Chapter 194: The Tank with a Tail Hook
Charles hadn't visited the tractor factory in some time and noticed that as his business expanded, so did the number of minor tasks piling up. There was the continuous coordination with Steed, tactical guidance for both the tank base and the flight club, and responding to calls from Colonel Browne and Carter even during his days off.
Charles realized that these "after-sales services" were essential for his business. If the tank and aviation units couldn't achieve victories, it would mean fewer orders from the military, translating into fewer profits. So he had no choice but to continue supporting his creations in this way.
Charles thought it might be time to mention this to Gallieni, proposing that if military duties infringed on his private time, his personal matters should similarly justify taking time during official hours. But he figured it wouldn't help—Gallieni would likely just say, "You're free to decline handling military affairs during your personal time."
"And if I refuse to fight during a holiday?" Charles would retort.
"Feel free to do so, as long as you can withstand the pressure from the public," Gallieni would undoubtedly respond.
Charles sighed, knowing that Gallieni was fully aware of his Achilles' heel. Charles couldn't risk tarnishing his public image. If he ever left a battle midway for personal reasons, it would shatter his reputation among both civilians and soldiers, leaving him vulnerable against other capitalists.
This was, perhaps, what people meant by "It's cold at the top." Once someone has been elevated to such a height, it becomes difficult to live a regular life, except by falling from that position.
His last "day off" had been the most tiring yet, spent hosting newly arrived technicians from Martin Automotive, with a full day of meetings, hospitality, and logistical arrangements. Charles wanted these engineers to feel valued and appreciated, ensuring they knew that their skills were integral to his plans.
Charles subtly hinted at future innovations in automotive design, such as electric starters, enclosed cabins, sedans, and electric windshield wipers. Mentioning just a few modern automotive features, he left the technicians astounded. They'd heard of Charles as a military inventor and hero, but they had no idea he was so knowledgeable about cars. Each idea seemed a promising direction for automobile development!
"Maybe we should try building cars while we're at it?" one engineer suggested.
"A great idea!" Charles responded enthusiastically. "If you can make it, I'll produce it—planes, tanks, cars, anything! Just let me know what you need: workshops, equipment, materials… Eric, let's assign a dedicated procurement manager."
Later that evening, Eric called Charles in excitement:
"Charles, you should hear what the technicians are saying about you! They think you're a visionary, a boss with insight into the future. They believe they have a bright, prosperous future working with you—some even think they'll make their mark in the history of innovation!"
"Many are already planning to settle here in Paris long-term," he added. "They only have one concern: the seemingly endless war. They say it'd be perfect if you could bring the conflict to an end."
Charles could only smile wryly. Ending the war? That was well beyond his reach.
...
Finally, Charles had another day off with no other obligations, and he was able to visit the tractor factory in peace. Walking into the development department, he was stunned to see a new, compact tank sitting beside the "Mark I." Its frame and contours were mostly complete, bearing a striking resemblance to a "Renault" tank.
"It's quite a beauty, isn't it?" Matthew said, coming over with a satisfied smile. "We've even taken it for a spin—much smoother than the 'Mark I'!"
"It's operational already?" Charles asked, surprised by the progress.
"Yes!" Matthew nodded. "Though we're still debating how thick the armor should be."
Just then, Major Estigny, who had been reviewing blueprints with some workers nearby, noticed Charles. He quickly grabbed a sketch from a pile of papers and hurried over.
"Good to see you, Major!" Estigny greeted Charles and spread the blueprint out for him to see. "This is the envisioned final look. We're considering a front armor thickness of 22mm…"
"No, make it 25mm," Charles interrupted.
Estigny looked puzzled. "The German K bullet can only penetrate 13mm steel; 22mm should be more than sufficient."
"Twenty-five," Charles repeated without further explanation.
He didn't want to mention that the German T-type anti-tank rifle could pierce 25mm of vertical steel at 200 meters. With only 22mm of front armor, this tank would be at risk in real combat. At 25mm, with its sloped armor, the effective thickness would exceed that threshold.
"Alright," Estigny agreed reluctantly. "But this might make the front too heavy."
Without missing a beat, Charles pointed to the blueprint. "We can add a tail hook at the back."
"A tail hook?" Estigny was baffled. "But what use would that be?"
Charles replied evenly, "This lighter tank design has a significant drawback that you may have already noticed."
Estigny's face registered shock as he realized what Charles meant.
Matthew, equally skeptical, said, "Are you telling me you can spot its flaw just by glancing at the blueprint?"
He was testing Charles, curious if he'd just been lucky in guessing. But Estigny shook his head, addressing Matthew, "No, the Major's right. Adding a tail hook would help with trench-crossing."
Matthew's eyes widened as understanding dawned. He stood there for a moment, mouth open, then broke into a smile, convinced.
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