Chapter 506: Bluff-as-Doctrine
De Gaulle realized immediately after Maximillian’s disappearance that the man had been a spy. However, he completely misunderstood who had infiltrated his ranks. Believing the man he knew as "Axel" as having been sent from one of the other warlord factions and not the German Reich.
But the fact remained, he had been compromised. His location? Known to an unknown enemy. His plans to assassinate the second in command of the National Restoration Government? Also known by the same enemy.
Because of this, the plan was immediately aborted, the headquarters abandoned, and relocated. In any reasonable circumstance, this would be more than enough to shake a rival intent on knowing what he and his faction were up to.
But was Bruno the type of man to rely on a single spy? Was a Germany operating under his doctrine and understanding? Not at all. Because of this, German Military Intelligence had spared no expense ensuring that multiple sources of information within de Gaulle’s resistance, and his inner circle answered to Berlin.
As for Pétain, he returned from Zurich to Paris within the same timeframe, not surprised in the least that the city and his territory were functioning as planned. However, when Maxime approached the man, he seemed less pleased due to the line of questioning the man had for him.
"I trust that your meeting with that man has been worth the blow to your legitimacy..."
Maxime seemed to have a far less favorable impression towards Bruno, ironically making him less than ideal for leadership in the French National Restoration Government as far as the Reich was concerned, despite being infinitely more competent than its current dictator.
Pétain’s response was brief but stern.
"Indeed, the Reich has promised to send material support in the form of their retired equipment from the Great War. It should be more than enough to defeat those bastards who refuse to kneel!"
Whether Pétain was deliberately ignoring the subtext behind the offer given to him, or was genuinely unaware, Maxime did not know, but was quick to clarify, regardless.