One day in November 1901.
Hans received a letter from the Schmeisser father and son, learning that the prototype of the submachine gun had been completed. So, after a long time, he made a trip to the Bergmann Armament Factory in Suhl.
The letter mentioned that although there were still many aspects that needed improvement, there were no problems with the shooting itself.
The development progress was faster than Hans had expected, which made him feel a glimmer of anticipation.
If the prototype had a good degree of completion this time, it might not be a bad idea to formally request investment from the military.
However, good news often comes with bad news.
Coincidentally, the radio development plan that Hans valued most had encountered problems.
Reginald Fessenden, a pioneer in radio technology, declined his proposal.
He said that he was grateful for Hans' offer, but since he was already working for the United States Weather Bureau, it seemed unrealistic to cooperate together.
Hans could understand.
From Fessenden's perspective, no matter how much investment Hans could provide, he had no reason to specifically come to distant Germany to develop the radio for him.
However, although he could understand, he still inevitably felt a little disappointed in his heart.
In the end, Hans could only reluctantly give up the plan to bring in Reginald Fessenden.
Now, the only remaining hope was Tesla.
However, Hans had not received any reply from Tesla so far.
If he refused, just like Fessenden, at least saying "no" would be okay. Without any response at all, Hans could not tell whether Tesla was interested in his proposal or not, which made him feel very anxious.
Hans had confirmed that Tesla had indeed received his letter, so it was impossible for him to have missed it.
Was he deliberately not replying, or was he still considering it?
Anyway, since the result was not favorable to him, Hans decided to write another letter to Tesla and attach a request saying "Please reply without fail".
And when it came to the United States, Hans couldn't help but think of the recent assassination of US President William McKinley (William McKinley Jr.).
It happened on September 6, 1901, which was the day before the signing of the "Peking Protocol".
"Moreover, on the day the 'Peking Protocol' was signed, Li Hongzhang passed away unexpectedly."
It seemed that he had been greatly shocked by the matter of Prince Shun.
However, in the original history, Li Hongzhang did die of illness after the signing of the "Peking Protocol".
As for Prince Shun, although he was still alive and well after returning to the Qing Dynasty, he had already abandoned the common people and the Forbidden City and fled the Qing Dynasty.
Even the corrupt upper echelons of the Qing court and Empress Dowager Cixi did not blame Prince Shun. On the contrary, they went all out to beautify Prince Shun's actions, attempting to prevent the complete collapse of the Qing court's prestige after the "Peking Protocol" through this way.
And thus a fierce wave was set off.
Perhaps, certain historical processes would break out earlier than before.
Back to the United States, the assassin of President McKinley was that anarchist who always appeared at the critical moment.
After being stabbed, President McKinley was urgently sent to the hospital, but unfortunately, he passed away on the 14th.
After William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln, and James A. Garfield, the curse of Tecumseh had once again claimed the life of a president.
"But what's important is not McKinley's assassination, but the president who succeeded him."
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt (Theodore Roosevelt Jr.).
He was famous all over the world because of the teddy bear doll, but in history, his actions were completely different from that cute image, just like a real big bear.
"A passionate American hegemonist and imperialist."
Of course, since the era of Presidents McKinley and Cleveland, the United States had gradually moved away from the non-interference policy represented by the Monroe Doctrine.
However, it was Theodore Roosevelt who formalized the route of American imperialism.
Next, the United States would carry out an active expansion policy in the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and South America.
"Did Theodore Roosevelt have any conflicts with Germany?"
In fact, during Theodore Roosevelt's time, the United States and Germany almost had a conflict.
That was the Venezuelan Crisis from 1902 to 1903.
Venezuelan President Cipriano Castro not only refused to repay foreign debts but also provoked incidents, leading to the angry German Empire and the United Kingdom jointly imposing a naval blockade on Venezuela.
In the original history, the mediation of the United States was accepted by the UK and Germany, and the crisis was resolved smoothly. But if the United States and Germany had insisted on a tough stance, it might have led to a confrontation between the US Navy and the German Navy.
"I don't want to get involved in such a thing."
As long as Wilhelm II didn't suddenly order the occupation of Venezuela, the Venezuelan Crisis should pass smoothly.
Rather than causing trouble and provoking the "beehive" that was the United States, it was better to let it develop naturally like in the original history.
"Going to war with the United States now..."
What a terrifying and chilling thought.
Hans shook his head and slumped weakly in the chair.
...
"You're here, Baron!"
When Hans arrived at the entrance of the Bergmann Armament Factory, a familiar voice greeted him warmly.
Theodore Bergmann, the director of the Bergmann Armament Factory.
"Long time no see, Mr. Bergmann. I heard that the prototype of the submachine gun has been completed. How about its performance?"
"Ah! You have to see it with your own eyes to know. To be honest, at first I was skeptical whether it could be made, but the result is much more amazing than expected."
Oh, was he really one of the members who developed the MP18 in the original history?
Hans followed Director Bergmann into the armament factory full of anticipation.
The interior of the armament factory was the same as when he first came here, still bustling with activity.
In the distance, he could see the figures of the Schmeisser father and son who were concentrating on their work.
"Mr. Schmeisser!"
"Ah! Baron!"
The father, Louis Schmeisser, greeted Hans with a smile.
His sons, Hans Schmeisser and Hugo Schmeisser, also smiled and greeted him.
"I heard that the prototype has been completed?"
"Yes, that's why I came here in a hurry."
"Haha, I see. Then, we should show it to you right away."
After Louis Schmeisser finished speaking, he turned his head and looked at his sons.
"Boys, go and bring the prototype here."
"Yes, father."
After the Schmeisser brothers nodded, they walked in a certain direction.
Soon after, they brought back a rather large wooden box.
'This must be it inside.'
The submachine gun that Hans had been looking forward to for a long time.
"Come on, let's open it and take a look."
Hans carefully opened the box like unwrapping a Christmas present.
However, when he saw the appearance of the submachine gun prototype that the Schmeisser father and son had ambitiously created, he froze instantly.
'The Sten...?'
How could it be this?
"Er... Is this really the submachine gun made by Mr. Schmeisser and your sons?"
"Of course it is!"
Louis Schmeisser smiled confidently and affirmed.
However, Hans couldn't smile at all.
This looked exactly like the Sten submachine gun.
That legendary submachine gun with nicknames like "Trench Throwing Weapon", "Plumber's Nightmare", "King of Accidental Discharge", and so on.
It was that very symbol of the cheap guns produced by the British - the Sten submachine gun.
'No, why is it the Sten? It should be the MP18.'
There was a reason for this.
Because the Sten was originally made based on the MP28, which was an improved version of the MP18.
And at least the part like the stock was still made of wood, which could be considered good news?
But even so, the appearance of this submachine gun was still too similar to the Sten.
If anything, was it the early Mk.1 model?
If the official Mk.2 or Mk.3 and the like came out, he might really cry.
"Baron, you don't seem to have a good expression. Is there something you're not satisfied with?"
"Ah... The appearance is very different from what I expected."
"Ah, is it about that part?"
Louis Schmeisser sighed and said.
Fortunately, it seemed that the Schmeisser father and son hadn't originally intended to make the submachine gun like this.
"Then... Last time, Baron, you mentioned in the letter that you hoped to reduce the cost as much as possible without compromising the performance and improve the production efficiency, right?"
"Indeed, I said that last time."
But that didn't mean he wanted it to be made like the Sten.
Hans had also written the word "as much as possible".
"So this is what we made."
"Oh..."
"But this is still a prototype. We can improve that part."
"Yes, please give us your guidance. After all, with such a tubular appearance, if we were to submit it to the military, it would definitely be rejected."
"Hahaha, that's true."
Louis Schmeisser smiled while indicating that he understood as well.
"But don't worry. Although the appearance is like this, the performance is fine."
"That's good."
Fortunately, although it looked like the Sten on the outside, there should be no problem inside.
"Yes, my second son Hugo helped a great deal."
"Oh, really?"
Hugo Schmeisser seemed a bit shy and scratched his head.
Sure enough, although he was still young, his talent couldn't be underestimated.
"Then can we conduct a test firing?"
"Of course. Mr. Bergmann, is the shooting range ready?"
"Ready. Let's go and show the firepower of our not-so-beautiful lady!"
Amidst President Bergmann's laughter, everyone walked towards the shooting range.
The task of firing the submachine gun was assigned to Hans Schmeisser, the eldest son of Louis Schmeisser.
"The magazine is a 32-round box magazine as you said."
"The bullets are 9x19mm Parabellum, right?"
"Of course. At first, DWM (Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken) was being picky with us, but after seeing the letter of introduction from Baron, they immediately became obedient."
"Haha."
That was for sure.
He had the Emperor behind him.
"What about the rate of fire?"
"About 500 rounds per minute. Our goal is at least 600 rounds per minute, so we still need to make further improvements in this regard."
"I see."
Although it was low, at least it wasn't so bad that it couldn't be used as a submachine gun.
"Then, let's start."
Under Louis Schmeisser's instruction, Hans put on the pre-prepared earplugs and observed Hans Schmeisser's shooting.
Hans Schmeisser seemed to be used to conducting such demonstration shootings. He skillfully aimed the muzzle at the human-shaped target 50 meters away.
Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-bang—!
The brisk shooting sound unique to the submachine gun echoed in the shooting range.
A few seconds later, the bullets were used up, and the gunfire stopped accordingly.
"How is it, Baron?"
"Great."
Hans looked at the human-shaped target that was shot to pieces and said.
Sure enough, it was the Schmeisser father and son.
They could make a gun shoot so excellently.
After the shooting ended, and after replacing the new magazine, Hans asked Hans Schmeisser.
"Mr. Hans, what do you think of this submachine gun?"
"First of all, the firepower is good. It's much lighter than a rifle and is indeed suitable for carrying and moving quickly. However, we still have to improve its durability. At this rate of fire, the gun is still a bit unstable."
Hans Schmeisser also put forward some other opinions, such as hoping to have a single-shot function and believing that a bayonet was not needed.
And his younger brother Hugo nodded and wrote down his brother's words verbatim in the notebook.
"Very satisfying shooting, Mr. Schmeisser."
"Yes, I will keep improving it, and next time I will show you a gun with better performance."
Louis Schmeisser glanced at the prototype of the submachine gun.
"The appearance will also be made to look more like a gun."
"Exactly, please."
Hahaha!
Hans and the Schmeisser father and son laughed.
At first, he was a bit flustered because of the sudden appearance of the Sten, but in terms of performance, it was indeed a good initial version.
If it was continuously improved for half a year to a year, a masterpiece in the firearm industry would be born.
"Then, see you next time."
After having a pleasant day, Hans returned to Potsdam with a relaxed mood.
"Baron, Baron, your letter has arrived."
"A letter? Is it from the United States?"
"No, it's from Count Schlieffen."
"The Chief of the General Staff?"
However, what was waiting for Hans was a sudden letter from Chief of the General Staff Schlieffen.
'What on earth does Chief of the General Staff Schlieffen want?'
The last time Hans met Chief of the General Staff Schlieffen was at the funeral of Empress Dowager Victoria, and there hadn't been much contact since then.
He tilted his head in confusion and tore open the envelope.
[To Baron Hans von Joe:
This year is coming to an end.
It has been more than half a year since I met you, Baron. It's a pity that due to our respective busyness, we haven't had more communication.
Well, that's enough of the old man's complaints. Now, let's get to the point.
I'm writing to you to convey a warning.
The return of the Qing Expeditionary Force is imminent.
And this means that Field Marshal Waldersee, the commander of the expeditionary force who served as the commander-in-chief of the Eight-Nation Alliance during the Boxer Rebellion, is about to return.]
"...!"
[He is a respectable man as a soldier, but his ideology is too extreme.
I won't say too much, Baron.
Please be careful of Field Marshal Waldersee.]