Chapter 258: Rocket Propellant Formula
In the end, after much polite coaxing from General Winter, Charles reluctantly agreed to license production at a price of 50,000 francs per unit.
To General Winter, this seemed like a reasonable price—20,000 francs cheaper than what the Russians paid. And since Charles initially had no intention of selling, his eventual agreement, and even a discount, made General Winter feel he'd achieved a significant accomplishment to report back to the British government.
However, Charles added one condition during the negotiations, almost as if in passing:
"Ever since we used the 'Congreve' rockets to destroy enemy observation balloons, our demand for rockets has increased significantly."
"However, production has been problematic, and we've even had some accidents along the way."
This was true—due to issues in the manufacturing process, an accident at a rocket factory had resulted in an explosion that killed or injured over a hundred people.
Charles looked at General Winter calmly and said, "I've heard that Britain has a safer propellant formula for rockets. Would you be able to share the formula and manufacturing process with us?"
Charles maintained a relaxed demeanor, as if this was just a minor request.
Without a second thought, General Winter agreed. "No problem. In fact, I've noticed this issue as well. I'm sure the British government would be more than willing to share this technology with your country."
To General Winter, this was outdated technology that was about to be abandoned by the military.
Since the birth of the "Congreve" rocket, European countries had been trying to improve the accuracy of this "artillery." However, the results were disappointing, as the rockets' accuracy remained unimproved.
The only development had been that both Britain and Germany had devised new methods for making rocket propellants.
(Note: There were two main methods for making rocket propellant. The traditional process involved repeated high-temperature pressing of the semi-solid, semi-liquid propellant to mix it evenly. This process was extremely flammable and prone to explosion, making production dangerous and unsuitable for mass manufacturing.)
But they wanted precision—precision above all else!
If rockets couldn't improve in accuracy, then even safe, mass-produced rockets were of little use.
A rocket that couldn't hit its target was as good as trash—more rockets just meant more trash.
That was the understanding across Europe. As a result, even with advanced rocket technology, Europe paid it little attention, leaving it to be perfected later by the Russians.
Hearing General Winter's response, Charles silently rejoiced.
With the rocket propellant formula and manufacturing process, "Katyusha" rocket launchers and bazookas could soon become a reality!
Charles had no intention of competing with Schneider in traditional artillery production. Doing so would not only put him in direct confrontation with Schneider but also highlight gaps in technology, talent, and equipment. Catching up in these areas would be exceedingly difficult.
However, the emerging market for rocket artillery was Charles's to claim. Additionally, anti-aircraft guns and tank cannons, which focused on advancements in ammunition, could become Charles's specialty, and he certainly wouldn't let Schneider take those markets away.
It felt to Charles as if he were encircling Schneider, systematically blocking every future avenue they might pursue, until Schneider was trapped in its limited field with nowhere else to grow.
For a company, the worst fate might not be bankruptcy but rather having significant capital and connections but no avenues for innovation or expansion.
Eventually, due to the limitations and replaceability of their equipment, Schneider would be squeezed out of the defense industry, powerless even if wealthy and influential.
…
Once the negotiations were over, Charles finally got a long-awaited day and a half of leave.
Gallieni was very clear with him: "I hope you understand, time off is not the norm. You only have leave now because the front is stable and there's nothing pressing for you to handle."
It was as though Gallieni anticipated Charles's eagerness to ask about leave.
"Yes, General!" Charles replied.
What else could he say?
If he pushed for regular leave, Gallieni might deny him any time off, citing solid reasons:
"Do soldiers on the front lines get this much leave?"
"You've contributed a lot, but frontline soldiers are putting their lives on the line—that's everything they have."
"A few extra hours of work on your part could potentially save hundreds or even thousands of lives."
"This is every adult's duty and obligation!"
With one reasoning after another, Gallieni would make Charles feel as if "taking leave" were "putting lives in danger."
…
That afternoon, the snow stopped, but the sky remained overcast.
In winter, such weather was a relief—it wasn't blindingly bright, like a sea of mirrors.
On the way back, Charles was surprised to find that the road to the town of Oise had been repaired with gravel, and the snow had been cleared to the roadside.
Colonel Laurent, noticing Charles's confusion, explained as he drove.
"It's because you haven't had any leave lately, Colonel."
"What?" Charles asked, puzzled. What did his leave have to do with the road?
Colonel Laurent replied, "Your admirers. They noticed you hadn't taken time off recently and wondered if it might be due to the road conditions. So, they organized themselves to clear the snow and repair the road, cleaning it up each morning."
Charles was speechless for a moment. Their guessing abilities were certainly impressive.
But it seemed like a positive outcome—it was certainly more meaningful than receiving a heap of flowers.
…
Since he hadn't notified his family of his arrival, Camille practically shrieked in joy and ran out when the car stopped in front of the house. She hugged Charles with a warm smile.
But she soon began to complain, "We've tried to come see you a few times, but we haven't been allowed. Couldn't you talk to the General? Surely you have some time to sleep and rest, so we could visit during that?"
"Mother!" Charles shook his head. "It's not about timing; it's about security."
Since Charles had submitted the list from Lucia, security at headquarters had been elevated.
Gallieni had transferred all "suspected" informants out of command, and even the kitchen staff for the officers' mess had undergone thorough vetting.
Although Camille and Deyoka were Charles's parents, they were still civilians, so it was nearly impossible for them to gain access.
Just as they were about to enter, Charles was surprised to see both Deyoka and Colonel Estigny inside.
It was the middle of the afternoon—Deyoka should have been busy at the factory, and Colonel Estigny should have been training and expanding the tank battalion at the tank base.
The military had ordered 500 "Charles A1" tanks, and the 15 million francs covered the training of qualified tank operators. Colonel Estigny had been occupied with this task lately.
"Good to see you, Colonel!" Colonel Estigny's tense expression relaxed when he saw Charles. "We needed you to settle a few things."
Charles looked between Estigny and Deyoka.
Deyoka nodded. "We may have a problem. We were just discussing it."
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