Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 80: The Meeting of the Army Staff

The meeting room of the United Army Board was a stark, imposing chamber, its walls adorned with maps of the Great Republic of Amerathia and its surrounding territories. Military insignias and banners hung in strategic placements, lending the room an air of gravitas. Around a large mahogany table sat the most influential members of the Army Board, including General Nathaniel Warner, who had spearheaded the recent weapons demonstration.

The discussion was already underway, with Lieutenant General Howard Grayson taking the floor. A grizzled veteran of numerous campaigns, Grayson exuded both experience and skepticism.

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"Gentlemen," Grayson began, his tone clipped, "we have just witnessed a demonstration of weaponry that, on the surface, appears revolutionary. But I believe we must temper our excitement with caution. Innovations like these often carry hidden pitfalls."

Colonel James Whitaker, a younger officer with a reputation for forward-thinking strategies, leaned forward in his seat. "General Grayson, with all due respect, the Hesh designs address several of our current shortcomings. The bolt-action rifle alone would standardize our infantry capabilities, ensuring accuracy and reliability in a way our current armaments cannot."

Grayson waved a dismissive hand. "Standardization is meaningless if production costs spiral out of control. What good is an effective rifle if we can’t afford to outfit every soldier with one? The Model 85 may perform admirably, but its practicality on a larger scale remains questionable."

Across the table, Brigadier General Henry Caldwell adjusted his glasses and interjected, his tone measured. "Grayson raises a valid concern, but we must also consider the strategic advantage these weapons could offer. The automatic gun, for instance, has the potential to redefine battlefield tactics. Sustained suppressive fire would allow our infantry to maneuver with far greater efficiency."

"At what cost?" Grayson snapped. "Do you have any idea how many resources it would take to manufacture and maintain a fleet of such complex weapons? The logistics alone could cripple our supply chains."

Warner, who had remained silent up to this point, finally spoke, his deep voice commanding immediate attention. "Enough. This is precisely why we’re here—to weigh the costs against the benefits and reach a decision that serves the best interests of the United Army."

He leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room. "Let’s break this down piece by piece. First, the bolt-action rifle. Colonel Whitaker, your thoughts?"

Whitaker straightened in his chair, his voice steady. "The Hesh Model 85 Bolt-Action Rifle is a significant improvement over our current standard-issue rifles. Its internal magazine allows for faster reloads, and its accuracy at 500 yards would give our infantry a decisive edge in long-range engagements. I believe this weapon is not only feasible but necessary."

Grayson frowned but said nothing, allowing Warner to turn his attention to Caldwell. "Brigadier General Caldwell, your perspective?"

Caldwell nodded. "I concur with Colonel Whitaker. The rifle’s simplicity in design makes it ideal for mass production. Training soldiers to use it effectively would require minimal additional time, and its durability means fewer replacements over the long term. I see it as a worthwhile investment."

Warner nodded thoughtfully before shifting gears. "Now, the automatic gun. General Grayson, since you seem particularly concerned, let’s hear your analysis."

Grayson took a deep breath, his tone more restrained but still firm. "The Hesh Model 85 Automatic Gun is undoubtedly a powerful tool, but it also represents a logistical nightmare. Its rate of fire would necessitate a massive increase in ammunition production, not to mention the maintenance required for such a complex mechanism. I fear it would place too great a strain on our resources."

Whitaker countered immediately. "But consider what it could do on the battlefield, General. With proper deployment, this weapon could break enemy lines, secure defensive positions, and provide the kind of firepower we’ve never had before. The benefits far outweigh the logistical challenges."

Caldwell chimed in, "If we’re concerned about resources, we could prioritize deployment to elite units first—those most likely to engage in critical operations. Over time, as production scales up, we can expand its availability."

Grayson scoffed. "And what happens when those elite units are overrun because their ammunition supplies run dry? Superior firepower means nothing without sustainability."

Warner raised a hand, cutting off the brewing argument. "We’ll revisit this after discussing the final piece: the semi-automatic pistol. Colonel Whitaker?"

Whitaker gestured to the notes in front of him. "The Hesh Model 85 Pistol is a game-changer for officers and close-combat situations. Its semi-automatic mechanism allows for quick follow-up shots, and its compact design makes it an ideal sidearm. I see no reason not to adopt it."

Grayson shook his head. "It’s a luxury, not a necessity. Our officers have managed just fine with revolvers. Why fix what isn’t broken?"

Caldwell sighed. "It’s not about fixing—it’s about improving. The pistol’s reliability and ease of use could save lives. And frankly, revolvers are becoming outdated. If we’re serious about modernizing our forces, this is a logical step."

Warner leaned back in his chair, his expression pensive. "Gentlemen, it’s clear we have a mix of opinions. Let me summarize what I’ve heard so far."

He pointed to the rifle. "There’s strong support for the bolt-action rifle. Its advantages in accuracy, reliability, and production feasibility make it a clear choice for standard issue."

He gestured to the automatic gun. "The automatic gun is more divisive. While its potential on the battlefield is undeniable, the concerns about logistics and sustainability are valid. We may need to explore phased deployment or additional resources to address these issues."

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Finally, he addressed the pistol. "As for the semi-automatic pistol, the arguments for modernization outweigh the resistance to change. It’s a small step forward, but one that could have a significant impact in critical situations."

Warner stood, his commanding presence silencing any further debate. "Here’s what we’ll do. I’ll draft a proposal recommending the immediate adoption of the bolt-action rifle and the semi-automatic pistol. For the automatic gun, I’ll propose further testing and analysis, focusing on logistics and deployment strategies."

He looked around the table, his gaze steady. "This isn’t just about weaponry—it’s about the future of our military. We cannot afford to let complacency or fear of change hold us back. Are we in agreement?"

The room was silent for a moment before the officers began nodding one by one. Even Grayson, though clearly reluctant, gave a begrudging nod.

"Good," Warner said. "I’ll submit the proposal to the Board tomorrow. Dismissed."

As the officers filed out, Warner lingered by the table, his thoughts turning to the man who had brought these weapons to their attention. Matthew Hesh was an enigma, but there was no denying his brilliance. If these designs truly lived up to their promise, they could change the face of warfare—and the destiny of the Great Republic of Amerathia.