Chapter 510: Two Conditions
Noticing Charles's contemplative expression, the former First Lord stared at him, startled and curious. "You actually seem to have a solution!"
General Winter remained composed, convinced there was no problem Charles couldn't solve.
But then the former First Lord appeared to remember something, relaxing slightly. "If your solution involves 'depth charges,' you'll likely be disappointed—they haven't been as effective as you'd hoped."
Realizing he'd said too much, he glanced cautiously at Charles. Seeing no visible reaction, he calmed slightly.
Ever since Charles employed depth charges at the Dardanelles, the British Navy had swiftly copied the concept, adapting it into actual combat. However, their major limitation was the inability to see submerged submarines. Launching depth charges depended entirely on guesswork, resulting in frustratingly low accuracy.
Charles knew of Britain's shameless copying but chose not to make an issue of it. Depth charges were simplistic devices—merely explosives with delayed fuses—offering minimal technological complexity. The innovation was in their use, not their design, making legal claims of intellectual property particularly challenging, especially during wartime.
But "sonar" was different. Sonar was a sophisticated technology utilizing sound wave reflections for underwater detection. It represented true technological advancement, impossible to replicate swiftly.
After considering this, Charles nodded slowly.
"I'm well aware of the issues with depth charges, Captain," he said calmly. "But imagine if we could accurately pinpoint the position—even the depth—of enemy submarines. Under such conditions, depth charges become a highly effective weapon."
The former First Lord chuckled dismissively. "That's precisely the problem, General—we have no way of knowing..."
His laughter abruptly died as realization struck, his face frozen in astonishment. "Are you implying…you can actually locate submarines and determine their depth?"
General Winter also stared incredulously at Charles. Submarines traveled underwater, often dozens of meters deep; accurately determining their position and depth seemed utterly fantastical!
Yet Charles replied calmly, unperturbed:
"We call it the 'Echo Detector.'"
"Ever since the Titanic sank after striking an iceberg, scientists have endeavored to develop instruments capable of detecting icebergs underwater."
"They've made remarkable progress."
Initially, the former First Lord felt little surprise, having heard rumors of such iceberg-detection technology before. But then he suddenly grasped the full implication, leaping to his feet excitedly. "You're saying—you've adapted that technology… into submarine detection equipment?"
General Winter stared at Charles in stunned disbelief, realizing the feasibility of the idea. How had Charles managed this?
"To be precise," Charles said evenly, "I didn't personally do it—scientists I employed did."
Charles deliberately emphasized the phrase "scientists I employed."
"This is extraordinary!" the former First Lord shouted, practically delirious with excitement. "With accurate submarine positioning, depth charges would become deadly precise weapons!"
"The Germans would have no idea—they'd lie on the ocean floor, assuming they're safe, completely unaware they'd become sitting targets!"
"The Royal Navy could reclaim its rightful place! This is revolutionary—perhaps humanity's greatest invention, perfectly suited for our needs!"
The former First Lord grew increasingly ecstatic, laughing exuberantly and spontaneously wrapping Charles in a hearty embrace, nearly kissing him in gratitude.
"But," Charles interjected firmly, pushing away gently, "there are two conditions, Captain, General."
Struggling to regain composure, the First Lord returned to the sofa, still smiling broadly. "Of course, General! Conditions are entirely reasonable. Whatever you require—if it's within our capability, consider it done!"
"Firstly," Charles said deliberately, "the technology must remain strictly confidential. We won't export the Echo Detector—it represents our most advanced technology."
General Winter frowned in confusion. "If it's not exported, how will it be effective?"
The First Lord understood immediately. "You're suggesting involving the French Navy directly in anti-submarine operations?"
"Precisely," Charles affirmed without hesitation. "The Echo Detector can only be installed aboard French warships. They will coordinate closely with your fleet in anti-submarine actions."
Charles wanted the French Navy actively involved in combat operations, gaining valuable experience. Otherwise, their fleet would remain useless decorations docked safely in ports, vulnerable to disasters like Operation Catapult or a blockade similar to Toulon.
(Note: "Operation Catapult" occurred during World War II when the British, fearing the French Navy would fall into German hands after France's surrender, attacked French naval forces preemptively.)
"This arrangement will cause significant logistical problems," General Winter objected firmly. "Language barriers, differences in tactics—just maintaining basic communication would be complicated, possibly leading to disastrous confusion."
He vividly remembered similar issues during the Dardanelles campaign—an operation far simpler, involving mainly coastal bombardments, yet still plagued by coordination difficulties.
Charles spread his hands frankly. "Either accept these conditions—or don't. The decision rests entirely with you."
Both General Winter and the First Lord fell silent.
After a tense pause, the former First Lord finally relented decisively. "We accept, General. Coordination issues between our navies can certainly be overcome."
Charles nodded approvingly. This was his bottom line; he would not compromise. It wasn't merely a matter of financial or technological ownership—this arrangement was essential leverage against the British Navy, particularly the First Lord himself.
Someday, if British naval supremacy returned, allowing them to dominate the Army once again, what would prevent them from betraying Charles, reneging on promises, and suppressing his growing influence? Even worse, the Navy and Army might jointly work against him, both wary of his potential strength.
However, retaining control over the Echo Detector guaranteed Charles critical influence. At any moment, he could withdraw the technology, plunging British naval operations back into chaos under relentless German submarine attacks.
This created a delicate balance—using the Germans to restrain the British Navy, and then using the British Navy to counterbalance the British Army. The complexities of international politics were truly astounding!
The former First Lord recognized Charles's subtle maneuver against him. Although annoyed, he desperately needed the Echo Detector, forcing him to swallow his pride silently.
"And your second condition?" the former First Lord asked expressionlessly.
Charles sighed theatrically, feigning embarrassment. "I require the technical formula for rocket propellant production. Gentlemen, surely you wouldn't object to sharing this minor technical detail?"
Both General Winter and the First Lord stared blankly for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing.
France already possessed this technology—why was Charles requesting it from Britain?
But then realization dawned: the French formula was controlled by Schneider, a company notoriously hostile to Charles. Clearly, Charles had encountered obstacles within his own country, forcing him to request assistance elsewhere.
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