The chamber gradually emptied as the officers left, their footsteps echoing in the grand hall. General Nathaniel Warner lingered at the head of the table, his mind heavy with their recent discussions. He turned his gaze to the maps adorning the walls, his thoughts drawn to the broader implications of the Army Board’s decisions.

Warner straightened his uniform and walked to the window, where the sprawling training grounds of the United Army came into view.

Soldiers drilled with rifles, their movements precise and disciplined. The sight stirred a mix of pride and unease within him. These men relied on the Board to ensure they were equipped with the best tools possible—a responsibility Warner did not take lightly.

His moment of solitude was interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Major Theodore Calloway entered, carrying a leather-bound ledger. The younger officer saluted crisply before stepping closer.

"General, I wanted to discuss the next steps for the proposal," Calloway said, his tone eager but measured.

Warner nodded, gesturing for him to take a seat. "Go ahead, Major. What’s on your mind?" Read exclusive content at NovelBin.Côm

Calloway opened the ledger and scanned his notes. "The phased deployment of the automatic gun needs careful consideration. I believe we should begin by equipping specialized units stationed in critical regions, particularly those along the southern frontier. That area is more likely to see engagements where suppressive firepower could turn the tide."

Warner stroked his chin thoughtfully. "An excellent point, Major. The frontier garrisons often bear the brunt of skirmishes and border disputes. A demonstration of the automatic gun’s capabilities in such a setting would provide valuable data."

Calloway continued, "As for the bolt-action rifle, I propose starting with two divisions. A staged rollout will allow us to monitor its integration and address any unforeseen issues before scaling up. Additionally, we could offer incentives to Hesh Industries to prioritize production quotas."

Warner arched an eyebrow. "Incentives? Elaborate."

Calloway tapped his pen against the ledger. "Increased funding or tax reductions for meeting specific delivery milestones. It would ensure Hesh Industries maintains focus on our contracts while ramping up their manufacturing capacity."

Warner leaned back in his chair, impressed by Calloway’s strategic thinking. "It’s a sound idea, Major. Draft a detailed plan, and we’ll present it to the Board at the next session. Anything else?"

Calloway hesitated briefly before speaking. "General, if I may—there’s one more matter. The semi-automatic pistol. While its adoption is less contentious, I believe we should explore its potential beyond officer use."

Warner’s expression shifted, intrigued. "You think it has broader applications?"

"Yes, sir," Calloway said. "Units like military police or scouts could benefit from its compact design and rapid fire capability. It’s more versatile than it’s being given credit for."

Warner nodded slowly, considering the suggestion. "You’ve made a compelling case, Major. I’ll add that to the proposal. Now, let’s ensure these plans are airtight."

As the evening descended over the capital, the Army Board’s decisions began to ripple through the military hierarchy. In barracks and offices, officers whispered about the revolutionary designs and the potential shift in strategy they heralded. Speculation ran rampant about how these weapons might redefine the battlefield and the Republic’s standing among other nations.

At a secluded officers’ club, Brigadier General Henry Caldwell and Lieutenant General Howard Grayson found themselves deep in conversation over glasses of brandy. The normally reserved Caldwell seemed animated, his enthusiasm evident.

"I’ll admit, Howard, I was skeptical at first," Caldwell said, swirling his drink. "But the possibilities are endless. That automatic gun alone could change how we approach sieges and defensive warfare."

Grayson, ever the cynic, sipped his brandy and shook his head. "Possibilities don’t win wars, Henry. Proven strategies and reliable logistics do. These weapons are impressive, yes, but they’re also untested on the field. I worry we’re putting too much faith in a gamble."

Caldwell chuckled. "The future always seems like a gamble until it becomes the present. Do you think the men who first adopted rifled muskets or repeating rifles were any less cautious?"

Grayson sighed, conceding the point. "Perhaps. But my concern lies with how quickly we’re pushing for adoption. What if these weapons fail to meet expectations in the chaos of battle?"

"Then we adapt," Caldwell said simply. "That’s what we’ve always done."

Their conversation was interrupted by Colonel James Whitaker, who approached their table with a grin. "Generals, I hope I’m not intruding."

"Not at all, Colonel," Caldwell said, gesturing for him to sit. "Join us. We were just debating the merits of Mr. Hesh’s designs."

Whitaker chuckled as he took a seat. "Debating, were you? I’d wager Grayson’s playing the devil’s advocate."

Grayson smirked but said nothing, letting Caldwell fill Whitaker in on their conversation. Whitaker listened intently before weighing in.

"Gentlemen, change is inevitable. What we’ve seen today represents the next step in that evolution. If we cling to outdated methods and equipment, we’ll only make ourselves vulnerable to those who embrace progress."

Grayson frowned. "Progress isn’t without risk, Colonel. And in war, risks can be costly."

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"True," Whitaker conceded. "But the greater risk is stagnation. These weapons give us an edge our enemies can’t match—not yet, at least. If we don’t seize this opportunity, someone else will."

Grayson drained the last of his brandy, his expression grim. "I only hope we’re prepared for the consequences of that choice."

Meanwhile, General Warner sat alone in his office, drafting the formal proposal to present to the Republic’s War Ministry. His pen moved steadily across the parchment, outlining the phased deployment plans, cost analyses, and expected outcomes of adopting the Hesh Model 85 series.

As he wrote, his thoughts returned to Matthew Hesh. The man was an enigma—brilliant, innovative, and enigmatic. Warner couldn’t shake the feeling that Hesh’s designs were more than mere ingenuity. There was a purpose behind them, one that extended beyond profit or prestige.

Warner set down his pen and leaned back in his chair, staring out the window at the city’s skyline. Whatever the future held, he knew one thing for certain: the Great Republic of Amerathia was on the cusp of transformation, and Matthew Hesh’s inventions were at the heart of it.

With a resolute sigh, he returned to his work, determined to ensure that this transformation would strengthen the Republic, no matter the challenges it might bring.