Chapter 619: This is a National Secret
Upon hearing this, the Navy Minister furrowed his brows slightly. Damn that Charles; every invention seemed to have his fingerprints on it.
Nevertheless, he kept his composure and asked calmly, "Are you suggesting the patent rights for the 'Echo Detector' haven't been filed yet?"
"No, they have been filed," Professor Fessenden answered. "But due to national security concerns, they haven't been made public."
The Navy Minister asked further, "Does Charles have a share in the patent?"
Professor Fessenden hesitated a moment before replying, "No, officially not. To avoid unnecessary complications, I'm listed as the sole patent holder."
Charles was now an adult; signing a patent would require his personal presence. Given that Charles was primarily occupied commanding at the frontlines, he couldn't abandon military operations merely to return and sign paperwork.
"In that case, there's no issue," the Navy Minister smiled again. "The law recognizes only official documentation. We can overlook other unnecessary factors."
His implication was clear—Charles could simply be ignored in this arrangement.
"No, Admiral," Professor Fessenden replied firmly. "I can't do that. As I said, Charles deserves a share of the rights. I know it, Charles knows it, and everyone in my lab knows it."
Without responding verbally, the Navy Minister simply nodded subtly toward the aide beside him. Understanding the signal, the aide opened his briefcase and handed Professor Fessenden a pre-filled check.
Professor Fessenden glanced at it, momentarily stunned. For a second, he doubted his own eyes, adjusting his glasses to look closer. He had not made a mistake—the check read twenty million dollars.
Good God, this sum alone was enough to allow him a life of absolute luxury, or perhaps fund his very own research laboratory indefinitely.
Professor Fessenden's breathing quickened involuntarily, his gaze fixed on the check's figures as though bewitched by some magical spell.
The Navy Admiral added gently, "Given that you're American, we thought it would be best to conduct the transaction in U.S. dollars. Is this arrangement satisfactory to you?"
"Of… of course, Admiral," Fessenden replied slowly.
The United States was a neutral nation, and its currency was reliably stable. Yet, the professor understood the unspoken message beneath the surface: If he feared retaliation or pressures from Charles, he could simply sell the patent rights and retire to America, comfortably far away from the turmoil.
After a long pause, Professor Fessenden finally raised his eyes, expressing confusion, "But I don't quite understand, Admiral. Charles is a French General; his equipment naturally benefits France. Why would you…"
"That's none of your concern, Professor," the Admiral interrupted abruptly.
Tapping his finger firmly on the check, he emphasized, "This is simply a transaction—goods in exchange for payment, nothing more."
His eyes carried a subtle threat, silently conveying that certain details were better left unexplored, as knowing too much wouldn't be in Fessenden's best interest.
Professor Fessenden only partially understood. He had always stayed away from politics, burying himself deeply in his research. But one thing was clear to him—selling the patent rights might harm Charles, possibly even amounting to a betrayal.
With noticeable reluctance, he glanced again at the check before shaking his head, "I'm sorry, Admiral, but I can't do this."
The Admiral's expression betrayed his surprise. Staring intently at Professor Fessenden for a few moments, he eventually spoke again, "Is it about the money? Name your price."
"No, it's not about money," Fessenden quickly clarified.
"Then what is it?" the Admiral asked curiously.
"It's about future development, Admiral," Professor Fessenden replied earnestly. "Working with Charles offers me opportunities money simply can't buy."
The Admiral narrowed his eyes skeptically. "Such as?"
"Ideas, platforms, talent… and much more," Professor Fessenden's voice grew increasingly confident. "These things aren't something money alone can buy. And I firmly believe if I continue collaborating with Charles, I'll ultimately gain much more—yes, including money."
During his time at the Brest Shipyard, Professor Fessenden had encountered the new type of torpedo proposed by Charles, along with countless other innovations Charles had introduced. Fessenden was convinced that continued cooperation with Charles would mean his research could go far beyond the Echo Detector.
To a scientist, the greatest frustration often wasn't funding but the shortage of inspiration.
And Charles was literally a goldmine of ideas!
The Admiral appeared to understand. With a soft sigh, he signaled his aide to put the check away and handed Professor Fessenden a business card, saying, "You don't have to reply immediately, Professor. If you ever change your mind, please call me anytime."
"Thank you," Fessenden shook hands politely with the Admiral.
However, even as he pocketed the business card, Fessenden had already made up his mind—he would never dial that number.
…
That very evening, representatives from the British Navy arrived at his laboratory. This time it was General Winter, likewise interested in the issue of patent rights.
Winter approached the matter differently, attempting to win Fessenden over through camaraderie and admiration for Charles.
"Perhaps you've heard something about me, Professor," General Winter remarked casually, sipping coffee as he chatted with Fessenden. "Charles and I have known each other for quite some time. One might even call us comrades-in-arms. At the Dardanelles—I was the fleet commander then."
"I've heard about that battle," Fessenden's eyes filled with awe.
Those who had never experienced warfare firsthand often viewed it romantically, seeing it as a badge of courage or heroism.
General Winter smoothly continued on Fessenden's theme, "Though we lost that battle, Charles certainly won."
"I still regret not having followed his advice from the very beginning; perhaps we might have won the war. A remarkable man, isn't he?"
Fessenden nodded eagerly, "Yes, there are legends about him everywhere."
"No, Professor, they aren't legends," General Winter said with sincere admiration. "Those things really happened—they're facts!"
The two talked animatedly, discovering common ground easily. Unknown to Fessenden, General Winter was skillfully planting a subconscious impression—that he was Charles's friend, admirer, and supporter. A person like that wouldn't act against Charles's interests.
After conversing comfortably for more than half an hour, Winter judged the timing was right and offered what seemed to be a reasonable suggestion, "Professor, I understand you don't wish to sell the industrial rights to the Echo Detector."
"So, we only ask for permission to produce it under license."
"You know why—Britain is France's ally, and together our navies can better counter German submarines. Without question, this would ease Charles's burdens and swiftly end this dreadful war. Don't you agree?"
Winter skillfully elevated the discussion to a moral plane, framing it as a contribution to humanity's peace—the sort of idea that resonated strongly with scientists, who typically aspired to leave a legacy.
Fessenden was very nearly persuaded. Indeed, there seemed no reason to decline: he could gain both recognition and profit without surrendering the patent itself.
Just then, the conference room door swung open abruptly, and Charles himself stepped in, decisively interrupting the discussion, "My apologies, General, but this is a national secret. It is not up for negotiation with anyone!"
(End of Chapter 619)
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