The sun was barely resting over the Paris skyline when Major Étienne Moreau arrived at the industrial grounds of Hotchkiss et Cie.
The towering factory buildings looked like quiet fortresses.
It was here, within these time-hardened walls, that war and machines met on the drafting tables.
And today is a very important day not only for Moreau but for Hotchkiss as well.
Inside the central hall Hotchkiss foundry roared in full noise.
Moreau, dressed in a field coat rather than his uniform, entered with engineers Delorme and Chevalier flanking him.
His eyes swept across the wide assembly floor with determination.
This was not a visit.
It was an order of battle.
They were received by François Berlot, the newly appointed Director of Armament Production at Hotchkiss, and Madame Celeste Proulx, Head of Strategic Industrial Operations.
Behind them stood a team of foremen, metallurgists, logistics officers, and lead draftsmen all waiting.
