Chapter 268 Development Funds

(The picture below shows the super-heavy K-Wagen tank put into production during World War I in Germany. It was designed to weigh about 100 tons and finally weighed 150 tons when it was produced. The military ordered 10 tanks at a price of 600,000 marks. The maximum speed was only 7.5 kilometers per hour and the normal cruising speed was 1.9 kilometers per hour. By the end of World War I, only one was roughly completed, but it was not used on the battlefield, so it is not well known.)

What is hard to believe is that Charles' tank design is somewhat similar to the tank that Major General Luca is designing. At least there are several similar requirements:

It weighs about 100 tons, has artillery on all four sides, and the front and side armor is about 30MM thick.

Major General Luca was so excited that he was incoherent: "Yes, this is what I want. God! Charles and I have the same idea. This is the tank we want. This is the direction of tank development! There is no doubt about it!"

"Is there any reason?" Falkenhayn had to consider this plan carefully.

Major General Luca answered confidently:

"Of course, Your Excellency the Chief of Staff."

"30MM thick armor can withstand most bullets including the 'Charter A1' 37MM artillery."

"Add to that four 70mm cannons and four machine guns in four directions, and the vehicle weight will inevitably reach 100 tons."

Falkenhayn nodded slightly.

Therefore, this is not a coincidence, but a necessity when the design moves towards the same concept.

Major General Finn suddenly felt weak. He was silent for a long time and asked weakly, "So, when can we get this tank?"

This is a commonplace. Major General Luca knows that Major General Finn will ask next:

"If it takes several months or even a year, what should we use to deal with 'Char A1' during this year's time?"

Major General Luca gave an answer that satisfied both parties: "If possible, we will design a light tank while producing super-heavy tanks. Of course, we will also consider other anti-tank solutions."

Having said that, Major General Luca turned his gaze to Falkenham, and this required Falkenham's approval.

Falkenhayn hesitated for a moment, then nodded and replied, "That's a good idea. Light tanks are used to solve urgent problems, and heavy tanks are used to decide the outcome."

So, this problem is solved.

…

Paris Defense Headquarters.

Charles took some time to find Lucia at the Officers Club.

Lucia continued to tease Charles half-heartedly as before.

And Charles was actually somewhat used to it, and when Lucia leaned forward and rubbed her face tenderly, Charles gently bit Lucia's ear.

This scared Lucia. She shuddered all over as if she had been electrocuted. She turned her head and stared at Charles in a daze, her eyes full of shock. Her originally fair face instantly turned as white as wine.

Charles was somewhat pleased with himself, he felt that he had found a way to deal with Lucia.

"What?" Charles' tone was full of provocation: "Do you need me to restrain myself a little?"

Lucia rolled her eyes. She seemed to understand Charles' intention. After a slight hesitation, she timidly stepped forward and said "hmm" with an enchanting nasal tone, and replied: "Yes, Colonel, that's better!"

However, Lucia was thinking:

Only if he thinks I am afraid of this, will he continue to do it next time!

Charles showed a victorious smile on his face. In his opinion, everything Lucia did was pretend. As long as he was bolder, she would be embarrassed.

Little did Charles know that he had unknowingly fallen into the gentle trap of the female spy in front of him.

Getting back to the point, Charles leaned over to Lucia's ear and whispered, "Are all your people in Belgium?"

Lucia smiled, "Where do you think I am, Colonel?"

This made Ciel realize that he had asked a stupid question.

Lucia replied softly:

"There are currently 23 people in Belgium, 23 families to be exact, because they usually gather intelligence with their families."

Ciel said "Oh" and nodded to show his understanding.

For example, when monitoring trains, it is impossible for one person to watch the train count around the clock. Three or more people must take turns to ensure that the train data is recorded without omission.

"Another ten are in France." Lucia continued, "Five are in the Netherlands, and most of those in France are responsible for delivering intelligence."

Charles said "hmm".

Ordinary people in this era did not have radios, and using the phone would easily expose them, so they could only hide information on their bodies and pass it on from person to person.

In the middle and late stages, when the "Lady in White" grew stronger, the Germans even put up an electric fence on the border between France and Belgium in order to prevent her from sending intelligence to the Allies, but it still had no effect.

Unimaginable.

A spy organization spontaneously formed by the people could actually be so successful, and now she is following Charles and accepting his leadership.

"You need to develop your own power." Charles said, "It's the same for every country. I can provide you with funds!"

Lucia was stunned, shook her head slightly, and said firmly: "No, Colonel. We don't need any funds, and once there is a flow of funds, we will be easily exposed..."

Charles interrupted Lucia and said, "If my girlfriend is short of money, I happen to be rich."

Lucia was silent instantly.

Charles was right. If Lucia and Charles were a couple, it would be normal for her to accept money from him.

"It's settled." Ciel said in an unquestionable tone: "If you accept my leadership, you should not question my orders."

"Yes, Colonel." Lucia responded helplessly.

She knew that Charles was right. If the team wanted to grow in a short period of time, funds were essential.

It’s just that the “Lady in White” wants a purer relationship with Charles.

They are not rich. In fact, most of them are poor. Some are teachers, some are full-time housewives, and some are farmers. They believe that they should not ask for compensation for their contributions to the country.

"Tentatively organize an infantry company." Charles was responding to the request of the "Ladies in White", who wanted to be treated as soldiers rather than spies.

"The company commander is elected by you," Charles continued, "and has a corresponding military rank and the same allowance as the troops he leads."

“Colonel…” Lucia’s eyes flashed with fear: “Once they receive the allowance, they will be easily exposed.”

Charles understood what this meant. A soldier's allowance of 20 francs a month might not be much, but for an ordinary family it might be like doubling their salary, and their originally tight finances would instantly become more comfortable.

"It's up to you to decide," Charles insisted. "You can consider donating your allowance to the operation of the organization."

Charles didn't want to owe them anything, especially those who had selflessly contributed.

Lucia nodded slightly. She leaned closer and whispered in Charles' ear in revenge: "I agree, Colonel. It's a good idea!"

(End of this chapter)