Two hours had passed since the meeting in the Oval Office, and on the south lawn of the White House, a buzz of activity filled the air. Personnel from the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company diligently erected wooden dummies, positioning them strategically as practice targets. Meanwhile, other members of the team carefully carried wooden crates containing the company's latest weapons, which had yet to be marketed to the army.
President Harrison, John Morgan, and Jonathan observed the preparations with keen interest. The sun cast its warm glow upon the scene, lending an air of anticipation to the moment. After fifteen minutes of meticulous work, the setup was complete, and the stage was set for the demonstration to commence.
"Can we begin now?" President Harrison inquired, turning to Jonathan with an expectant gaze.
"Not quite yet, Mr. President. We are still waiting for someone," Jonathan replied, his tone confident.
Curiosity piqued, President Harrison pressed further, "Who is it that we are waiting for?"
Just as the question left his lips, a figure emerged on the south lawn, striding purposefully toward the gathering. President Harrison's eyes widened with recognition as he realized the identity of the man. It was General Sherman, a respected military figure known for his strategic acumen and unwavering dedication to national security.
General Sherman approached the group with a firm yet respectful demeanor, his military uniform impeccable. President Harrison's surprise quickly transformed into a welcoming smile.
"General Sherman! What a pleasant surprise to see you here," President Harrison exclaimed, extending his hand in greeting.
General Sherman returned the gesture. "Good to see you again, Mr. President. Mr. Axelsen extended me an invitation to this special demonstration. I am here to serve as your attaché in assessing the viability of these weapons and making informed decisions regarding their acquisition."
"Is that so?" Harrison arched his brow. "Very well,"
After that greeting, Sherman turned to Jonathan and Morgan, shaking their hands.
"Mr. Axelsen, I understand the situation that you are going through and I'm willing to help you out. I don't care if Nielsen took the Princess home as long as you provide the army with good weapons, you are pretty much free to do whatever you want."
Axelsen chuckled. "You are as pragmatic as ever, General Sherman. Rest assured, we have not spared any effort in developing weapons that surpass our current arsenal."
With that, Jonathan stepped forward and opened one of the wooden crates, revealing its contents. He carefully lifted the weapon from within the crate and raised it high in the air for the others to see.
Harrison, Sherman, and Morgan's eyes were drawn to the magnificent weapon that Jonathan unveiled.
"What is that?" Sherman asked.
"This, gentlemen, is the AN-1 Axelsen & Nielsen Heavy Machine Gun," Jonathan revealed and continued. "This machine gun boasts a robust construction, built to withstand the rigors of the battlefield. It fires .50 caliber rounds, delivering devastating firepower and exceptional range. With an improved feed mechanism, it ensures reliable ammunition supply, minimizing jams and maximizing sustained fire."
Jonathan continued. "Unlike the Maxim Machine Gun and the Gatling gun, this heavy machine gun of ours combines the best elements of both. The AN-1 incorporates the simplicity and reliability of the Maxim design while incorporating the rapid-fire capability of the Gatling gun. Its innovative design allows for a high rate of fire, providing a substantial advantage on the battlefield."
Sherman nodded, his interest piqued. "Tell us more about its rate of fire, Jonathan."
"Of course, General," Jonathan replied, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "The AN-1 has a cyclic rate of fire that surpasses anything currently in service. It can sustain a staggering 1,200 rounds per minute, delivering a hail of bullets with incredible accuracy. This firepower superiority can effectively suppress enemy positions, granting our troops the upper hand in any engagement."
"Show us, Mr. Axelsen," Morgan said, his voice brimming with anticipation.
Jonathan nodded, understanding the importance of showcasing the AN-1's capabilities in action. He turned to the team members who had been diligently setting up the wooden dummies and signaled for them to take their positions. The atmosphere on the south lawn grew tense as everyone prepared for the demonstration.
With practiced precision, the team members retreated to a safe distance while Jonathan manned the AN-1. He positioned himself behind the heavy machine gun, the weight of its potential resting on his shoulders. Taking a moment to steady himself, he focused on the task at hand.
"Stand by!" Jonathan called out, his voice cutting through the air.
The crowd fell silent, their eyes fixed on Jonathan and the AN-1. President Harrison, General Sherman, and John Morgan watched with bated breath, eager to witness the power of the weapon they had heard so much about.
Jonathan's finger tightened on the trigger, and in an instant, the air was filled with the thunderous roar of the AN-1. Rounds erupted from the muzzle, streaking toward the wooden dummies with remarkable speed and precision. The impact was swift and devastating, shredding the targets with each precise burst.
The continuous barrage of firepower showcased the AN-1's remarkable rate of fire, leaving everyone in awe of its destructive potential. The sound of the heavy machine gun echoed across the south lawn, sending shivers down everyone's spine.
President Harrison couldn't help but smile as he watched the AN-1 in action. He turned to General Sherman, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "General, what are your thoughts?"
General Sherman's expression mirrored President Harrison's satisfaction. "Mr. President, this weapon is truly impressive. The AN-1's rate of fire and accuracy are beyond anything we currently possess. It has the potential to change the course of battles and safeguard our troops. I am convinced of its value to our military. Mr. President, it's best that we get this weapon to the army."
"I know…"
Jonathan stopped firing, and introduced more weapons, showcasing its capabilities. Weapons like MP 40, Thompson submachine gun, and lastly the Sturmgewehr 44.
Morgan, Sherman, and Harrison were too stunned to speak, the weapon that they witnessed was too unconventional in the current mode of warfare, drastically changing the nature of the battlefield should it debut into a battle. They have to get it.
"So, Mr. President, what do you say? You can get this weapon for your army exclusively but on just one condition. You have to save my partner from the British. Do that and we will be happy to make guns for your army. Oh also, don't forget, we are also working on something that would definitely shock you to the core. So if I were you, Mr. President, I'd take this deal."
Harrison pondered for a moment, helping Nielsen would be the wisest choice but he is still hesitant about causing a conflict in his term.
"Mr. President, if you don't accept this deal, Mr. Jonathan will export it to other countries, meaning we can lose our superiority and advantage over them," Sherman said, trying to convince the President.
"You do know that I hold little power right? Helping you means I have to talk to Congress…" Harrison explained.
"Then go talk to the Congress, and tell them what you have seen here. Mr. President," Sherman President Harrison took a deep breath, considering the weight of the decision before him. The potential of the AN-1 and the other weapons presented by Axelsen & Nielsen was undeniable. They could provide a significant advantage to the United States military, ensuring the safety of American troops and potentially changing the course of battles.
General Sherman's words resonated with him. The thought of these weapons falling into the wrong hands was a concern that could not be ignored. The risk of losing the technological edge to other countries was something the President couldn't overlook either. Time was of the essence.
President Harrison looked at Jonathan, his expression a mix of resolve and caution. "Mr. Axelsen, your proposal is compelling, and the capabilities of your weapons are remarkable. Therefore, I have decided to help your partner. Mr. Windom."
"Yes, Mr. President?"
"Set up a meeting with the Congressional Leadership, I want to inform them of my decision. We will tell them that helping Mr. Axelsen is paramount to the defense of our nation. We won't be threatened by the British anymore once we have these guns."
Jonathan smiled after hearing that. "Thank you, Mr. President."
