January 20, 1938
Third Republic of Poland
Otwock-Swierk
The Wołga-Kaliski Program, the most important armament program of the Polish state in the history of the altered world, was destined to be remembered with somber tones. This program, named after a Polish nuclear physicist from the PRL era and bearing the name of the famous Russian river that once served as the border between Europe and Asia, had been kept secret from the very beginning when Poland went back in time.
The goal was simple: to develop and build a series of nuclear warheads for the Polish Armed Forces. It was the so-called ultimate insurance policy of the Polish state. The first seeds of this program were sown just a few days after the incident, but it took several months for them to be fully developed and realized.
Professor Dr. Hab. Eng. Krzysztof Kurek, Director of the National Center for Nuclear Research, was presenting the assembled team to Prime Minister Morawiecki. As soon as Morawiecki received the news that the team was ready, he promptly arrived in Otwock, where the only functioning nuclear reactor in Poland and currently in the world was located.
"... and this is Dr. Anna Kucharska," Kurek said, introducing the last member of the research team.
Morawiecki looked at the modest research team. It was not as large as the renowned Manhattan Project team; it consisted of only eight people. Nevertheless, it was not needed to be as extensive as in that case. Poles didn't have to open open doors; they just had to pass through them.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the Prime Minister began, while the scientists cursed their luck inwardly. Morawiecki intended to deliver a small patriotic speech to them. They found it somewhat out of place, but the Prime Minister noticed it and didn't care. In fact, he had very little to say to them.
"You are embarking on the most important project facing Polish science. Your actions will determine the survival of the Polish state. I don't need to tell any of you what we border with; you are well aware of it from history lessons. Therefore, to achieve your goal, a special fund has been established, separate from the regular funding of the NCBJ*. This fund will cover all expenses and will provide you with a special bonus for your work on atomic weapons. You could say that we are giving you a blank check, although I have one request: try not to overspend, alright?"
There was a moment of silence. The team hadn't expected such a revelation. An endless fund at their disposal. Of course, they were prepared to work for a much smaller amount; after all, the salaries at the NCBJ were not impressive. They could earn more in the private sector or abroad.
Although they had to admit that their salaries had recently increased significantly. Someone higher up had astutely noticed that foreign powers could lure Polish scientists away by simply offering a lot of money.
"Mr. Prime Minister," began the team chairman, Dr. Hab. Edward Górski, "we will strive to minimize expenses."
"Thank you," Morawiecki replied, although he doubted it. "And I almost forgot," he added after a moment, "a special line will be installed directly to me, the President, and Czarnek. In case of any problems, call immediately."
"And listen to SOP's recommendations," Morawiecki's security chief spoke up. "If any of the officers have suspicions, it's better to maintain a paranoid approach than to regret recklessness."
"Exactly," Morawiecki agreed with the bodyguard. "I ask for your constant vigilance and apologize for the persistence of the officers."
"We understand," Kucharska replied. "Keep the program secret, watch your surroundings, and be suspicious of every stranger. No one knows which one of them is a Gestapo agent or a secret police informer."
"Well, actually, Gestapo didn't conduct intelligence operations; it was the Abwehr and Security Service," a man with a beard and glasses on the left side of Kucharska interjected. His name was Dr. Gordon Wyzwoleniec.
"Seriously, Gordon?" Kucharska was surprised. "I didn't know that."
"And I didn't know that the Abwehr knew how to spy," joked another man, Dr. Ireneusz Kleiner, an older bald man nodding his head toward the officer from the Internal Security Agency leaning against the wall.
"Very funny, Doctor," Major Barnaba Ogar replied in a dry tone. He personally didn't like the nickname of the Internal Security Agency.
"So, I see everyone is in a good mood?" the Prime Minister responded, realizing he was dealing with a cohesive team. "That's good," he added after a moment. "I won't disturb you any longer. Time is short, and I expect weekly reports."
The scientists looked a bit disappointed at the last remark. Nevertheless, nobody said anything until the Prime Minister left the research room.
"I knew he would drop some bombshell," Wyzwoleniec finally said, returning to his tasks.
"What were you expecting? Candies?" Kleiner asked him. "You know very well why he wants to keep a close eye on the project."
"I know, I know!" Wyzwoleniec replied, grimacing at the thought that every Pole had to ponder for a moment. What will happen if they fail? What will the Soviets and Germans do? It was even more distressing for Wyzwoleniec because he now held the ultimate ace up his sleeve. He knew very well that the coming months would be extremely tough.
Nevertheless, no one forced him to participate; it was all voluntary. So, he could only blame himself.
"Do you feel the pressure, right?" Kleiner said. "Now, imagine the pressure on him. He's welded to that chair, and everything depends on him."
Wyzwoleniec had to agree. Morawiecki had changed significantly in recent months. He had become slightly stooped, visible wrinkles had appeared, and Wyzwoleniec even noticed the first gray hairs.
"All right, gentlemen and lady, less talking. You heard the Prime Minister, time is pressing. Let's show him what a Pole is capable of," Dr. Górski spoke up as he reentered the room.
"The Americans did it blindly in three years, we will do it in a year and a half. Clear?" he announced, writing the deadline on the board.
"A year and a half?" Wyzwoleniec asked, surprised, then shrugged. "It can be done."
"Dr. Górski?" Kucharska asked, addressing Dr. Górski.
"Yes?"
"What will the weapon be made of?"
"From what the Prime Minister told me, it will be a ballistic missile. Companies from the space sector are already working on it with Mesko, providing Polish ammunition for HIMARS. Our task is solely to develop the warhead for it," Górski explained.
"I understand," Kucharska replied before realizing something. "Doctor?"
"Yes?" Górski responded, sitting down.
"Where will we test it?"
Everyone paused for a moment. It was a good question. Where would the first tests of this weapon take place?
"I don't know," Górski replied disarmingly honestly. "The Prime Minister brushed off the question, saying they are working on it in general terms." Then he pondered for a moment. "Although I don't know why he asked if the heat bothers me."
*An acronym for Narodowe Centrum Badań Jądrowych