Chapter 29 Weaponries

~~~ Imperial Crown Prince Siagu's POV ~~~

"Confused again, am I right?" I mischievously said. "Do not be excited about looking at those powerful yet complicated designs, everyone."

"What do you mean, Nephew?" my uncle confusedly said. Hayst. Hasn't the construction of those aeroplanes taught him anything?

"Simple… Our current technology isn't that advanced yet to fully make those complicated drawings into reality. We need to start first with the much more feasible one." I said while pointing out the feasible designs that can be produced in just a year or two. "These are the designs of tanks, warships, submarines, guns, artilleries, ammunitions and bombs, that are feasible for us to develop."

"But that doesn't mean that we can't make those complicated ones into reality. While you all make these simple yet powerful types of machinery and guns, the government will also need to invest in the development of the parts needed to make these advanced ones." I said while looking at Major General Luna who was now looking a bit disappointed after hearing that his tanks of choice can't be produced yet "Although, in theory, the production of these advanced weapons and vehicles would take up to 70 or more years and a lot of resources without the help of these detailed documents. But with the help of what you are holding right now, that hurdle has been greatly reduced into a mere 15-25 years in maximum." I confidently continue.

"While the things that I'll be telling you now can just be developed in a mere 5-10 years since you have now the detailed information about them."

Of course, it would take much longer to develop these advanced military weapons and vehicles. They are complicated and their materials are still not available at the moment, especially those nuclear-powered vehicles. My intention in giving them all this information is for them to have a long-term goal, a goal that will not just benefit our family but also our nation.

Besides, unlike the submarine that needed to start much advance, others can start in the late WW1 or WW2 era since military weapons and vehicles made in these eras are enough to eradicate an entire regiment. The submarine needed to be much more advanced since the US was about to release its first submarine model, USS Holland, released during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

Hearing what I have said, Major General Luna's face lightens up while excitement and interest appear on the other's faces.

"That's great, Sir! Although 10 years is still quite long, that's better already rather than doing nothing." Minister Ali Ahamad said

"True. It will not just save us some time but it will also save us a lot of resources." Dowager Melchora said noddingly

"Indeed. Although our company dominates mineral mining domestically and also has some mines overseas, it is still a huge loss for us to just expend some resources into a failed product." Bonifacio said, agreeing to the Dowager's words.

"Mm-Hmmm… I heard from my brother Juan who is now in Europe that the prices of raw minerals have risen up and that it is now expensive to refine them." Major General Luna said while looking at Bonifacio.

"Aye. Especially with the mines in Africa, some are now downgrading their productions because of some instability and uprisings." Bonifacio noddingly replied. "Business has never been hard like this."

"But anyways, this thing called submarine. Why is it so different from the current one available?" My uncle confusedly said after looking at the design of the first two-class submarine.

"That is true. The first two classes of submarines are called Arhaan-class submarine (Argonaute-class submarine) and Charan-class submarine (Pravda-class submarine). These two submarine classes will be the ultimate weapon of our country." I said while smiling towards them.

"These classes of submarines based on my calculations with the help of my senior courtiers, are capable of reaching the depth of 100-260 meters. The Arhaan-class one is armed with 10 torpedoes, 2 x 100 mm guns, and 1 45 mm gun. The Charan-class one, on the other hand, is armed with 8 torpedo tubes; 6 550 mm (22 in) and 2 400 mm (16 in), a 75 mm (3 in)/35 M1928 deck gun and a single 8 mm/80 machine gun. Both can carry a crew of 41-54 men." I calmly stated while continuing to scan the entire surface of the design for the Arhaan-class submarine and Charan-class submarine.

But while I was scanning the document, my entire surroundings became quiet. And when I take a look, I now understand why. The 5 of them, are frantically shaking while looking at the paper. Hayst. Haven't they gotten over this yet? They have been looking at it for quite some time already, so why are they still not used to it?

"W-what… what the fuck is this? How is this possible to go that deep in the sea?" Major General Luna shakingly said. "This would make us powerful enough to assert our dominance in the sea."

"Wrong." I said blatantly. Which earns the confused look of everyone present.

"Provide us with some water, please. Thank you." I said calmly, not minding the 5 of them. My 3 senior courtiers then started pouring some water for to drink, to which all of them took a sip to calm themselves.

"Ahhhh! That's great water." I said happily

"Enough with that and explain to us already why Luna is wrong in saying that." My uncle impatiently said which was seconded with a nod by everyone who surrounded the table.

"Well, according to my friend, the United States is currently on the way to announcing their first war submarine to the world." I said plainly "And soon after, others will follow, much stronger and faster as the years go by."

My reply silenced everyone in disbelief. Can't blame them, although the US is the number one country in terms of economic ranking, but militarily? They are not that advanced yet. Out of 10 countries in military ranking, our country ranks 5 leaving the US behind us.

But with what I have just said, I think they already understand what I meant. The United States is on the rise, and if don't act now to improve our military might, we will be the one behind them on time. And I know that all of them are not keen on that, they know that the US has shown its interest in expanding east, and they even forced the Japanese to open up to the world.

Soon after it would be our turn if we remain stagnant. This is one of the reasons why I gave them those papers. The more information we get, the better we can position ourselves. Especially in this changing world.

"That is why if we don't act now in improving and start producing these weapons, sooner or later, we will be overtaken or worse subjugated by the US. The government and your respective businesses will never survive." I said blatantly before sipping my tea. I prefer my green tea over water this time.

"Sigh… Okay, okay. Explain more now about the contents of this document then." My uncle frustratingly said which made me smile mischievously. This is good… the better they understand the threat of other countries developing the same technology the better they will perform in investing, developing, and sourcing, in these designs.

After hearing and seeing their reactions. I then started explaining to them the different information about the Charan-class submarines and Arhaan-class submarines. I even discussed with them the detailed information about the diesel–electric transmission which will be powering the two-submarine class, which is suitable for; trains, land vehicles, ships, and submarines. While also taking the liberty of modifying the submarines into a much more efficient one as possible.

Although I encouraged them to start developing the Charan-class and Arhaan-class submarines, I also told them to focus more for a moment on producing the Anchor U-class submarines (British U-class Submarines). Telling them that 5-6 Charan and Arhaan class submarines will be enough for the next 15-25 years, but the Anchor U-class submarines must be prioritized. Which they all agreed upon after hearing my reasoning.

Although Cold War-era weapons are more advanced and powerful compared to the current and WW1-WW2 weaponry in circulation the availability of the materials and suitable facilities to mass produce that weaponry won't permit us to develop more.

That I why I opted to focus more on developing the late WW1-WW2 weaponry since there is a much higher chance for us to produce them. Besides, those weapons are already enough to counter the current weapons in circulation.

After explaining to them all of the information about the Charan-class and Arhaan-class submarines, I then proceeded to discuss the ships that should be developed starting next year to replace the current pre-dreadnought type of ships in our arsenal. Currently, the empire has a total of 258 ships, making our country the country with 5th largest naval presence.

These 258 ships can be broken down into; 16 battleships, 15 armoured cruisers, 25 protected cruisers, 15 destroyers, 15 torpedo boats, 25 gunboats, 15 ironclads, 27 monitors, 30 coastal defence ships, and 75 support ships. With these numbers of ships, our nations manage to maintain our seas secure and under our constant protection, especially our territories in the Pacific; the Palau Island, Guam, and the Mariana Islands.

But despite these numbers, it is still not enough to dominate the entire sea, that is why I introduce to them the dreadnought type of ships; specifically, the Bakunawa (Radetzky) class battleships, Lapu-Lapu (Lord Nelson) class battleships, and the Orchid (Florida) class battleships to name a few. To add more to this, I introduce them to the aircraft carriers, introducing the theme to two feasible ones, the HIMS (His Imperial Majesty Ship) Furious and the BES [Butuan Empire Ship] (USS) Langley.

The introduction of aircraft carriers confuses Dowager Melchora and Sir Bonifacio regarding its uses and questions about aircraft. This prompted my uncle and Minister Ali Ahmadi to inform them about the recent venture of the Military in building aeroplanes. Upon hearing this information, this sends shocks to both of them, citing their total oblivion about this ordeal of the government. What shocks them more is knowing that I am also involved in the introduction of aeroplanes.

After a minute of explanations about aeroplanes to the two company heads and my involvement in almost everything regarding the military. They are also introduced to the current aeroplanes that are in the process of making. It was also explained by Minister Ali Ahmadi that the aeroplane construction would be solely funded and be done by the government, which was agreed upon and welcomed by the two. The both of them started to calm down and voice their commendation and admiration for my actions, which I only answered with a nod.

After that, I also introduced to them the different artillery units listed on the document they were holding which caught the interest of them all, especially my uncle and Major General Luna who expressed their support in making this weaponry, citing that it would further reduce the casualties that our nation will get at the onset of war. Although the concept of artillery units, much like the submarines, guns, and ships, is not a new idea.

The introduction of new artillery designs like the Butuan (German) 88mm Flak 36/37/41 Anti-Aircraft Gun, Butuan (British) 25-pounder Howitzer, Butuan (American) M101 Howitzer, and the Butuan (Soviet) 152mm ML-20 howitzer, gives them interest. They are even shocked to see the possibility of building artillery that can be put on railway tracks.

The guns also manage to catch their attention, especially the advanced ones like the M16, AK-47, and many more. But after popping their bubbles about the slim chance of developing these advanced weapons in our time, they all then calm down. I then directed them to focus more on the Mauser K98k, Lee-Enfield No. 4, M1 Garand, MP40, Thompson submachine gun, and the PPSh-41.

Explaining that all currently used guns by the military and law enforcers must be replaced with these weapons, slowly but progressively,

Explaining to them the importance of not just arming the military with advanced weapons, but also arming the soldiers to further make our military formidable.

As I proceed to the tank units, Major General Luna excitedly listens to my explanation about the capabilities and their pros and cons. Despite his excitement in producing advanced tanks like those post-Cold War tanks and modern-day tanks, it is just not possible at the moment.

After much thinking last time on which tanks should I introduce to them first to manufacture. I decided to give them 3 Tankettes (L3/33, Renault UE Chenillette, and TK-3), 2 light tanks designed (NI tank and 38M Toldi), 2 mediums (T-34 and M4 Sherman), 2 cruisers (Cruiser tank Challenger (A30) and Cruiser tank Mk V), 1 infantry (Mk IV (A22)), and 2 heavy tanks (Tiger I and II). I know this is a lot but it is enough to dominate the upcoming World Wars.

I explain to them the capability, capacity, power, and its pros and cons. I also further discussed with them the detailed manufacturing of these weapons and vehicles. As I finished my explanation, they then bombarded me with questions about the content of the documents. Which was answered by me and Radhesh, to which they all believe. Bringing Radhesh into the equation really changes everything, his intelligence in machinery really comes in handy sometimes.

I then explain to them that despite our plan to modernize the entire imperial military, it is still important for us to continually produce the current ship designs we have. Citing that the years it would take for them to produce a perfect replica of the drawing will put us at a disadvantage if we only focus on developing the modernised equipment designs. To which they all agree and understand its importance.

I further reminded them that just because they have now had a copy of those advanced machineries, that doesn't guarantee our survival. Further development and improvement are needed to make our nation above others. They then promised to invest more in this one and maybe bring new trusted players into this venture, which was put on hold by Minister Ali Ahmadi since he still needed approval from the Prime Minister and the Emperor.

After a few hours of explaining and questioning, the meeting ended with a handshake and congratulatory messages from all of them as they viewed this venture as a leap into our country's defence and world technology. This is correct, especially since the earlier introduction of these technologies can hasten the arms race from countries around the world.

Before Dowager Melchora and Sir Bonifacio left the pavilion, I reminded everyone that everything that has been discussed today shall remain here and no outsider shall know about this. To which they all agreed, knowing full well that any leak on today's discussion would only bring them more harm than good. Details about the contract shall be crafted later on by the government and the 2 companies.

After Dowager Melchora and Sir Bonifacio left. Now, I am left inside the pavilion with my uncle, Major General Luna, Minister Ali Ahmadi, and Radhesh along with my senior courtiers. My uncle and Major General Luna decided to stay since my uncle had something to tell me.

I know what I have done will hasten the technological advancement of this world. Technologies that used to be advanced in the 21st Century might be replaced with much more advanced technology because of what I did. Technologies that will improve the living standards of the people or eradicate the human race.

This early advancement can also trigger a much more devastating war in all continents of this world. A nuclear calamity will not be just a possibility but instead a reality. But these disasters will only happen if the world is under the hands of the Soviets and the US after World War II.

That is why I needed to make our country a key figure on the world stage, a figure that neither the US nor the Soviets can ignore, a figure that even our simple action can have a lasting effect on the world.

Pretty much like the US in my past life. One simple action of the US caused the demise of other countries.

"So, what is your plan really, Nephew?" My uncle suddenly said. Bringing me back to reality after my deep thoughts.

And as I turn my attention towards my uncle, Minister Ali Ahmadi, and MG Luna, they all are looking at me with intrigue and curiosity.

"What? I am not planning anything." I innocently said before drinking the tea in my hand.

"Don't make me a fool, nephew." Uncle said seriously "You might be able to coax them with your words, but not me anymore. I was once coaxed by you and have learned my lesson. I have known you since you were a child. I saw you naked and saw you first take your first walk." He then paused before continuing "I knew you so well that after the end of the meeting, I know that your plan doesn't just end in introducing those machineries. I know for a fact that you have something in mind to make use of those weapons and machineries. Especially those aircraft carriers? They might not be available by the next 5-10 years, but I know for a fact that you are planning to use them in something big."

He really understood me well. Although sometimes it takes him quite a lot of time to realize my intention, when he does, it is on point. The understanding of my uncle's about me is pretty much like how my mother and father know me. He was there during my infant years until today, he is there.

"Hayst… I really can't hide anything from you since I told you about those aeroplanes." I said "Fine. True, I have a plan for introducing those things to all of you today." I nonchalantly said

"Knew it. What is your plan for those things anyway? The only threat for us right now is the British and the French. The Qing, Japanese, US, and Dutch, are not in our league, we can defeat them with our weapons in a one-on-one battle. Why are you so haste in introducing those things?" he said while eating some cakes, served by my court ladies a while ago.

"Is that what you really thought uncle?" I mockingly replied before turning my attention to Luna "Tell me, Major General Antonio Luna, how was Europe's situation right now?"

My sudden inquiries towards him, who was busy enjoying his cake, caught him off-guard. He then cleaned himself before answering.

"Ahem! Uhm… According to my brother, Sir. Europe is currently in a tense situation. Skirmishes, standoffs, and agreements are happening left and right, Sir. Relations between the British and the French have also been a bit soar lately." He said a bit nervous. "My brother has also been hearing some rumours about the possibility of war between the larger nations in the region. Especially with the alliance between France and Russia 2 years ago."

"Eh? Don't tell me?..." my uncle said after realizing what MG Luna had said

"Yes. Although still unconfirmed, the veil of war is slowly unfolding in the entire European Continent and with their lands encompassing the entire world, a huge conflict will surely occur." I said calmly after cutting my uncle off.

"Then is this your main reason for introducing those in today's meeting? Are you preparing to participate in the war that will happen if the veil finally covers the entire European continent?" my uncle replied while visibly shaking in the realization of how devastating the upcoming war may be.

I then shake my head in response to his inquiry while answering "No. I introduce those things to replenish the things that might be destroyed when we help King Gojong in retaking his country."

"Don't tell me that a war between our nation and the Japanese will happen?" my uncle curiously inquired while Luna was now looking at me a bit dumbfounded.

"Yes." I replied calmly "The first war our country will experience after our defeat from the Euro-Sea War of 1883."

----------

Author's note:

Thank you for the constant support guys. Don't forget to leave your comments and vote. Thank you.