13 Welcome to the Party

"The General wants to join the Crentian Workers Party?" Ernest repeated Engel's words. Well, he did want to have a member of a party that is affiliated with the current Crentian Army but not this soon.

"That is correct. What is the qualification to become a member of this party?" Engel asked.

"It's simple really. Firstly, the individual must share our core values and vision for a stronger, unified Crentia. Loyalty to the party's principles is paramount. Additionally, we require a commitment to actively participate in our activities and initiatives. In order for the party to keep running, we require members of the party to pay membership dues, which are used to fund our operations and activities. This helps us maintain independence and ensures we have the resources needed to achieve our goals," Ernest explained.

Engel nodded, taking notes. "I understand. Please wait here for a moment as I will invite the General to come over here and speak directly to you about his intentions," Engel said as he stood, excusing himself from the room.

Ernest waited, using the time to contemplate the potential implications of having a high-ranking military officer like General Steiner join the Crentian Workers' Party. It could bolster their credibility and provide significant strategic advantages. However, it also meant navigating the complex dynamics that come with integrating such a prominent figure into a rapidly growing political movement.

For example, the General may develop this superiority complex should he get to know him well. After all, he looked young and a man with a high-ranking military background might struggle to take orders from someone who appears less experienced. Ernest knew he must tread carefully, balancing respect for Steiner's expertise with the need to maintain his own authority and the ideological purity of the party.

A few minutes later, Engel returned with General Steiner. The General was a tall, imposing figure, his physical presence almost filling the doorway. He was a stout man, his uniform tight around his midsection, with thick mustaches that underscored a stern expression. As he approached Ernest, the faint smell of alcohol lingered, suggesting he had perhaps been steadying his nerves or indulging in a habit.

Ernest stood to greet him, noting these details, aware they might be indicative of the man's personal disciplines or lack thereof. 

"General Steiner, welcome," Ernest extended his hand warmly despite his observations.

"Are you the leader of this party?" Steiner asked. 

Ernest heard that question twice, finding it funny.

"Yes, General, I am Ernest Teucher, the leader of the Crentian Workers' Party."

Steiner looked Ernest up and down with a critical eye, his expression turning skeptical. "You're the leader? A party this large, this disciplined, and the man in charge is what? Barely out of his teens?"

Ernest maintained his composure, understanding that disbelief and judgment were not uncommon reactions given his youthful appearance. 

"I understand your surprise, General. Yes, I am young, but age isn't the sole determinant of capability or leadership. What matters more are vision, strategies, and the ability to inspire and organize people—qualities that our party has demonstrated effectively."

Steiner scoffed lightly, the mustache bristling as he did. "It's unusual, to say the least. You're telling me that you, at your age, have managed to rally this many people and organize them to this extent?"

"That is correct, General. I've not only rallied them but have also guided them towards a common goal that serves the best interests of Crentia. Our party is growing, our reach is expanding, and our influence is undeniable. What we all want is a Greater Crentia, a nation that will rise as a superpower, take back everything the coalition has stolen from us, and more," Ernest replied confidently.

Steiner's skepticism seemed to soften slightly as he listened to Ernest's articulate vision.

"You are a proud general," Ernest observed. "I understand what it feels like for you to lose what you love. The Treaty of Fontaine reduced the army to a mere 100,000 men, and all the men who had served under you during the Great War perished for nothing. Our party can help restore what was taken from us. We can rebuild Crentia's military might under new terms, with your guidance."

Steiner's expression hardened at the mention of the Treaty of Fontaine, his eyes filled with anger and determination. 

"You speak boldly, young man. If what you say is true, and you are indeed committed to these goals, then perhaps there is a place for me here."

"Yes, General," Ernest affirmed. 

"So how do you propose to take everything back?" Steiner asked.

"It's simple, we are going to play a long game. Democracy for me is the way for a legitimate power transfer. We need to win the people, strengthen our presence in the Creitstag, and then assert our policies," Ernest laid out a cautious, political strategy.

Steiner laughed heartily, his belly shaking. "A long game, you say? My boy, I have a better idea."

Ernest looked at Steiner curiously. "And what would that be, General?"

Steiner leaned closer, lowering his voice. "I've been smuggling weapons since our defeat in the Great War. Rifles, machine guns, anti-tank, anti-air—everything a modern army needs. I've kept them hidden, waiting for the right moment. I'm willing to arm your militia, and together, we can overthrow the government."

Ernest blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation. He doesn't know how to react to that but he could tell that it's stupid. There's no way an armed coup would work.

"General, that's... that's a drastic step. I don't think the populace would appreciate it if a fledgling nationalist party suddenly staged an armed revolt. We are not known yet throughout Crentia, and yet everyone buys into our goals. We have to play the long game. But I would appreciate you handing us those smuggled weapons for our militia."

Steiner furrowed his brows. Thinking that it may not be worth it to join if the action won't be his plan. 

Ernest sensed Steiner's commitment wavering. As much as possible, he'd want Steiner to join the party, but it looked like he was slipping from his grasp.

"A revolution is something that can be done overnight, timing is everything here, General Steiner. As a General, you should know that timing is everything. We go in and don't think of the consequences of our actions, it would lead to defeat. But if you are going to insist on that plan and if I don't accept it you'll turn your back, then that's okay for me."

Hearing that, Steiner sighed. 

"Very well, you got me, boy," Steiner said. 

"I don't want you to call me that way, address me properly," Ernest asserted. 

"Understood, Herr Teucher," Steiner caved in.

"Welcome to the Crentian Workers Party," Ernest said, grinning.