AHumanMadeMOFO
patreon
Chapter 116: Returning to Europe (2)
🕑 Added 2024-12-27 16:23:42 +0000 UTCThe man, John Habermann, appeared to be a British citizen, but was actually of Bavarian descent.
He had once been a double agent stationed in Britain for Hydra and the Third Reich, holding a position of some importance.
However, with the fall of the Reich and the incorporation of Bavaria into Austria, he lost his original mission.
Habermann had originally planned to pack up and flee at the end of the war. But Ophelia sought him out, and like many other European Hydra branches, he was absorbed into Josh's ranks.
Given his established social standing in Britain, Habermann now served as Hydra's top executive in the UK, reporting to Lyndon as head of Josh's group operations in Britain.
Whether in relation to Germany, Hydra, or the now-formed Austria, Britain had always been a competitor.
Although Britain had previously supported operations such as the Eagle's Nest and the Bavarian-Austrian coup, this was primarily because the British were desperate to end the war.
Now that the war was over, Britain had begun to show its true colors, repeatedly asserting in Allied meetings that Bavaria and Austria were guilty of major war crimes and should face the consequences. In addition, Britain opposed the unification of Bavaria and Austria and obstructed Austria's attempts to gain recognition as a victorious power.
France mirrored Britain's stance. During the last two months of Josh's absence, a new French Constituent Assembly had been elected.
While de Gaulle remained the leader of the provisional government, he was increasingly sidelined.
Aside from overseeing the French occupation forces in Germany, France's last great man had effectively lost control of domestic politics. (TL/N: de Gaulle is often called as France's last great man)
French politicians now aligned themselves with the British, who were secretly targeting Austria.
Fortunately, the United States, unwilling to see a unified Western Europe-especially a united Britain and France—opposed harsh measures against Austria and the partition of Bavaria and Austria. Moreover, the looming Soviet threat softened their stance. While the U.S. didn't support granting Austria victorious status, it also rejected British and French proposals for sanctions.
This delicate dynamic created a fragile balance within the Allied ranks.
In this case, it would be odd for John Habermann, who had been involved in underground struggles with the British since the beginning of the war, to have a favorable attitude toward the British.
What does it matter that they are the victorious powers? Their homeland is still in ruins.
In recent months, town halls across Britain have been filled with returning soldiers queuing up for divorces.
Every day, couples are seen fighting in the streets.
It's inevitable; many British women had affairs with American soldiers, resulting in numerous pregnancies.
While their husbands were fighting on the front lines, their wives were pregnant, and any British soldier with a little common sense would have figured out the situation after a few neighborhood inquiries.
Some soldiers with stronger bonds might endure the betrayal, but the majority would not.
"Haha, just wait. This is only the beginning. Soon the British will be in for much worse!" Josh smiled slightly and added.
Josh also had no love for the country that had caused so much chaos in human history. Of course, he didn't feel much loyalty to the United States or Austria either.
However, as one of the heads of Hydra and a member of the American Conglomerate, it was only natural to cause trouble for these two long-standing powers.
This was one of the main goals of his return to Europe.
As for how to make trouble for these nations, he would naturally rely on the "adorable bear" on the other side of the German Wall.
What is the German Wall?
It's the border between the Allied and Soviet-occupied zones.
In the original timeline, the Berlin Wall existed, but it no longer exists in this world. Without the Yalta Conference, the European War ended differently, and the Soviet Union, having taken Berlin for itself, refused to share the city with the Allies.
So, in this world, there is only the "German Wall" that divides Germany in two along a military border.
And Bavaria was also taken by Austria.
The Allied occupied zones in Germany are much smaller than in the original timeline, especially compared to the portions given to Great Britain and France, which are even smaller than Bavaria.
It's no wonder the two countries despise Austria.
"Seems like the leader's intervention will be quite special," John Habermann said, offering a timely compliment.
Josh merely smiled in response, without responding further. Just then he caught sight of someone.
"Stop that car up ahead!" Josh ordered.
The driver didn't hesitate and slowly brought the car to a stop.
Josh opened the door and got out, walking toward the figure standing at the roadside.
The person turned and a flicker of surprise crossed her face as she saw Josh.
"Miss Carter, long time no see!" Josh greeted her.
Indeed, it was Peggy Carter he had not seen in a long time, their first meeting since Captain America went missing.
"Long time no see, Mr. Kahn. I didn't expect to see you here. I heard you'd returned to the U.S.," Peggy Carter said with a slight smile.
Although she, too, was a wealthy American, she had a much more favorable impression of Josh than of the flamboyant Howard Stark—despite their close friendship.
"Yes, I've been home for two months, spending time with my fiancée and two children, celebrating Christmas. I just arrived in London today," Josh replied, nodding.
Although Peggy's figure often made Josh entertain certain thoughts, he knew better than to act on them. This woman was not easy to handle, and he did not want to risk turning into a snakehead and having his head cut off by her.
Therefore, Josh had no reason to hide things about his family that would likely make a good impression. After all, as a leader of Hydra, his future dealings with S.H.I.E.L.D. would inevitably involve someone like Peggy, one of its founders.
"What? You already have children?" Peggy asked, obviously surprised.
As a military officer, Peggy had conducted her share of investigations, and while she didn't know the details of Josh's family life, she did know that he was still young.
A 17-year-old billionaire with children, and he seemed to have a good relationship with his fiancée.
Compared to Howard Stark, who was known for his recklessness, Peggy couldn't help but think more highly of Josh.
"By the way, where are you going?" Josh asked, looking at her.
"I just left my brother's place and was on my way home, but it seems like it's not so easy to catch a cab right now," Peggy shrugged and looked down the street.
"Well, if you don't have any other plans, how about we grab a bite to eat together? Don't get me wrong, I actually have something I want to discuss with you... about Steve," Josh offered casually.
