NagandEmerald
His Imperial & Royal Majesty, Friedrich IV
- Aug 18, 2018
- 696
In the late hours of the evening on February 28th, the German government had finally come to a conclusion on the debate of the current state of the Armed Forces. After long discussions and processions, the Reichstag had finally agreed to the Kaiser calling for the disbandment of the Bundeswehr, and its subsequent replacement with a better Armed Force. While many soldiers and officers protested the — albeit temporary — disbandment of Germany's only military, leaving only the Federal Police to act as Germany's protection for the time, there was not much that could be done. The Kaiser called a secret meeting of the Defense Staff of the German Reich — including senior officers of the Bundeswehr, the Reich Chancellor, and the Minister of Defence — and deliberated to them the circumstances of the disbandment of the military at the Prussian House of Lords, formally renamed to the Prussian Peoples' Palace: the Preußischer Volkspalast. While the Volksrat could observe the proceedings, they were not allowed to participate or disclose any information unless the Kaiser and Reich Chancellor both agreed to it.
Many of those present were furious, to say the least, and threatened to leave the Reich and its army to find new officers. However, the Minister of Defense stipulated that, while the military was disbanded, they were still not dismissed of their posts, and leaving the Reich would mean treason and court-marshaling. Two officers, Admiral Manfred Nielson of the Navy and Generalleutnant Dieter Naskrent of the Air Force, were escorted out of the Palace by members of the Federal Police and discreetly imprisoned to await trial for their desertion and for attempted assault and murder of the Head of State. The other officers, however, stayed to listen to what the plan of the German military was.
"Now, I understand your frustrations," the Kaiser explained — dusting himself off from the incident with the rogue general officer, "But I think that this exact incident highlights the main problem that the Bundeswehr currently possesses: discipline, or lack thereof. As I have noticed, the Bundeswehr, in all branches, has a lack of discipline among its ranks from its lack of officers, a major lack of equipment thanks to funding not being properly utilized or not nearly having enough, and an aforementioned layer of apathy for the miltary that's been around since the 2nd World War, and has been exasperated by our failures in the 21st Century." The Kaiser leaned in towards the General Staff, who looked at him with disappointment, frustration, or understanding.
"This is where it stops. I need you to understand that I want something better for Germany. Which is why I am leaving the designing of the new military to you, the General Staff." At this, their expressions softened as the Minister of Defence explained further.
"You have been telling Germany for years that its military is not good enough, but no one wished to give the proper funding or respect that you gentlemen deserved...ergo, I, Frau Nahles, and His Majesty think it is appropriate that the gentlemen who know the issues of the Bundeswehr better than anyone else design the new military."
"And if we refuse? Will we be carted off like our comrades earlier?"
"I believe that is the implied threat, General," the Reich Chancellor stated matter-of-factly, "We need a proper Armed Forces, one that can defend our state and sovereignty if we need it, intervene and protect the sovereignty and security of other nations if wanted, and usher in a new age of military revival for Germany that hasn't been seen since the 2nd World War."
"But you said it yourselves," an admiral interrupted, "The public is apathetic about a military, scared of it even. How do you plan to convince Germany, let alone the world, to allow for a new military revitalization?"
"Simple...we simply talk to them, tell them what our plan is, and let them make the choice if they wish to be apathetic or not. Regardless, it won't matter since the Reichstag will be discussing the matters in the upcoming sitting week for March anyways." The generals and admirals looked to each other nervously. This could be considered outrageous, tyrannical even, but in the end, they knew that Friedrich meant well, and wouldn't let anything go over his head. If they wanted to do right by the German people, they had to make this a military worth serving. With that in mind, General Jörg Vollmer of the Army stood up and saluted the kaiser.
"You may rest easy Eure Majestät. I will take this task up with my comrades-in-arms...and I will do it because you trust in us to do so, sir." The other commanding officers stood up and saluted the Kaiser in return, before they were dismissed and allowed to make preparations for the new military body of Germany.
Many of those present were furious, to say the least, and threatened to leave the Reich and its army to find new officers. However, the Minister of Defense stipulated that, while the military was disbanded, they were still not dismissed of their posts, and leaving the Reich would mean treason and court-marshaling. Two officers, Admiral Manfred Nielson of the Navy and Generalleutnant Dieter Naskrent of the Air Force, were escorted out of the Palace by members of the Federal Police and discreetly imprisoned to await trial for their desertion and for attempted assault and murder of the Head of State. The other officers, however, stayed to listen to what the plan of the German military was.
"Now, I understand your frustrations," the Kaiser explained — dusting himself off from the incident with the rogue general officer, "But I think that this exact incident highlights the main problem that the Bundeswehr currently possesses: discipline, or lack thereof. As I have noticed, the Bundeswehr, in all branches, has a lack of discipline among its ranks from its lack of officers, a major lack of equipment thanks to funding not being properly utilized or not nearly having enough, and an aforementioned layer of apathy for the miltary that's been around since the 2nd World War, and has been exasperated by our failures in the 21st Century." The Kaiser leaned in towards the General Staff, who looked at him with disappointment, frustration, or understanding.
"This is where it stops. I need you to understand that I want something better for Germany. Which is why I am leaving the designing of the new military to you, the General Staff." At this, their expressions softened as the Minister of Defence explained further.
"You have been telling Germany for years that its military is not good enough, but no one wished to give the proper funding or respect that you gentlemen deserved...ergo, I, Frau Nahles, and His Majesty think it is appropriate that the gentlemen who know the issues of the Bundeswehr better than anyone else design the new military."
"And if we refuse? Will we be carted off like our comrades earlier?"
"I believe that is the implied threat, General," the Reich Chancellor stated matter-of-factly, "We need a proper Armed Forces, one that can defend our state and sovereignty if we need it, intervene and protect the sovereignty and security of other nations if wanted, and usher in a new age of military revival for Germany that hasn't been seen since the 2nd World War."
"But you said it yourselves," an admiral interrupted, "The public is apathetic about a military, scared of it even. How do you plan to convince Germany, let alone the world, to allow for a new military revitalization?"
"Simple...we simply talk to them, tell them what our plan is, and let them make the choice if they wish to be apathetic or not. Regardless, it won't matter since the Reichstag will be discussing the matters in the upcoming sitting week for March anyways." The generals and admirals looked to each other nervously. This could be considered outrageous, tyrannical even, but in the end, they knew that Friedrich meant well, and wouldn't let anything go over his head. If they wanted to do right by the German people, they had to make this a military worth serving. With that in mind, General Jörg Vollmer of the Army stood up and saluted the kaiser.
"You may rest easy Eure Majestät. I will take this task up with my comrades-in-arms...and I will do it because you trust in us to do so, sir." The other commanding officers stood up and saluted the Kaiser in return, before they were dismissed and allowed to make preparations for the new military body of Germany.
