Chapter 268 Development Funds

(The picture below shows the super-heavy K-Wagen tank put into production during the First World War 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 unit 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 the First World War, only one tank was roughly completed, but it was not used on the battlefield, so it was unknown.)

It is unbelievable that Charles' tank design is somewhat similar to the tank that Major General Luca is designing. At least there are several requirements that are the same:

A weight of about 100 tons, artillery on all four sides, and a thickness of about 30MM on the front and side armor.

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

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

Major General Luca answered confidently:

"Of course, Mr. Chief of the General Staff."

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

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

Falkenhayn nodded slightly.

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

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

This is a cliché. Major General Luca knew that Major General Fein would ask next:

"If it takes several months or even a year, then what should we use to deal with the 'Charter A1' in this year?"

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."

Major General Luca turned his eyes to Falkenhayn, which required Falkenhayn's approval.

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

So, this problem was solved.

...

Paris City Defense Headquarters.

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

Lucia was still teasing Charles half-heartedly as before.

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

This scared Lucia. She was shocked as if she had been electrocuted. She turned her head and stared at Charles blankly, her eyes full of shock. Her originally fair face instantly looked like wine.

Charles was a little proud. He felt that he had found a way to deal with Lucia.

"What?" Charles' tone was full of provocation: "Do you need me to be more restrained?"

Lucia rolled her eyes, she seemed to understand Charles' intention, and after a slight hesitation, she timidly stepped forward, and said "hmm" with a nasal voice, "Yes, Colonel, it's better!"

However, Lucia was thinking in her heart:

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

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

Charles didn't 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 into Lucia's ear and whispered: "Are all your people in Belgium?"

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

This made Charles realize that he asked a stupid question.

Lucia replied softly:

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

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

For example, to monitor trains, it is impossible for one person to watch the number of trains all day long. Three or more people must take turns to ensure that the train data is recorded without omissions.

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

Charles said "hmm".

Ordinary people in this era did not have radio stations, and using the phone was very easy to be exposed, so they could only hide the intelligence 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 pulled up an electric grid on the border between France and Belgium in order to prevent her from sending intelligence to the Allies, but it still had no effect.

It's hard to imagine.

A spy organization spontaneously established by the people could be so successful, and now she actually follows Charles and accepts his leadership.

"You need to develop your own power." Charles said, "It's the same in 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: "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 Charles' funds.

"It's settled." Charles' tone was unquestionable: "If you accept my leadership, you shouldn't question my orders."

"Yes, Colonel." Lucia responded helplessly.

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

However, the "Ladies in White" wanted a purer relationship with Charles.

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

"Temporarily set up an infantry company." Charles was responding to the request of the "Ladies in White". They hoped to be treated as soldiers rather than spies.

"The company commander will be elected by you." Charles continued: "With the corresponding military rank, he will lead the same allowance as the troops."

"Colonel..." Lucia's eyes flashed with a trace of fear: "Once they receive the allowance, they will be easily exposed."

Charles understood what this meant. The soldier's allowance of 20 francs a month may not be much, but for ordinary families, it may be a doubling of wages, and the originally tight economy will be abundant in an instant.

"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 these selfless people.

Lucia nodded slightly, she deliberately moved closer, and whispered in Charles' ear in revenge: "I agree, Colonel, it's a good idea!"