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Chapter 137: Secret Agreement
🕑 Added 2025-01-05 15:45:02 +0000 UTCIn a small Austrian border town called Moschendorf, a secret meeting was taking place in a hotel.
The meeting was between two important representatives. On one side was Karl Renner, the first president of the newly formed Austrian Second Republic, often referred to as the Father of Austria. On the other side was Molotov, a strong supporter of Stalin and the current foreign minister of the Soviet Union.
The subject of the meeting was a secret agreement. The Soviet Union would reduce its military presence in the areas surrounding Austria, recognize the existence of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, acknowledge its sovereignty over Slovenia and Croatia, and Austria's right to protect them. In addition, the Soviet Union promised not to interfere in any territorial disputes between Austria, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and the Communist Partisans.
Another crucial part of the deal was the Soviet Union's agreement to supply Austria with weapons-grade uranium-235. This idea came up in talks initiated by Josh, since Austria did not produce uranium, while the Soviet Union had plenty. Kazakhstan, under Soviet control, was the world's second largest uranium producer, and the Soviet mainland also had rich uranium reserves.
But uranium wasn't free. Austria had to pay for it, although this was a small expense for Austria, especially with Josh's financial support. In return, Austria handed over complete nuclear weapons technology.
The negotiations went smoothly, albeit in secret. Both sides sacrificed their allies' interests for their own gain.
For the Soviets, this meant selling out their ally, the Communist Partisans. The importance of nuclear weapons overshadowed any loyalty to Yugoslavia. The six atomic bombs dropped by the United States on Japan had deeply shaken the Soviet leadership. Stalin, who had once boasted of the impact of the IS-3 heavy tank at the Weimar Conference, now found himself sleepless and overwhelmed by America's nuclear supremacy.
Austria, on the other hand, threatened America's monopoly on nuclear weapons. This move was crucial to Austria's aspirations to regain its status as a strong nation and reduce American influence. Previously, Austria had been forced to rely on the United States, allowing American troops to be stationed freely and promising military ports due to its vulnerable post-war position.
Historically, Austria had been occupied by four countries for ten years and only regained its sovereignty by declaring permanent neutrality. However, Josh was determined not to allow the U.S. to exploit Austria in the future, especially since Josh already controlled most of Austria's key resources. Developing nuclear weapons and maintaining discreet relations with the Soviets were necessary for Austria's independence and security.
With nuclear weapons and the V3 rocket technology acquired from Yuri, Austria could potentially become a global third power.
Josh wasn't worried that the Soviets would break the agreement. Even if they did, it would only be after they had successfully developed their own nuclear weapons. But even with complete nuclear technology in hand, there was no guarantee that the Soviets could surpass Austria in building a nuclear bomb.
Austria's advanced industrial capabilities were on a par with those of the Soviet Union. Had Austria's industrial strength been weak, the Red Skull would never have been able to produce so many Tesseract-powered weapons, almost allowing him to challenge the entire world.
After the negotiations ended and the Soviet delegation departed with a wealth of information, Karl Renner returned to his hotel, escorted by security. Trembling slightly, he entered a lounge adjacent to the meeting room where Josh had been monitoring the proceedings.
"Thank you for everything you've done for Austria, Josh," Karl Renner said sincerely as he shook Josh's hand.
"No need to thank me, Uncle Karl. Even though I'm an American citizen now, I've never forgotten my roots here," Josh replied earnestly, shaking his hand.
Deep down, Josh didn't really consider himself Austrian, but he had no problem telling a friendly lie to Karl.
Over the past few months, Josh had taken advantage of the chaos of war and the momentum of the American military to effortlessly absorb the remnants of Hydra and secure control over more than half of Austria's political, military, and economic sectors. While others may have been unaware of these actions, they were not unnoticed by Karl Renner.
Had Renner chosen to oppose Josh, his high standing in Austria would have allowed him to stop Josh's plans altogether. But instead of resisting, Renner offered his full support, even though Josh was technically an American.
Renner's decision was not out of line with Hydra; in fact, it was quite the opposite. A staunch Marxist, Renner had always opposed both Hitler and the Red Skull, seeing them as nothing more than lunatics. But Josh was different. He was not driven by fanaticism. Instead, he was discreet, patient, and everything he did was for the good of Austria.
For Renner, Josh's possession of complete nuclear weapons technology reinforced his belief that Austria's future lay in Josh's hands. Another factor was Renner's old age. Born in 1870, he was already 75 years old and well aware of his limited time. Austria needed a younger, stronger leader, and Josh was the only candidate who fit the bill.
Renner didn't care that Josh was a capitalist representing corporate interests. His only concern was the resurrection of Austria. As long as Josh's actions were in line with Austria's interests, the two were practically inseparable. Josh also had no significant enmity or conflicting interests with Austria, unlike his former homeland.
After adjusting to his new life, Josh didn't mind making Austria his second home. As for America, it was just a garden of resources to be exploited.
The harmonious atmosphere between the two led to a meal together during which they discussed Austria's future. Exhausted, Karl Renner left the town soon after, citing his official visit to inspect the border as the reason for his trip. Staying too long would have raised suspicions about the secret agreement.
When Renner left, Josh prepared to leave as well—not the town, but Europe as a whole, to return to America. The major corporations' investments in Europe were already in motion, running smoothly without Josh's direct supervision. Even if emergencies arose, he could return by plane within two days without significant delay.
Josh's primary reason for staying in Europe had been the negotiations with the Soviet Union. With that settled, there was no longer any need for him to stay.
Besides, after nearly half a year away, Josh missed Margaret and their two children. Since the third dimension had become accessible a few months ago, Josh had added a new daily ritual, interacting with the child in that world via the screen. Watching them always reminded him of his own children.
His children were now six months old and might be calling for their mother.
With his recent acquisition of Boeing stock, Josh decided to focus on the aerospace industry upon his return. Satellite development would be a priority. Without satellites, long-distance communication was a constant struggle—he couldn't even make intercontinental calls.
(TL/N: Its getting more good as we progress)
Comments
Amaan Shaikh
Yeah, gonna do it today
incognito viewer
I know how you feel, gotta edit while reading it, get grammar check and read it again
Amaan Shaikh
Actually I use Deepl to check for any grammar mistakes and their shitty checker keeps changing he to she and him to her.
incognito viewer
Hopefully he stops transitioning to a woman with "her"
