Kirov extended his hand and shook hands with Strasser in a serious manner, completely different from the pleasantries of their first meeting. When they released their grip, Strasser found a piece of paper with a series of numbers in his hand.
"What is this?"
"If you need anything, just call the Soviet Union Embassy and give them this number; you will be able to reach me."
Kirov explained that Strasser was one of the few people he believed he could deal with in a capitalist country, which is why he was willing to befriend Strasser.
After saying this, Kirov took his hat and left the hall.
Strasser watched Kirov's departing figure, his expression shifting between uncertainty and contemplation as he pondered whether or not to invest in Kirov and help this unfortunate man avoid the assassination that would occur nine years later.
Looking for Kirov to discuss cooperation? Or should I approach Stalin for collaboration? This is indeed not an easy choice.
While Strasser was deep in thought, a small figure approached from a distance; it was Goebbels.
"Gregor, come quickly to the meeting. We have an important matter that needs to be voted on, and we are just waiting for you."
"Forget it, it doesn't matter. I'll deal with these things when I take center stage in Germany's power arena. It's too early to think about this now; where there's a will, there's a way." Strasser interrupted his tangled thoughts and followed Goebbels into the conference room.
······
Today's meeting of the National Socialist Party was unexpected for Strasser, yet it made sense in context.
The topic is the recent proposal in Congress by the Social Democratic Party and the Communist Party to nationalize and take over the estates and properties of the nobility who have abdicated. According to the Weimar Republic Constitution, this issue is to be decided by a public referendum.
Historically, Strasser and Goebbels suggested that the Nazi Party support this movement to expropriate aristocratic property alongside the Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party.
Hitler was furious upon hearing this, as many of these nobles had previously donated money to the Nazi Party.
In addition, some industrial magnates began to take an economic interest in Hitler's movement, primarily because it had the potential to effectively combat the Communists, the Social Democratic Party, and labor unions. If Strasser and Goebbels' plans succeeded, Hitler's sources of income could quickly dry up, leading to an inevitable confrontation between the two sides and escalating tensions.
"Should we really go through with this?"
Strasser rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought, until Goebbels' voice pulled him back to reality.
"Gregor, what do you think?"
Strasser snapped back to attention and noticed that everyone present was staring at him. He straightened up and cleared his throat.
"We certainly support this proposal. Let us not forget that we are members of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, and the interests of the workers must be upheld. The wealth of the nobility has been seized from the hands of workers and farmers; now is the time to return it."
"Do we need to notify Bavaria?" someone asked.
"No, I am the leader of the National Socialist Party in Berlin, and I don't need to report to Hitler about anything I do."
Strasser knew that he no longer needed to hide his threats; after all, Hindenburg had likely already warned Hitler, and being far away in Berlin, Hitler's paranoid nature would surely make him uneasy about Strasser.
Since he couldn't tolerate himself anyway, he might as well show off his muscles to Hitler, so that Hitler wouldn't dare to point fingers at him.
With that thought in mind, Strasser continued, "We not only need to support this proposal, but we will also demand that all members of the Nazi Party support this proposal, whether they are from the north or the south."
"And we demand that Bavaria modify their Party Constitution to be consistent with us. Those who are unwilling will be expelled from the party!"
As soon as this was said, the meeting room exploded.
"Bavaria will be furious if we do this," someone exclaimed.
"Doing this will cause the National Socialist Party to split immediately," some rational individuals analyzed.
"You are betraying Leader Hitler."
Others shouted angrily at Strasser, and the speaker was one of the party delegates who had previously opposed the National Socialist Party's new Party Constitution.
"Watch your attitude towards Gregor; he is the leader of the National Socialist Party, not that so-called Hitler," Goebbels sneered, then shouted towards the door.
"Soldiers, drag this traitor from Bavaria out of here; he is no longer a member of the National Socialist Party."
Coy entered the room with the vanguard team members, remaining silent until he received a confirming glance from Strasser. He then signaled, and two strong vanguard members promptly dragged the congressman out of the room.
“Strasser, you can't treat me like this.” The guy shouted while struggling, “I will go to Führer Hitler and expose you, let him see your disloyalty!” Strasser coldly watched as the congressman was dragged out the door, then spoke to the remaining people in the conference room in a chilling voice.
"That guy may be a compulsive liar, but he got one thing right. I have never sworn allegiance to Hitler, so I don't need to be loyal to Hitler. In fact, it's Hitler who is disloyal to National Socialism.
As a loyal member of National Socialism, I will purge the opportunists within the party.
Now, those who support me can stay, and those who don't can leave."
The words of Strasser echoed in the conference room, sending a chill through everyone as they realized it was time to take sides—whether to support Strasser or Hitler.
After a long while, no one intended to leave.
Strasser nodded in satisfaction; his party-building approach was indeed sound. A party built on the support of the proletariat and artisans would ultimately protect its own interests. Even though they feared being labeled as traitors, they still chose to stand by their own.
As for the petty bourgeoisie, they are just a group of fence-sitters, swaying to whichever side offers more money. As long as they can secure their own interests, they won't pose any real threat.
"Since you all support me, let's propose this motion at the Nazi Party representative conference this weekend."
"Yes, Chancellor Strasser."
Everyone, whether willingly or unwillingly, loyally or with ulterior motives, is now respectfully complying with the instructions of their new leader.
Now, Strasser has completed the unification of the Berlin Country Social Democratic Party. He holds unparalleled influence within the largest party in Berlin, and he also has actual command over the Germany's First Infantry Division. It can be said that Strasser is truly the king of Berlin.
"Hitler! I am waiting for you in Berlin. I have made my move; I hope you won't be a coward!"
Strasser glanced at Goebbels beside him and thought to himself.
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