In President Wilson's opinion, a man with such insight was usually someone seasoned by age — a scholar steeped in books, or a statesman hardened by long years of experience. Yet the German major before him appeared barely in his twenties. His youth made the sharpness of his presence all the more striking. To come here alone, to request a private audience with the President of the United States, and to stand neither obsequious nor arrogant in his bearing — that already required unusual courage. But to add such composure, such clear intellect, was proof enough that this young man was no ordinary officer.
While President Wilson studied him, Major Mainz was also examining the man before him — the celebrated President of the United States.
Wilson, now past sixty, was the first American president to hold a Doctor of Philosophy degree, and would later be remembered as one of the nation's most intellectual leaders. He cut a tall, dignified figure. His rimless spectacles lent him a gentle, scholarly air, yet there was a weight in his presence, a subtle force that pressed invisibly upon those who met him. It was the same aura Mainz had once felt radiating from Field Marshal Hindenburg.
"Tell me," Wilson said at last, his voice measured, "what future interests do you see uniting your country and mine?"
The President's curiosity was genuine. If this young officer's earlier remarks were truly his own thoughts, then perhaps his insight ran deeper than mere rhetoric. If he could explain himself convincingly, Wilson would remember this meeting.
"I believe," Mainz began calmly, "that your nation now faces a paradox born of its own strength. America has risen from behind, surpassing the traditional powers of Europe and even rivaling the global supremacy of the British Empire. The Great War itself proved this point. Had the United States not chosen to side with the Entente, but instead aligned with the Central Powers, then perhaps it would have been our alliance that claimed victory — not yours."
There was a faint note of reproach in Mainz's tone. Wilson smiled at it, unoffended. The young German was flattering him, after all, by placing the outcome of the war in America's hands.
"It sounds," Wilson replied, smiling thinly, "as though you are blaming us for your defeat?"
It was a deliberate trap. If Mainz admitted as much, the conversation would end. Even if Wilson forgave it, the American officers in the room most certainly would not.
But the major shook his head without hesitation. "I do not mean to blame either you or your country, Mr. President."
"Oh? And is that truth, or merely courtesy?" Wilson pressed, one eyebrow raised.
"It is truth," Mainz answered firmly. "For the strong do not depend on the aid of others. If we failed to win, it is only because we were not strong enough."
The words rang out with such conviction that the American military representatives shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Some even half-rose to protest.
"Mr. President—" one began, but Wilson lifted a hand to silence them.
"Fine speeches are common enough," Wilson said, leaning forward, "but few men in history have ever lived them." His gaze fixed on the German, sharp and probing.
Mainz only shrugged, as if the burden of destiny rested lightly on his shoulders. He believed every word he had spoken. He would make Germany the strongest power in the world again. But such thoughts were his to keep — not for boasting.
"The reason I say I do not blame your choice," Mainz continued evenly, "is that from your nation's perspective, siding with the Entente was the soundest course. If both alliances offered a chance at victory, then prudence dictated choosing the side with fewer risks and costs.
"The British Empire held vast overseas dominions — including Canada, right on your northern border. Had the United States joined the Central Powers, the mainland itself might have been endangered. The Royal Navy, unmatched across the world's oceans, posed a direct threat that even your fleet would have hesitated to face.
"By contrast, the German Empire's High Seas Fleet, though formidable, was bottled up in its ports, blockaded by the Royal Navy. It posed no immediate threat to your coasts, nor to your merchant shipping. Thus by joining the Entente, your territory was secure, your trade unimpeded, and the only challenge lay in transporting troops across the Atlantic. Even that was eased by Britain's naval supremacy and its convenient bases along the way. From every angle, it was the logical choice for the United States."
Wilson listened without interrupting. The reasoning was calm, objective, and razor sharp. Without realizing it, the President sat straighter in his chair, as though he were back in the lecture halls of Princeton, sparring with a brilliant young student.
For a fleeting moment he even thought of luring this young officer to America's service. A mind like this, so rare and fearless, could shape the future of nations.
But he dismissed the thought. The major's earlier words echoed in his mind: The strong do not need the help of others.
Such a man was too proud to be tamed.
"Well," Wilson said at last, breaking the silence, "let us set aside these matters for now. We can revisit them another time. Tell me instead—why do you seek me out, here, and at this late hour?"
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