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墨書 Inktalez
"I really didn't expect that you, a former lieutenant, would have such brilliant ideas. If only I had discovered you earlier, having you in the Army's weapon development department would be like adding wings to a tiger."
On the way to the General Staff of the Army, Dr. Marcus expressed his admiration for Strasser's talent.
"I'm just someone who has a clearer overall direction for macro research; when it comes to technical details, I can't compare to experts like you."
Strasser was speaking the truth; he was merely relying on his memory of mature military theories from later generations to provide a direction for strategic research. When it came to specific technologies, he was just an outsider.
"By the way, why is General Siket in such a hurry to call me back?" Strasser asked, somewhat curious.
"It seems you are not at all concerned about your future," Marcus said, looking at the younger man with a hand on his forehead.
"You forgot? General Siket mentioned that he would promote you this year, but it was postponed due to the Congressional elections. You were simply too busy at the time.
Now that you have some free time, it's natural to seize the opportunity. Don't you want to officially become a full Colonel? It would be quite inappropriate for those Majors to keep saluting you as an Acting Colonel."
Seeing Strasser's somewhat awkward expression, Marcus turned his head and added with a smile.
"This is not what I said; it's that old relic Ludendorff who said it. You can't hold it against me."
······
This time, Strasser's promotion to the rank of Colonel was not very large. After all, to be fair, Strasser's speed of advancement was too fast. Although it could be justified in theory, in reality, Germany did not have a precedent for such rapid promotions.
However, at this promotion ceremony, all the high-ranking old-timers from the General Staff of the Army were present. In addition to Seeckt and Ludendorff, Major General Mark and General Jung from the General Staff of the Army also attended the ceremony.
Watching Seeckt prepare to personally award Strasser, Major General Mark quietly asked General Jung, "Do you think Strasser could really be General Siket's illegitimate son? This speed of promotion, advancing three ranks in just a year, is too enviable."
"Don't talk nonsense." General Jung glared at Major General Mark, "Illegitimate children don't get that treatment, at least not from their real father." "······"
In the eyes of the onlookers, Strasser was warmly shaking hands and greeting Seeckt, as if they were as close as a father and son.
"I hope you can contribute to the development of the National Defense Forces in the future," Seeckt said as he pinned the rank of Colonel onto Strasser.
"Of course," Strasser replied loudly, then quietly asked,
"Speak your mind, General Siket. What do you need from me?"
Strasser was well aware that he was just a few months away from his eight-year mark in service and promotion. Seeckt's urgency in seeking him out for a favor clearly indicated that there was something he wanted.
"You are quite perceptive, young man, and that's one of the reasons I have high hopes for you. So, I'll get straight to the point: I need you to join the General Staff of the Army and work for me." Taking advantage of the time during the award ceremony, Seeckt leaned in and quietly made his request to Strasser.
"You are willing to accept my concept of building an army," Strasser said, somewhat surprised. He was eager to showcase his abilities in the National Defense Forces.
"I can only say that I have accepted part of it. I have accepted the weapons you designed, but I do not accept your ideology. I still do not believe that Germany can use Blitzkrieg against the Anglo-French. I also still disagree with your diplomatic stance; the Russians do not have the strength to be our allies."
"I have personally witnessed the Panther tank you designed, and it is indeed very powerful. The General Staff has assessed that this tank has surpassed all types of tanks currently in service in the United Kingdom and France.
However, that is not the main point. Now, I need you to take over part of the construction work for the National Defense Forces, especially for your command, the First Division, which needs to rapidly achieve combat readiness."
"Why?" Strasser did not understand why Seeckt was in such a hurry. Even if they were going to take action against Hindenburg, there was no need to rush like this.
"This autumn, the General Staff of the Army will organize a military review, and I would like to invite Prince William to inspect it.
The National Defense Forces need to showcase their strong military power to deter domestic threats. Those new weapons you designed shouldn't be kept hidden; bring them out for display. I am aware of your dealings with the Krupp Company.
Moreover, you must keep a good balance and ensure that we do not violate the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles. We cannot provoke the Anglo-French; this is a challenging task. After much consideration, I realize that within the National Defense Forces, you are the only one who is both proficient in weapon design and sensitive to political trends."
"How is it? Are you willing to accept this task? If you've made up your mind, report to the General Staff of the Army tomorrow."
Seeckt gently brushed the dust off Strasser's shoulder, then took a step back and asked loudly, "Colonel Strasser, are you willing to fight for the future of Germany and the future of the National Defense Forces?"
"For the rise of Germany, Strasser vows to fight to the death!" In response, Strasser's powerful voice and firm military salute were heard.
······
After the awarding ceremony, General Siket immediately left; he had many other matters to attend to.
However, Strasser did not leave immediately; he approached the solitary Major General Mark of the General Staff of the Army. "Please don't go yet, Major General Mark." Strasser maintained a relatively respectful attitude, as his reputation was somewhat built on Major General Mark's willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good.
"Is there something on your mind, Colonel Strasser?"
Major General Mark did not seem impatient at all; he was always magnanimous and appeared to have forgotten the last time he had been a stepping stone for Strasser. It was unwise to hold a grudge against someone favored by General Siket, especially when that person was suspected to be an illegitimate child. After all, he was just a brigadier, and there were plenty of officers with higher ranks in the General Staff of the Army.
"I want to ask, do you know anything about General Siket's family?" Strasser felt a bit embarrassed; after all, it seemed somewhat impolite for a grown man to inquire about someone else's private life.
"You've come to the right person," Major General Mark said, suddenly excited. "Although my professional skills are average and I've been stuck as a brigadier for so many years, my gossiping ability is top-notch. I know everyone's private life in the General Staff of the Army like the back of my hand."
"Especially that General Jung, let me tell you, this old guy has a bunch of lovers outside, and then there's Ludendorff. Don't be fooled by him..."
"Stop, get to the point!" Strasser quickly interrupted the rambling Major General Mark.
"General Seeckt? His private life is quite clean; I haven't heard any gossip about him. Ever since his son and daughter-in-law passed away, Seeckt has been completely focused on the construction of the National Defense Forces, not considering personal matters at all." Mark pondered for a moment.
"I only know that General Siket has a granddaughter, named?"
"Anna von Sievers," Strasser reminded.
"Yes, that's her. Seeckt dotes on his only granddaughter. Last time Anna was bored, she went to the General Staff of the Army to play. She took a handgun and chased everyone out of the broadcasting department, then locked the door and sang alone in the broadcasting room."
The entire General Staff of the Army listened to Anna sing for an entire afternoon, until she finally opened the door and came out in the evening. Thinking of Anna's glorious deeds, Major General Mark also greatly admired her. When he caused trouble in the past, he was only detained for an hour in the broadcasting room before being disciplined by General Jung. But Anna was different. No one dared to stop her from doing things, let alone sanction her. This is the difference; background really matters.
"Are so many people really driven out by a little girl?" Strasser said, somewhat incredulously.
"What else could it be? General Siket is at his wit's end with the headstrong Anna. Just look at who in the General Staff of the Army dares to touch her; she's General Siket's only remaining hope!" Major General Mark scoffed at Strasser, wondering how someone could be so oblivious.
"If Anna wanted the entire General Staff of the Army, I believe Seeckt would do his utmost to accommodate her."
"You are really funny, Major General Mark. Come on, I'll take you to the biggest bar in Berlin for a drink." Strasser and Major General Mark exchanged knowing glances and then burst into laughter together.
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