In the conference room at the Ritz Hotel, Stede had arranged for the newly produced mortars to be displayed. He had gone to great lengths for this setup. The display stand, originally designed for small samples, couldn't support the weight or size of the 47-kilogram mortar. So Stede called the hotel manager, had the stand replaced with a sturdier table, and added sandbags to stabilize the base. Only then was he satisfied.
Charles had dressed in civilian clothes to avoid drawing attention, but he found the layered attire uncomfortable, even unnatural. As soon as he entered the room, Stede greeted him warmly, leading him to the mortar with a proud smile.
"I hope it ets your expectations, Charles!"
Charles examined the mortar and asked, "What's its range?"
"731 ters," Stede replied precisely. "Its accuracy isn't high, but as you predicted, it can fire 25 rounds per minute."
Charles nodded with satisfaction. "This is exactly what I wanted, Mr. Stede. I'll need a full set of operating procedures and at least ten trained artilleryn to use it. These n will act as instructors to train others."
"Of course," Stede replied, visibly pleased. His factory hadn't produced new military equipnt in a long ti, so the typical procedures for introducing new technology were almost forgotten. But now, seeing their work make its way into the army felt like a triumphant return—and it promised even more successes ahead.
"One more thing," Charles continued, looking at Stede. "I must thank you for helping out in England."
"No thanks needed; it was my duty," Stede replied, clearly moved. "It's my honor, Charles. If you ever need anything else, I'll be happy to help."
As they sat down, Deyoka took out a blueprint from his briefcase and handed it to Stede.
"This is the new equipnt I need," Charles said.
Stede eagerly took the blueprint, but as he reviewed it, his excitent faded, replaced by confusion. "This is…?"
"You can see, it's a cannon," Charles said evenly.
"Yes, but…" Stede hesitated, then said carefully, "Charles, do you doubt St. Étienne's technical capabilities?"
"No," Charles replied calmly, "but why do you ask?"
"Just look at it!" Stede held up the blueprint with a perplexed expression. "It's like a toy gun!"
"Yes," Charles confird. "It's only 37 milliters in caliber."
"And the barrel length…" Stede double-checked the blueprint. "Not even a ter. Honestly, it looks more like a rifle!"
"That's precisely what I need," Charles replied, his tone resolute. "Can your factory produce it?"
"Of course!" Stede laughed. "But…what's it for?"
Stede had assud Charles would want sothing with a large caliber, but this cannon was even smaller than their 76-milliter mortar. Did Charles expect them to challenge Schneider's 105-milliter howitzers with this?
"This cannon is designed for infantry, Mr. Stede," Charles explained. "Its purpose is similar to the mortar's; it's for support."
"What do you an?" Stede was baffled.
"Mortars are designed for indirect fire, hitting targets hidden from view—trenches, for example, or behind cover."
"Yes, I understand," Stede nodded.
"But certain targets need direct fire," Charles explained, glancing at the blueprint in Stede's hands. "Such as bunkers or fortifications concealed in caves."
Realization dawned on Stede. "The mortar can't breach fortified structures, but a direct-fire cannon could destroy them with ease!"
Charles nodded, his expression calm and steady.
Stede returned to the blueprint, now more intrigued. "So, it's still designed to be lightweight and mobile?"
"Exactly, Mr. Stede," Charles replied. "We can't expect to compete with Schneider imdiately. They've been producing large-caliber artillery for years and have far more advanced technology. But…"
"But there are still needs the army has that Schneider hasn't addressed. We can focus on these areas, creating what Schneider lacks, and stay ahead in those specific fields," Stede finished with growing enthusiasm.
"That's precisely my approach," Charles said.
Stede gazed at Charles, impressed. "Forgive my short-sightedness, Charles. You're not only right about the cannon itself but about how to handle Schneider."
Stede felt a twinge of sha. Despite his years of experience, he found himself rushing for results, yearning for a breakthrough after years of obscurity. But Charles knew the real strategy was to advance steadily, step by step.
Charles kept quiet, holding back part of his true plan. Stede believed he was developing a direct-fire infantry cannon, which was true. But Charles also intended for it to serve as the main armant on the Renault tank. For now, though, this detail would remain a secret.
"There's another matter, Mr. Stede," Charles added. "It's about the dia."
Stede nodded knowingly. "I was just about to bring that up. The Honor Gazette isn't in a position to respond. Let Le Petit Journal handle it."
Deyoka, concerned, asked, "How do you plan to respond, Mr. Stede?"
"If we respond defensively, we've already lost," Stede replied. "The price difference is clear, and trying to justify it will only make us look worse."
"Then what should we do?" Deyoka leaned forward, visibly anxious. The dia issue weighed more heavily on his mind than the artillery did.
"It's simple," Stede said. "We just need to clarify where the additional funds are going, Mr. Deyoka."
Deyoka looked puzzled, so Stede elaborated. "For instance, Charles has been supporting a field hospital."
Deyoka's face brightened in understanding. "Yes, that's an excellent idea! We won't deny or justify anything but instead shift the narrative to stir up patriotic sentint."
This approach could turn the situation around entirely, using Charles's humanitarian work to outflank the competition.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 15 Chapters In Advance: patreon/Franklin1
User Comments
0 comments from readers