As mid-February arrived, temperatures rose, and the lting snow led to a notable flooding in Paris. The Seine River, known as "Paris's First River," had overflowed, partially subrging its banks. Near the Eiffel Tower, the famous Zouave statue on the Pont de l'Alma bridge was now subrged up to its waist. Normally, such a scene would draw concerned looks from Parisians, even prompting flood preparations. But this year, people barely noticed the rising waters—compared to the war, the swelling river seed a minor threat.
In the office of Schneider Armants, Jas stared out at the endless rain, lost in thought. The Allies had begun their landing operations at the Dardanelles. He noticed sothing curious: Charles's inventions seed less effective at sea. Though Charles had saved his son Tijani, leading to frequent collaboration with Wells, it seed as though Charles's talents lay solely in land-based military innovation.
Was this a potential weakness?
This was promising news. If Schneider could focus on naval advancents, they might be able to rival Charles in the arms market. But it was about more than market share; it was about influence. Jas understood that true power lay in becoming a central force in French defense—a position that would make even legislators defer to him.
If one day all artillery, firearms, and ships used by the French military were manufactured or controlled by Schneider, then Jas would effectively be the one calling the shots. France may be a free country, but if decision-makers couldn't operate without Schneider's resources, then Jas would be its real ruler. Yet Charles's innovations were a constant threat to this plan.
Jas kept his composure, but his mind was racing: Ideas. I need ideas! Only innovation can counter Charles. Without it, everything else is aningless!
Just then, Pauline's hurried footsteps sounded in the hallway. Jas turned, knowing this usually ant good news. Pauline entered, grinning as she pulled a docunt from her bag and waved it with a hint of pride. "Sir, you'll want to see this!"
Jas took the docunt, flipping through it with a puzzled expression. "A ship?"
"Yes," Pauline nodded.
Jas inspected it more closely. "I'm guessing... it's a coal freighter?"
"Yes!" Pauline confird, her eyes alight.
Jas sighed, handing it back. "Are you suggesting we buy this ship? Then go ahead."
"Not exactly, sir," Pauline replied, refusing to take back the file. "Take a closer look."
Though slightly annoyed, Jas scanned the docunt again, this ti noticing sothing unusual. "There are doors on the bow and side ramps. Are you saying it can unload coal from the sides?"
"No, sir," Pauline corrected him. "Not coal—soldiers. Fully ard soldiers!"
"Soldiers?" Jas's eyes lit up. Could this be a military concept?
Pauline explained, "The Allies are struggling in their Dardanelles landing operations. One reason is that, upon reaching the shore, soldiers have to descend rope ladders and transfer to smaller boats to row ashore."
Jas suddenly understood. "And all this ti, they're under artillery fire and a hail of bullets, suffering heavy casualties before even reaching the beach!"
"Exactly," Pauline confird. "But this vessel can solve that problem. It can carry up to 2,000 soldiers, run aground on the beach, and allow them to disembark quickly via the bow and side ramps. They can establish a bridgehead in minutes."
"This is brilliant, Pauline! Just brilliant!" Jas exclaid. At last, he'd beaten Charles to an idea.
But he hesitated. "Who ca up with this?"
He feared it might be another of Charles's creations.
"It was devised by a Navy Lieutenant Commander nad Unwin," Pauline replied. "I tracked him down and bought the industrial rights for 20,000 francs."
Jas almost laughed out loud. For a re 20,000 francs, they had acquired the rights to a potentially ga-changing concept. These fools, he thought. Do they not realize the navy might need hundreds of such ships? This idea could turn the tide of the war!
"Start modifying this ship imdiately, and set up the necessary landing equipnt. I'll handle the military contacts," Jas ordered.
"Of course, sir," Pauline replied, pleased. She had deployed nurous contacts in the military in search of ideas, and finally, one had proven valuable.
Perhaps, now, they could mount a coback.
In the bustling House of Representatives, Gallieni was again summoned for questioning over his refusal to send Charles to the Dardanelles. This was his third inquiry, and the representatives repeated the sa question: "General, we'd like to know your reasons for refusing."
"Isn't it obvious?" Gallieni replied. "Charles is an invaluable talent in research and developnt. His inventions are changing the course of this war, and you want to send him to the front lines where he'd be at risk?"
"But, General, he's needed on the battlefield!" Grevy argued, standing up. "This could be the decisive battle! If we win, we may finally end this war!"
"Exactly," Armand chid in, rising to support him. "We're only asking him to stay on the ships to boost morale. The soldiers have great faith in him! He doesn't need to be anywhere near the actual fighting. Is that really a risk?"
Others in the chamber took up the chant:
"If that's a risk, then what would you call the General's own visits to the front lines?"
"He's only a colonel, and a grown man at that."
"No one is exempt from duty; everyone should contribute to the war effort!"
Gallieni clenched his jaw in frustration, muttering under his breath, Aren't you the ones who need to be at the front lines the most?
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