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21-28-November/1914
''Ah, that's simple. I need specialized equipment to maintain the high effectiveness of my men. For that I couldn't rely on Germany's traditional factories, since they are all focused on war production. Mauser gave me a four-month timeline for around 400 modified rifles and I don't have time to wait, so I decided to do it myself'' I said, crossing my arms as I looked at Hindenburg.
''Were these requests made through official channels?'' Hindenburg asked, his tone controlled but firm.
''Of course. General der Artillerie Scholtz has received multiple requests from me for specialized sniper equipment, and every single one was rejected because they couldn't divert full Mauser production lines just to satisfy a small unit'' I replied calmly.
''That is correct, Field Marshal Hindenburg. Hauptmann Karl has requested equipment that simply isn't available, and those requests had to be denied'' Scholtz added, backing me.
''I see… and how much are you profiting from this so-called specialized equipment? Are you filling your pockets with Imperial funds while the Empire bleeds in this war?'' Hindenburg said, pointing at me.
''If you allow me, I can present the documentation… I have it here'' I said, standing up.
''And let you walk out of here?'' Hindenburg replied sharply.
''I appreciate the concern… I may be good at camouflage, but disappearing from guards isn't something I can do'' I said, glancing at the armed men in the room. ''The documents are here because I expected this might raise suspicion'' I added with a slight smile.
Hindenburg's expression hardened as I moved to a cabinet and pulled out the full documentation: company records, taxes, contracts.
''Everything is accounted for… prices, margins, state reports, every step of the process'' I said, placing the files in front of him.
''Mauser earns 15 marks per Gewehr rifle… he only takes 5'' Ludendorff muttered while scanning the papers.
''Same with the uniforms'' Scholtz added.
''And the optics? How do you justify selling them at 300 marks?'' Hindenburg pressed.
''Because it's a custom scope that outperforms anything Carl Zeiss produces. Their models only offer fixed magnification'' I said, opening another cabinet and taking out one of my modified rifles. The guards immediately tensed, fingers on triggers.
''Relax, it's unloaded'' I said, cycling the bolt to show the empty chamber. I removed the scope. ''I bought the design from an engineer in Prussia. He tried to sell it and was dismissed as a madman. I paid a fortune for it, so naturally I intend to recover that investment. It's a superior product'' I said, handing it to Ludendorff.
''What makes it different?'' Hindenburg asked.
''Adjustable magnification and adjustable focus. A trained sniper can make shots at distances never seen before using these controls'' I explained, pointing at the scope.
''I see what the markings are for'' Ludendorff said while looking through it.
''They're for range estimation. Using the vertical scale, you match the target's body to the markings and calculate distance with precision. That'' I said, placing another scope on the table ''is the 200-mark Zeiss hunting optic.''
Ludendorff passed my scope to Hindenburg, who compared both in silence before tilting his head.
''There is no comparison, Paul'' Ludendorff said.
''All workers are under confidentiality contracts. I pay them extra for silence and include penalties if they talk. This production is classified'' I added calmly.
''I see…'' Hindenburg said, adjusting the scope.
''Now that this misunderstanding is resolved, we are here because we need your assessment on an operation planned for spring'' Mackensen said.
''We intend to launch an offensive toward Riga and we need your opinion as a saboteur'' Scholtz added.
''Let me guess. You want the rail lines cut and the bridges over the Daugava destroyed'' I said, raising an eyebrow.
''That… is exactly the plan. How did you…?'' Ludendorff said.
''We run operational simulations in my unit. One of them involved Lithuania, and the key point was destroying those connections'' I replied.
''And your simulation says it's feasible?'' Hindenburg asked.
''It depends. I don't know the current frontline situation or Russian trench density. If it's heavily defended, infiltration by water would be the best option. We have winter equipment and rifles resistant to moisture, so we can prepare the operation quickly'' I said calmly.
''The border is still too wide for the Russians to properly monitor, just as it is for us. Recruitment efforts among the Poles have failed to produce volunteers, but we have managed to form a Polish force with conscripts. They can launch an offensive to distract Russian armies and reduce their garrisons in the area, leaving you a clear path'' Hindenburg said.
''Good, then it will be by land… when do I begin the operation?'' I asked, looking at the generals.
''As soon as the sniper training is complete'' Hindenburg replied firmly.
''Next week… in the middle of the Russian winter. Let's hope it's not too harsh, or it could affect us. Once I cut the bridges and rails, I'll need more information. Does Abteilung IIIb have intelligence on the area? I could take advantage and eliminate high-ranking officers if I know where to find them'' I said thoughtfully.
The generals exchanged silent looks.
''No. Unless you cut their telegraph lines, we know very little about their movements. Aside from some maps obtained from war planning studies and general knowledge of army positions, we lack detailed intelligence'' Ludendorff said.
''Then we're going in blind'' I said with a slight grimace.
''Is that a problem?'' Mackensen asked.
''More than anything, it limits opportunities. High-ranking officers are likely in Riga or nearby cities for the winter rather than freezing in trenches. With proper intelligence, operations like assassinating a general near the front would be far easier'' I explained.
''You will have to manage with what you have'' Hindenburg said.
''Is there any soldier available who speaks Russian? We can extract information from captured troops during infiltration. We'll need horses and supplies anyway. Reaching Riga on foot will take weeks, and we cannot carry that much weight along with explosives'' I said, pulling out maps and pointing at possible routes.
''We will assign you men who speak Russian… so it is feasible?'' Hindenburg asked.
''Yes, it's feasible. The main concern is operating for weeks or even months behind enemy lines. Aside from that, I don't see major difficulties. Snow will be both an advantage and a threat. I'll eliminate as many officers as possible in the rear, but after completing the mission, I'll have to wait. Returning will take time as well'' I said, meeting his gaze.
''Good. When that happens, remain in a safe area until the Eighth Army advances. Then we will proceed with the campaign'' Hindenburg said as he stood up.
''When should I detonate the explosives? Any specific date, or as soon as possible? It could be December or January'' I asked before they left.
''Preferably early March, but we may launch an offensive in winter if Russian rail transport is disrupted. Just cut their communications when you act. We will intercept their wireless traffic and handle the rest'' Ludendorff said.
''Understood'' I replied, lowering my head slightly.
''Hindenburg'' Ludendorff said, looking at him.
The marshal sighed. ''If this succeeds and your company inflicts significant damage, I will authorize your admission to the Kriegsakademie with my recommendation. You will receive practical wartime training… but only if your instructors report favorably. Then we will consider another promotion'' Hindenburg said reluctantly.
''I appreciate the consideration… but I'm more interested in what you already know'' I said with a faint smile.
''Budget'' Scholtz said.
''Exactly. You've seen how expensive proper equipment is. I still need to keep buying optics like mine. I've already spent most of the 5000 marks budget on equipment… I have about 7500 left, but I may need to buy spare rifles and additional camouflage gear for my men'' I explained.
''Yes… I can see it here. Equipment for 250 men'' Scholtz said, licking his lips slightly.
''We'll see what can be done'' Ludendorff added.
''With that money, you could equip thousands of soldiers'' Hindenburg said, shaking his head. ''Complete the mission and we will discuss your reward with the Kaiser.''
They left with the rest of the generals.
''Pff… good thing I knew this was coming'' I muttered as I stored the documents back in the cabinet.
Without wasting time, I returned to training. There was still one week left before the snipers were ready.
During that week, I received an official order from the German government. I was to produce 4750 sniper scopes at 250 marks each and 4750 rifles at 40 marks, all to be delivered by March.
A contract worth 1,377,500 marks.
A fortune.
I couldn't just take the money and disappear… though the thought of fleeing to Switzerland crossed my mind.
Even so, the profit alone was 261,250 marks, far more than my father had lent me. As soon as the funds arrived, I repaid him in full and immediately expanded production. I hired more German workers, acquired additional machinery and began training craftsmen to assemble the optics properly.
While my subordinates finished the sniper training, I focused entirely on fulfilling the military contract. I wouldn't have time to oversee everything myself, so I had to rely on my father to ensure production stayed on schedule.
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