Chapter 277: The Forefather of Landing Craft
As mid-February arrived, temperatures rose, and the melting snow led to a notable flooding in Paris. The Seine River, known as "Paris's First River," had overflowed, partially submerging its banks. Near the Eiffel Tower, the famous Zouave statue on the Pont de l'Alma bridge was now submerged 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 seemed a minor threat.
In the office of Schneider Armaments, James stared out at the endless rain, lost in thought. The Allies had begun their landing operations at the Dardanelles. He noticed something curious: Charles's inventions seemed less effective at sea. Though Charles had saved his son Tijani, leading to frequent collaboration with Wells, it seemed 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 advancements, they might be able to rival Charles in the arms market. But it was about more than market share; it was about influence. James 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 James 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 James would be its real ruler. Yet Charles's innovations were a constant threat to this plan.
James kept his composure, but his mind was racing: Ideas. I need ideas! Only innovation can counter Charles. Without it, everything else is meaningless!
Just then, Pauline's hurried footsteps sounded in the hallway. James turned, knowing this usually meant good news. Pauline entered, grinning as she pulled a document from her bag and waved it with a hint of pride. "Sir, you'll want to see this!"
James took the document, flipping through it with a puzzled expression. "A ship?"
"Yes," Pauline nodded.
James inspected it more closely. "I'm guessing... it's a coal freighter?"
"Yes!" Pauline confirmed, her eyes alight.
James 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, James scanned the document again, this time noticing something 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 armed soldiers!"
"Soldiers?" James'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."
James suddenly understood. "And all this time, they're under artillery fire and a hail of bullets, suffering heavy casualties before even reaching the beach!"
"Exactly," Pauline confirmed. "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!" James exclaimed. At last, he'd beaten Charles to an idea.
But he hesitated. "Who came up with this?"
He feared it might be another of Charles's creations.
"It was devised by a Navy Lieutenant Commander named Unwin," Pauline replied. "I tracked him down and bought the industrial rights for 20,000 francs."
James almost laughed out loud. For a mere 20,000 francs, they had acquired the rights to a potentially game-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 immediately, and set up the necessary landing equipment. I'll handle the military contacts," James ordered.
"Of course, sir," Pauline replied, pleased. She had deployed numerous contacts in the military in search of ideas, and finally, one had proven valuable.
Perhaps, now, they could mount a comeback.
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 same 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 development. 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 chimed 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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