“Wa ‘alaykumu s-salam”
These were the words spoken by Faisal I bin al-Hussein bin Ali al-Hashemi, the third son of the Grand Emir and Sharif of Mecca, who in Bruno’s past life had become the First King of Iraq. There was a genuine tone of hospitality in the words of the Arabic leader as he spoke with the agent of the Kaiser.
Maximilian was a Christian, and a European, a descendent of those primitive barbarians that the Arabic world used to look down upon during their glory days. But there were nearly a thousand years removed since then and now.
During the centuries the Arabic world had stagnated, and eventually fallen behind the Christian European nations whose military might combined was more than enough to rule the entire world, and for the most part they did.
The number of countries in this world that were truly independent, and not subjected to the European sphere of influence at this time could be counted upon with a single hand and its digits. Assuming, of course, one had all of their fingers intact.
Yet despite the arrogance which Europeans were well known for outside their own personal bastions of civilization, there was none on Maximilian’s face as he genuinely bowed before the foreign ruler and offered his respect both verbally and in the form of lavish gifts.
The fact that this German emissary had gone out of his way to learn the Arabic language to the point of absolute perfection as a means of preparation for this meeting was even further impressive to the son of the Grand Emir and Sharif of Mecca.
Because of this, Faisal I responded to Maximilian’s words with an equal tone of sincerity, as he began to question the reason that he was approached at this time.
“Though I am indeed flattered by the gifts you have brought me, I have to ask, to what do I owe the unusual pleasure of being approached by an agent in service of the German Kaiser? I can’t help but wonder, considering the circumstances we find ourselves in, why you would undertake such a dangerous effort simply to speak to a man in my humble position.”
Faisal’s suspicion was well warranted. After all, Maximilian and his guards had come a long way, penetrating deep into enemy territory in order to speak with a prominent leader among the arab population within the boundaries of the Ottoman Empire.
It was only natural that the man would suspect treachery to be the reason for Maximilian’s visit. And seeing how he had been seen through right from the start, Max could only chuckle as he admitted the truth then and there.
“Since you have already come to suspect the reason behind my visit, I won’t put on a façade any longer. You and your family are deeply respected members of the Arab population within the borders of the Ottoman Empire, and we understand that the Ottomans, especially after the Young Turks usurped power following their revolution in 1908, have begun pressuring you, and other minority groups.
Considering that currently, neither the central powers currently have no lands possessed, nor claims over such territories belonging to the Islamic world, we wanted to give you a chance to gain your independence.
Surely, the ongoing process of Turkification, and the horrific atrocities your people have suffered at the hands of the Ottoman Army have been enough to endure? What we offer you is simple. We offer unconditional material aid and military advisors in exchange for armed revolution against the Ottoman Empire.
In addition to this the Kaiser offers his guarantees that the German Reich and its colonial affairs shall not extend into the Islamic World, and that he will do his best to mediate any post-war disputes over Ottoman territory between the leaders of your revolution, and the other Central Powers with absolute impartiality should such a debate arise.”
The proposition was indeed exceptionally tantalizing for the Arabic leader, but there was a hint of suspicion in his mind about the legitimacy of Maximilian’s offer. And he was quick to interrogate the man on this matter, albeit with a far more friendly tone than his shrewd endeavor would let on.
“And you are certain that the Kaiser can make such assurances? Are these your words, or his?”
Seeing that he had been seen through once more by the wise Arab leader, Maximilian’s friendly disposition immediately hardened as he shouted in German to his bodyguards to leave him alone with the scion of the Emir of Mecca.
There was a brief dispute as Faisal watched with intrigue as the German delegation bickered among themselves until finally only Maximilian once the two of them were alone Maximilian made a deep and heavy sigh before voicing his honest thoughts.
“Allow me to be frank, the Kaiser is too preoccupied with the war in Europe and what that means to the German Reich to really care about matters concerning the colonies at this moment. Even now, our forces in Africa are left to fend for entirely themselves, and the same can be said for those in the Pacific.
There is only one man who is thinking far enough ahead in regard to Colonial Affairs, while a major war between the Great Powers is being waged across the globe. And that is my younger brother, Bruno von Zehntner. I’m sure you have heard about the man they call the Wolf of Prussia, right?”
Bruno’s reputation had indeed spread far and wide. Even here in mecca, the name of the Butcher of Belgrade was enough to make the air in the room grow stale. And upon hearing that these promises were made by Bruno and not by the Kaiser, Faisal was quick to straighten his back as he felt the temperature grow colder at that moment.
His expression showed that he was both intrigued and perhaps even intimidated by the prospect of making a deal with the devil. Even so, he was quick to comment on his thoughts regarding the matter.
“These are Generalfeldmarschall Bruno’s words? He promises to ensure a transition away from Colonial Rule in the Islamic World? Can he truly achieve such a thing? Fearsome as a warrior as he may be, the man is, after all, still just a general at the end of the day…”
Maximilian’s smile grew proud as he boasted about his younger brother’s accomplishments, a bit ironic considering how, just a few years prior, he considered Bruno to be the least among his siblings.
However, times had changed, and because of this, Maximilian assured the Arab leader that Bruno’s words were worth their weight in gold.
“Bruno may be my youngest brother, but there is no man on this earth who is his equal, whether in the art of war or diplomacy. He may only be in his mid-thirties, but he has established extensive ties to the Houses of Hohenzollern, Habsburg, and Romanov. In addition to this, he is an honored friend of the Japanese ruling Dynasty.
He alone is the reason the bitter rivals of Austro-Hungary and Russia have melded their differences and come together to create the single most powerful military alliance in human history.
With his influence, you need not worry about whether or not this promise is honored, because if truth is to be told, Bruno intends to get out of the business of colonization altogether by midway through the century at the latest.
And that includes restoring independence to the Arab world and allowing you all to choose your own leaders. In exchange for this, he would prefer that we ensure a peaceful and stable process of decolonization, rather than a violent and sudden one.
But in order to accomplish this, the Ottoman Empire needs to disappear. And it would be best if we had your help doing so… So, what do you say? Will you take up arms alongside us to drive the Turks out of your lands once and for all?”
Faisal scratched his chin for several moments in silent contemplation before whispering to one of his ministers. After doing so, he nodded his head to the man before shooing him away. Once had done this, he stood up and smiled as he treated Maximilian in a more amicable manner than he was expecting. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
“I will have to confer with my father, brothers, and the other Arab leader about whether or not your proposal is in our best interest. But… If what you say is true, and your offer is sincere, there is a very high probability that we shall become brothers in arms soon enough. Until then, please enjoy your time here in Mecca.
I promise you; no harm shall come to you or your delegation so long as I still draw breath.
Even if those Turkish bastards were to become of your existence and demand your heads from me, they could never force me to deprive you of your rights as guests in my home. Until we
meet again, my friend…”
The two exchanged formal pleasantries as they departed from one another. Meanwhile, Maximilian met with his delegation and spoke to them in German, telling them to ensure that the Kaiser received word that their operation was on a path to success.