Chapter 104: Toulon 2
"Joseph, would you like to be in charge of managing military production?" Carnot raised his head from the documents and looked at Joseph.
"Yes, Lazar." Joseph replied, "Right now, things are gradually getting back on track in other military aspects, but our military production is still in complete chaos. There are issues like cutting corners, poor quality, and various problems popping up one after another. It has seriously hindered our army. Although the Committee of Public Safety has dispatched some envoys to supervise military production, most of these envoys are ignorant of technology and production, and it's challenging for them to be of much help."
"More than just not being of much help? We should be thankful they don't make things worse. What can they do besides chasing after troublemakers and causing chaos?" Carnot remarked. He had a more straightforward and truthful character. Carnot's comment was grounded in recent events where a Committee of Public Safety envoy was sent to a munitions factory, and upon arrival, they started hunting down saboteurs, leading to the hanging of a significant portion of the factory's engineers. Before the envoy arrived, the factory's issues were limited to slow production and unstable quality. But after their intervention, the factory stopped production altogether. Of course, it wouldn't be fair to say the envoy accomplished nothing at least, after their visit, the factory never produced any subpar cannons.
"So, what are your thoughts on this matter?" Carnot asked.
"I propose establishing an organization like this." Joseph handed a document to Carnot. "This organization would consist of the 'Military Technology Laboratory' and the 'Military Technology Inspection Department.'"
Carnot accepted the document and began to read it carefully. Joseph found a chair and sat down, even signaling for Carnot's aide to pour him a cup of coffee.
Carnot was a fast reader, so by the time Joseph leisurely finished his coffee, Carnot raised his head from the document.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com
"This is a good idea," Carnot said, "Setting up a 'Military Technology Laboratory' for technical research and standard development and a 'Military Technology Inspection Department' with dedicated technical representatives stationed in military production enterprises to oversee the process. All products must be approved by the representatives of the inspection department before they can be sold to the army. This idea is excellent, much better than sending clueless envoys to military factories. But... Joseph, have you thought about the fact that we lack enough people in our military who can handle these responsibilities?"
"There is a solution," Joseph replied. "We can recruit and train individuals capable of this work. With so many students in Paris University, their level of knowledge, with a bit of training, will be sufficient for such tasks. The critical issue, however, is keeping these technical representatives in check. Lazar, I've heard that anyone with power will naturally try to expand their boundaries and is prone to abusing their authority. Judging product quality involves a significant exercise of power, with significant economic interests at stake. So, we need a way to supervise these technical representatives."
"Joseph, I understand your intentions. But you must know that anything you can think of, Hbert... Hbert probably can't think of. However, your actions won't be a complete surprise to him. When he figures it out, he will hate you with a passion," Carnot said in a hushed voice.
"Let him hate me! A man must have his enemies. If he has no one who hates him, he is a failure!" Joseph replied firmly.
Carnot stood up, his eyes fixed on Joseph, and the intensity of his gaze left Joseph wondering about his true intentions.
"Well said, Joseph. I'm too weak compared to you. A true warrior doesn't flaunt his bravery, like a fierce fighting dog, not barking everywhere just like Hbert! As long as I'm in this position, Hbert, the rabid dog, won't be able to infiltrate our military!" Carnot proclaimed.
In truth, Carnot overestimated Joseph because he was unfamiliar with the historical context of the previous world. Joseph feared Robespierre, Danton, and Marat but wasn't aware of Saint-Just (never heard of him before) and had no knowledge of Hbert (who are you?).
After saying this, Carnot took a few brisk steps in the room and then stopped, turning to Joseph. He said, "Find a suitable location for the laboratory, preferably far from Paris. And find an opportunity to arrange a secret meeting between Mr. Lavoisier and me. He probably doesn't even know he's become a target."
"Thank you, General. There are no words to express my gratitude to you," Joseph hastily saluted.
"Joseph, your gratitude is not necessary for others' affairs. You're a man of morality and trustworthiness!" Carnot thought to himself, but he said, "Joseph, I recall you've mentioned that your fondest wish is to stay in the laboratory. Now, your scheme has succeeded! You are a hypocrite who abuses your power for personal gain!"
"Hahaha, Lazar, you've seen through me! I just love seeing you envy me," Joseph laughed heartily.
