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28-April-1920
''Then, this must be the food reception area, which will lead us directly to the chamber connected to many of the greenhouses near the Daugava reservoir. Thanks to that, fresh food should arrive every day by truck'' I said, pointing toward the factory's vehicle entrance.
I began walking while a group of engineers followed me, taking notes on everything I said.
''The cans will enter through here. They must never enter through the same place as the food, to avoid unnecessary contamination. They will be received in this area, and here we must install the machine that will carry out their first sterilization with steam. This section will have to remain sealed, and no one may enter while the machinery is operating, to prevent anyone from being burned. However, it must have an entrance for repairs and a system capable of venting the steam quickly upward'' I explained, pointing to one of the factory's areas so it could be modified according to the industrial line.
''Here the food will be prepared. This factory will have three canning lines dedicated solely to legumes. They will have to be processed and their skins removed when necessary. The three lines will be intended for lentils, chickpeas and peas. Afterward, they will receive a cooking process whose duration will depend on the tests we carry out''.
I continued advancing through the empty factory while pointing out the place each machine would occupy.
''Now we move on to filling. The dosing machine will go here. It will drop a determined quantity of food into each can. There will be three machines, and we will leave enough space for future expansions''.
I stopped in front of another section of the building.
''Here the sealing will take place. We will install the same number of closing machines as dosing machines. Before the cans are closed, they will have to pass through a steam chamber to expel the air and reduce the presence of microorganisms as much as possible. Afterward, the lid will be placed and sealed hermetically''.
I kept walking toward the final part of the future production line.
''Here the thermal processing will be completed. We will have to build a pressurized chamber where the sealed cans are heated with steam for the necessary amount of time to ensure there is no risk of contamination or survival of dangerous microorganisms. The time, temperature and pressure will depend on the food and the size of the can, so tests will have to be carried out for each product''.
I pointed to the adjoining sector.
''After that, the cans will pass to cooling by water. The machine must maintain a certain pressure while they cool to prevent the cans from deforming or losing their seal due to the change in pressure. When the contents cool and contract, a vacuum will form inside''.
I continued toward the end of the industrial hall.
''Then they will pass through a blower to remove the water from the surface. Afterward, they must be inspected to detect leaks, deformities or defective seals. Finally, they will be labeled, packed and sent to the warehouse. With that, the entire process will be finished. Any doubts?'' I asked, turning toward the group of engineers, who continued taking notes.
''No, mein Herzog. Everything is clear. We will request the machinery from the factory according to your instructions and explain to the architects what modifications will be necessary to build the different chambers and guarantee that the food is safe for consumption'' replied one of the engineers, who had written down practically everything and made several quick sketches based on my instructions.
''Perfect. There are currently three other factories that will also be responsible for processing and canning legumes, so all of them must follow the same design. When they are finished, send me a message so I can place someone in charge of hiring. Afterward, we will see how to balance costs and distribute profits'' I said while beginning to put on my gloves.
''Understood'' several engineers replied at the same time before beginning to discuss among themselves how to apply everything I had indicated.
I immediately left the factory and observed the numerous facilities that were beginning to fill with workers. They were transporting newly manufactured machinery and installing the equipment inside the industrial halls.
It seemed we would have to expand the machinery factory even further or begin specializing some of its lines. At present, it was producing so many different types of equipment that orders were beginning to fall behind. At the very least, the production-by-order system was working well enough to supply the needs of our internal industry.
''Where are we going now, mein Herzog?'' Ernst asked.
''We have to visit the factory that will be responsible for powdering milk and distributing it among the population. I need to design how the system will operate and make sure it can function properly. Drive south and then I will give you the necessary directions'' I replied as I climbed into the vehicle, which was surrounded by the members of my personal escort.
I had begun using a guard more frequently. My face was now much more widely known because of all the attention from the press, which increased the possibility that someone might try to assassinate me.
For that reason, I had decided to surround myself with some of my most loyal men. At the same time, I had to make sure their absence did not weaken my other units too much, so I had selected a small trusted group from the Jägerkommandos.
When I got into the vehicle, the other men mounted their motorcycles and we began moving through the city.
During the journey, I observed the enormous movement of construction workers. Numerous trucks transported materials from the railway station and from the cement factories.
Everything was advancing at considerable speed. We were trying to complete the reconstruction as soon as possible, taking advantage of the enormous number of soldiers who were still part of our army and using them temporarily as a labor force.
Multiple factories had begun operating. In many cases, they were civilian industries intended to take advantage of the Duchy's numerous natural resources, whether to supply local industry or to manufacture products intended for export: tables, chairs, shelves, furniture, paper and many other things.
I was also trying to perfect the manufacture of toilet paper. Similar products already existed, but none resembled too closely the one I knew. I had put some of the chemists who had created that polymer with characteristics close to Kevlar to work on it. They had to discover what treatment the fibers needed to obtain a soft and resistant texture that could be used comfortably.
At the same time, we began establishing areas dedicated to logging and reforestation to ensure that the industry could be maintained in the long term without exhausting our forests.
''To your right'' I told Ernst, who was driving the vehicle.
Ernst turned in the indicated direction, and it did not take us long to reach one of the more peripheral factories. It was located near a farm in the region, beside the largest herd of cows in the surroundings of Riga.
As soon as I got out of the vehicle, I began giving instructions on how the factory had to be organized, from the moment the milk arrived at the facilities until each of the processes was completed.
On this occasion, I had to rely quite heavily on one of the engineers, because I did not know exactly how the system needed to transform milk into powder actually worked. The man explained each stage to me, and I contributed recommendations based on what I remembered, correcting or expanding the design whenever I considered that something could be done more efficiently.
Several hours of discussion passed that way until we finally managed to prepare a definitive plan. The factory should be finished within a few months, mainly because of the long waiting list at the machinery factory. New orders were being added every day, and it was becoming difficult to determine which ones should have priority.
''Mein Herzog, I finally found you'' someone said, running toward me.
''What is it?'' I asked, observing him and noticing that he was sweating after covering a considerable distance.
''A man has arrived from the Isles. He says he needs to meet with you and claims the matter is urgent'' the bureaucrat explained, panting slightly as he spoke.
''From the Isles? I hope he is the man who was supposed to get me rubber. I requested several shipments with tons of that material. We need to stop depending on reused rubber that we obtain by recovering everything we can find'' I said, interlacing my hands with a smile.
At last, we would be able to begin importing products from the British colonies.
''He does not seem to be English, mein Herzog. He only told me he came from the Isles. His German is terrible, so I could not find out what he wants. In any case, he has already been searched and carries no weapons'' the bureaucrat explained.
''Someone from the Isles who barely speaks German… Hum'' I murmured, placing a hand beneath my chin.
I could not think who it might be.
''Very well. I will speak with him and we will find out what he proposes. We leave immediately'' I said as I began walking toward my vehicle.
When I left the factory, I found Ernst and his men resting under the sun while they waited for my return. It did not take them long to stand up and take their positions as soon as they saw me appear.
''Take us to the mansion I am using as a workplace'' I ordered Ernst before sitting inside the vehicle.
Then I looked at the bureaucrat.
''You get in too. That way you will not have to repeat whatever you did to find me''.
''I climbed onto one of the trucks coming toward this area. The other messengers are still looking for you in different parts of the city. When we arrive, I will tell them that I already found you'' the bureaucrat replied while getting into the vehicle and slowly recovering his breath.
The vehicle's engine roared as we accelerated and moved through the streets of occupied Riga, making our way between trucks loaded with construction materials and sectors blocked by the works.
Finally, we arrived at one of the mansions in the residential district. The building had numerous rooms suitable for housing the bureaucrats while my palace was being rebuilt.
Once inside, I found a man wearing a somewhat wrinkled suit. I stared at him, wondering who the hell had come looking for me.
I went directly into a room where we could be relatively alone, accompanied only by a few members of my trusted guard.
''Tell me what you want'' I said, staring at him.
''Gu…ten Morgen, Herr He…rzog. Ich… bin…'' the man began to say.
''Well, you really do speak terrible German. I suppose you know English, yes?'' I asked while resting my face on my fist.
''Yes… Yes'' he replied nervously.
''What do you want?'' I asked, increasingly intrigued by the reason for his visit.
''Well, my name is James Emmet Dalton. I come from Berlin because…'' the man began to explain.
''What were you doing in Berlin?'' I interrupted, raising an eyebrow.
''Eh… We were negotiating with the Kaiser to obtain his support in the liberation of our people. However, the Kaiser rejected our request. My companions decided to return home, but I…'' the Irishman explained.
''You are looking for military support, but I am your second option. An alternative you did not even consider worth visiting'' I said with a faint smile.
''Yes. In the recent general election, we won a great victory. Now the president of the Dáil Éireann, Éamon de Valera, needs support. The British have declared the party illegal and fighting is taking place throughout the country. It is difficult to fight when the enemy possesses all the weapons. That is why we wanted to request armaments from you, considering that your relations with the British are quite tense'' the Irishman explained.
''I suppose you control some port where we can land the supplies, yes?'' I asked with interest.
''No…'' the Irishman replied.
''Then, assuming I accepted, how do you expect me to get the weapons to you? Do you want to repeat what happened with that German shipment sent in 1916? Besides, is there any competent commander in the Irish army? What could you actually do with the weapons I sent you?'' I asked, not seeming too convinced.
''I served in the British Army. I fought on the Somme and in Egypt, and reached the rank of captain'' the Irishman replied.
''You survived the carnage of the Somme and, from what I can see, you did not let them tear your head off in the desert either'' I said while scratching my forehead.
I remained silent for a few seconds while thinking about the possible consequences.
''Tell De Valera that I cannot give you German weapons. That could place the British against me again or cause problems for the Kaiser…'' I said slowly.
''But…'' the Irishman began to say.
''But I said nothing about manufacturing our own British weapons'' I interrupted. ''We can produce copies of the Lee-Enfield in my factories, but you will have to secure a port or a safe area to land them''.
I leaned slightly forward.
''I will send you rifles and ammunition. We will prepare a sort of theft. We will pretend that a group of Irishmen has seized one of my merchant ships by force, supposedly dedicated to transporting food, but in reality loaded with weapons and ammunition. That way, I can deny any responsibility if the operation fails''.
The Irishman remained silent, listening attentively.
''When you return, bring Irish sailors capable of handling the ship and a document signed by De Valera, blank except for his signature, where the treaties will be written afterward. If you manage to free yourselves from the British yoke, we will discuss trade conditions very favorable to me. If you fail, at least you will have killed British soldiers, and we will deny knowing anything about all this'' I said, staring fixedly at the former soldier.
A smile began to form on the Irishman's face.
''I understand. I will inform the president of your decision. I will return immediately and see whether your conditions are acceptable'' he replied before beginning to leave the room.
''Ernst, order the purchase of a Belgian, Dutch or Spanish ship that is about to be scrapped. We will use it to transport the weapons. That way, we can deny any responsibility if everything goes wrong. We will also see whether it is convenient to send some spies along with the shipment'' I said thoughtfully.
''At your orders. I will send someone to buy any old ship he can find out there'' Ernst replied before leaving the room.
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If there are spelling mistakes, please let me know.
Leave a comment; support is always appreciated.
I remind you to leave your ideas or what you would like to see.
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