Date: June 15th, 1905 – Belgrade, Kingdom of Serbia
June settled over Belgrade, bringing with it a warmer, dustier air. The initial shockwaves from Petar's austerity measures had subsided, replaced by a sullen, grudging acceptance in most quarters. However, Prime Minister Pašić continued carefully managing the political grumbling in the Skupština. For Petar, this period was one of uneasy anticipation. Milan Stojadinović was, presumably, diligently working on the economic proposal Petar had tasked him with, a confidential endeavor that held the promise of fresh perspectives. But Petar knew that economic development, however vital, was a long-term game. The immediate imperative remained the strengthening of Serbia's military sinews.
With the first tranche of funding for the machine gun program now officially, if painfully, allocated, Petar decided it was time to ascertain what practical progress was being made. He summoned General Radomir Putnik, his Chief of the General Staff, for a comprehensive update. "General," Petar began when Putnik was seated in his study, the ever-present portfolio resting on his lap. "It has been over a month since we secured the initial funding for the machine gun program. I require a detailed account of the progress. Are contracts being negotiated? Has work begun on establishing the training school?"
Putnik, as always, was prepared. "Your Majesty, progress is being made, though not perhaps as swiftly as we would ideally like. The nature of international arms procurement is… complex." He reported that negotiations were underway with several European manufacturers. The German Maxim was still the preferred weapon for its proven reliability, but the costs were high, and the German representatives were shrewd negotiators. The Austrian Schwarzlose was a more affordable alternative, and the Austrians, perhaps sensing an opportunity, offered somewhat more favorable terms. However, Petar felt an instinctive unease about relying too heavily on Vienna for crucial military hardware. There were also inquiries being made with French and even Belgian firms.
"No contracts have been finalized yet, Your Majesty," Putnik admitted. "We strive for the best possible terms, balancing quality, cost, and delivery schedules. Minister Paču is rightly scrutinizing every proposed expenditure with an eagle eye."
Petar frowned. "While fiscal prudence is essential, General, we cannot allow negotiations to drag on indefinitely. We need those weapons, and our men must begin training with them. What of the training school?"
"A suitable location has been identified near Ćuprija, Your Majesty," Putnik replied. "It offers ample space for firing ranges and maneuver grounds. Preliminary plans for the necessary barracks and instructional facilities are being drawn up. We are also identifying potential instructors – experienced officers and NCOs, some of whom will need to be sent abroad for specialized training themselves once the weapon type is finalized."
"Good. That, at least, is tangible progress," Petar said. "But I want those procurement contracts signed within the next month, General. Press your negotiators. Make it clear that Serbia is a serious buyer who expects fair terms. And once the first weapons arrive, I want that school at Ćuprija to become a hive of activity. Developing effective tactical doctrine for these weapons is as important as the weapons themselves."
The conversation with Putnik, while highlighting the inevitable friction of bureaucracy and international dealings, reaffirmed Petar's decision to push the program through. It also, however, brought another, more shadowed matter to the forefront of his mind: the internal dynamics of his army, particularly the influence of men like Major Dragutin Dimitrijević, 'Apis'.
Later that day, Petar summoned Colonel Mišić again. "Mišić," he said, his tone more somber than usual, "we have spoken of Major Dimitrijević. You described him as intelligent, fiercely patriotic, but also… intense and perhaps disdainful of protocol." He paused. "I need to understand more, Colonel. Not just about Dimitrijević, but about the circles in which he moves. The… patriotic societies, the clandestine groups within the officer corps. What is their true strength, agenda, and influence, particularly concerning organizations like this 'Ujedinjenje ili Smrt!' – Union or Death – that I hear whispers of?" Alex Volkov's knowledge provided the name of the Black Hand's precursor, or an alternative name under which it operated.
Colonel Mišić's expression became guarded. This was dangerous territory, far more so than identifying talented individuals. "Your Majesty, these are shadowy organizations. Oaths of secrecy bind their members. Gathering reliable intelligence is… challenging and carries considerable risk."
"I am aware of the risks, Colonel," Petar stated, his gaze unwavering. "But an ignorant king is a vulnerable king. I need to understand the currents flowing beneath the surface of my army. Who are these men? What do they truly want? How deeply does their influence penetrate? Are they a potential asset to Serbia's strength, or a threat to its stability and my authority?" His dynasty had come to power because of just such a conspiracy. He knew their potential for king-making and king-breaking.
Mišić was silent for a long moment. "I will make inquiries, Your Majesty. With the utmost discretion. But it will take time, and I cannot guarantee the completeness or absolute accuracy of what I learn."
"I understand," Petar said. "Proceed cautiously, Colonel. Your safety and the secrecy of this inquiry are paramount. Report to me directly, and only to me."
The days that followed were filled with a quiet tension for Petar. While he dealt with the minutiae of governance, a part of his mind was always on Mišić's dangerous task. He knew he was playing with fire. The Black Hand, or whatever name it currently favored, was a viper he might eventually have to tame or decapitate. To do either, he first needed to understand its nature, fangs, and nest.
Nearly two weeks later, Mišić requested another private audience. He looked tired, the strain of his inquiries visible in the lines around his eyes. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice low. I have learned… some things. What I am about to tell you must not leave this room." Peter nodded, his full attention fixed on his aide-de-camp.
Mišić proceeded to paint a chilling picture. 'Ujedinjenje ili Smrt!' was indeed a powerful, deeply entrenched secret society within the officer corps, with tendrils reaching into the civil administration and even the press. Its membership was composed primarily of younger, fiercely nationalistic officers, many of whom had been involved in the 1903 coup. Their stated aim was the unification of all Serb-inhabited lands, including those under Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman rule – Bosnia, Herzegovina, Macedonia, the Sanjak, and Kosovo. This, Petar noted, aligned with some of his own, albeit much grander and differently motivated, territorial ambitions, at least in the short term.
"Major Dragutin Dimitrijević," Mišić continued, "is undeniably a central figure. Perhaps not the sole leader, but a key organizer, a charismatic ideologue, and a man utterly ruthless in pursuing society's goals. He commands immense loyalty from his members. They see him as the embodiment of Serbian martial spirit." Mišić described their informal command structure, their cells within various garrisons, their methods of recruitment, and their growing frustration with what they perceived as the government's overly cautious foreign policy and slow pace of military modernization – a frustration Petar himself shared, albeit for different reasons.
"They are deeply suspicious of Austria-Hungary, view the Ottoman Empire with contempt, and are impatient for action, for… glorious deeds," Mišić concluded. "They have influence, Your Majesty. They can make things happen. Or prevent them from happening."
The information was sobering. The Black Hand was not just a collection of disgruntled patriots; it was a parallel power structure within his state, a force of nature that could be harnessed but could just as easily turn on him if their agendas diverged too sharply. Alex Volkov's knowledge of the Sarajevo assassination and Apis's central role in it cast a long, dark shadow over Mišić's words. This organization was directly responsible for igniting the Great War.
"And their loyalty, Colonel?" Petar asked quietly. "Is it to Serbia? Or to their vision of Serbia? And where does the King, their King, fit into that vision?"
Mišić hesitated. "Their loyalty is to what they believe is best for Serbia, Your Majesty. They supported the Karađorđević restoration because they saw King Aleksandar Obrenović and Queen Draga as detrimental to the national interest. As long as they perceive Your Majesty as a strong, patriotic leader advancing the cause of Serbian unification and strength, they will likely be… supportive. Or at least, not overtly hostile. But they are not easily controlled. They see themselves as guardians of the national destiny, above ordinary laws or loyalties if necessary."
A double-edged sword indeed, Petar thought. Powerful, sharp, capable of striking down enemies, but equally capable of wounding the hand that sought to wield it. He couldn't ignore them. He couldn't easily crush them without potentially tearing his army apart. He would have to be subtle, strategic.
"Thank you, Colonel," Petar said, his voice heavy with the weight of this new understanding. "This information is invaluable, however disturbing. Please continue to monitor their activities discreetly. I need to know of any significant shifts in their mood or plans."
That evening, as Petar looked out over the lights of Belgrade, he felt the complexities of his new life pressing in on him as never before. Dreaming of empires, issuing directives, or studying economics was not enough. He had to navigate a treacherous landscape of hidden agendas, fanatical loyalties, and dangerous men who believed they held the nation's fate.
A small comfort arrived the next day as a dispatch from General Putnik. The first contract, for twenty German Maxim machine guns and an initial supply of ammunition, had been signed after intense negotiations. Delivery was expected within three months. Work on the Ćuprija training school also proceeded, with the first cadre of instructors selected.
It was a small victory, a tangible sign of progress amidst the growing shadows. The spear was being sharpened, but Petar knew he also had to be wary of other, hidden blades within his kingdom. The path to empire proved even more perilous than Alex Volkov could have ever imagined from the safety of his history books.