Chapter 275 To Brest
December 15th, 1801.
Napoleon was on a train bound for Brest. His schedule for today is to inspect the troops who will leave France for Saint-Domingue and then New Orleans. The Ministry of War approved of the new equipment and weapons Napoleon had proposed, and he couldn't wait to see it.
Coming with him on this trip is the Minister of Science and Technology, Antoine Lavoisier, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Charles Talleyrand, Minister of War, Louis-Alexandre Berthier, and the Ministry of Interior, Lucien Bonaparte.
As the train rumbled along the tracks, Napoleon and his esteemed companions enjoyed their champagne in the Lounge Car. The huge rectangular windows provided a clear view of the passing French countryside.
Napoleon took another sip of champagne before engaging in a conversation with them.
"Is it really true, Talleyrand? That King Louis the Sixteenth wants to see me in person?" Napoleon asked.
"How many times did you ask for that, Your Excellency? The answer would remain the same. The former King of France is seeking an audience with you on Christmas eve."
"It must be because of you wanting to become an Emperor of the Republic of France. He must have felt disrespected by it. He thinks that he is the rightful ruler of France but we all know that he isn't…and that there is only one who can rule France—and that is you—my brother!" Lucien declared, raising his glass of champagne.
"I agree," Berthier raised his glass of champagne in a show of support for Napoleon's ascendance to the throne of Emperor.
"How about you, Lavoisier? Do you support Napoleon?" Talleyrand asked, and all eyes were on Lavoisier.
Antoine Lavoisier gently swirled his champagne glass before responding.
"My primary allegiance has always been to the pursuit of science and technological progress. As long as I can continue my work, no matter who holds the title of ruler, I shall remain devoted to advancing the frontiers of knowledge."
"No, I want to hear it from you, Lavoisier. You support me wholeheartedly right?" Napoleon interjected.
Antoine Lavoisier met Napoleon's gaze with unwavering composure. He placed his glass of champagne down on the table and replied in a measured tone, "Your Excellency, I hold the deepest respect for your leadership and vision for France. I believe in the potential for progress and enlightenment that your rule represents. In that sense, yes, I wholeheartedly support your endeavors to guide our nation."
Napoleon's expression softened with satisfaction at Lavoisier's response. "How's the ammonia fertilizer production coming along?"
"The ammonia synthesis process that we developed allowed us to produce up to 100 metric tons of ammonia per day. 85 percent are now being used as fertilizer all over France, and we are expected to see a significant increase in crop yields," Antoine Lavoisier explained. "There will not be a food shortage in France or in her colonies."
"Ammonia, isn't that one of the ingredients that we used to produce smokeless powder for the bolt-action rifles?" Berthier asked as he recalled something after hearing Lavoisier's words.
Napoleon simply nodded, confirming Berthier's recollection.
"Now, we are experimenting with this new type of fuel source. Derived from petroleum. So far, oil's uses are heating, lubrication, and materials such as paraffin wax, naphtha, and tar. One of the junior scientists came up with this hypothesis, the possibility of using oil as a source of power for transportation. So far, nothing conclusive, but we are doing our best to explore that possibility."
Napoleon couldn't help but smile at the prospect. Of course, he could have told them that oil is a possible source of fuel but by doing so, he is stifling their critical thinking and innovation. But it doesn't mean he won't help them, he is indirectly giving them ideas through third parties, where the third parties will present an idea and they will work on it. It was an effective method that allowed engineers and scientists to come up with technology that existed eight to nine decades ahead of their time.
Moments later a polite cough from the side of the lounge car drew all their attention. They were so engrossed in discussing with one another that they didn't notice a well-dressed porter entering the car.
"Pardon the interruption, Your Excellency and esteemed gentlemen," the porter said, addressing the group. "We are now approaching the station at Brest. We kindly request that you make your preparations to disembark shortly."
Napoleon cast a quick glance at the window and saw the train slowing down as it approached Brest station. He exchanged a final nod with his companions, signaling the end of their conversation for now. It was time to shift their focus to the matters awaiting them at their destination.
With a graceful movement, Napoleon stood up from his seat, and the rest of the group followed suit. They gathered their coats and belongings, preparing to disembark.
Exiting the train, Napoleon and his ministers were greeted by the locals living at Brest. They brought baskets filled with local delicacies and greetings, their faces filled with excitement as they walked past them.
Napoleon acknowledged the warm welcome with a nod and a smile, grabbing the baskets and then handing them to his Elite Consular Guards who would carry it for him.
They were cheering and waving their hands to get the attention of the First Consul to them, some were even shouting that they voted in agreement with Napoleon becoming the Emperor of France.
Of course, having dealt with this kind of crowd before, Napoleon was simply doing what he did earlier, acknowledging their support.
Finally, they made their way to the carriage and boarded. The carriage took them to the military barracks, where 90,000 troops were gathered.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the military barrack. Stepping out of the carriage, Napoleon was amazed at the sight before him. The soldiers weren't wearing the uniform they used during the First and Second Wars of the Coalition. They were wearing the standard military uniform of the French Army during WWI, the horizon blue.
The sight of the French soldiers in their horizon blue uniforms was a striking departure from the traditional attire Napoleon had been accustomed to. The double-breasted coats and two-piece backpacks, designed for both practicality and aesthetics, gave the troops a modern and unified appearance. The upper part of the backpack held their necessities, while the lower part carried non-urgent supplies, ensuring they were well-prepared for extended campaigns.
As for the top of their head was an Adrian helmet, used by the French in WW1.
Of course, not only their uniforms got a makeover, but their weapons as well.
The repeating service bolt-action rifle was replaced with a new one, that is the Karabiner 98k. It was an easy transition as most bolt-action designs are quite similar to one another.
Located on the far right side of the formation is where the new artillery is displayed. It's the French 75 mm field gun.
And as for the machine gun section, it was redesigned similar to the MG08 similar to the Germans used in WW1. It's basically an improved and best version of the machine gun they used during the Egyptian campaign.
Since most European powers have already got their hands on the design of the weapons they used in the Egyptian campaign, the only thing they can do to secure their advantage is make a better one.
"Let's see them in action," Napoleon muttered under his breath.
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