shadow of britain

Chapter 111 The Fleet Commander's Strange Invitation

On the deck of the Conqueror, there are two crimson velvet chairs and a small round table.

Arthur picked up the white porcelain teacup on the table and took a sip.Looking at the sinking sun and the golden sea, feeling the gentle summer breeze, he felt that the nerves that had been tense in recent days were finally relaxed.

Sitting next to him was an old man with some wrinkles on his forehead, a silver-white wig, and the uniform of a senior officer of the Royal Navy. This was the supreme commander of the entire Channel Fleet—General Edward Codrington.

Arthur thought that this would be a tall and thick man, but in fact, Codrington was a man with an oval face, willow-leaf eyebrows, a hooked nose and slender eyes.

If you leave out his navy uniform, the melancholy temperament exuding from Codrington may be more like an artist with a paintbrush.

Of course, if he really went to be an artist, he might not have such a melancholic temperament.

After all, the devil knows whether he is depressed like this because he was refrigerated by the Admiralty.

Seeing that Arthur finished drinking his tea, Codrington raised his finger to the fruit plate full of raisins on the round table and said, "Have some of this, the taste is guaranteed to be good. Among the raisins of all the fleets, I dare say the ones from the Channel Fleet Definitely the best. After all, I personally select the suppliers of the raisins, and every grape must come from the sunny coast of the Apennines.”

As soon as Arthur heard this, he immediately understood that Codrington must still not let go of the knot in his heart.

After all, normal admirals would not trouble the Ministry of the Navy like this, just eat a raisin, why bother to go to the Mediterranean Sea to buy goods?
However, he still generously accepted the other party's suggestion, grabbed a handful of raisins and stuffed them into his mouth.

He chewed and commented: "This is not ordinary sweet. The grapes grown in sunny places like the Mediterranean are better than our local ones. Your Excellency, you really know grapes very well."

Hearing this compliment, Codrington immediately felt much happier.

He said modestly: "If you eat more grapes, you will naturally understand. If you fight more battles, you will naturally win. But a genius scientist like you can't be accumulated simply by relying on experience." Yes. Diligence is important, but talent is more important when it comes to scientific research.”

When Arthur heard this, he almost spit out the black tea that he just put into his mouth to relieve his tiredness.

He adjusted his mood and maintained a calm expression in a thrilling manner.

"Are you a scientific researcher too?"

"No no no."

Holding a teacup, Codrington said with a smile: "I am far behind you. Although I am a member of the Royal Society, I can only be regarded as an amateur at best. Judging by your surprised expression, it must be Susek Didn't the Duke tell you? In fact, many generals in the Royal Navy are members of the Royal Society, and those of us are always concerned about the progress in the field of science.

As any sensible admiral knows, science can be used to our advantage on the battlefield.To be honest, I am one of Mr. Faraday's fans, but I pay more attention to his progress in chemistry.As for his newly proposed direction of electromagnetism, I am just getting started. "

Arthur couldn't help but feel a sinking heart when he heard this.

That doesn't sound right!Could it be that he wants to ask me for advice in the field of electromagnetism?
Sure enough, Codrington asked: "Maybe I am presumptuous to ask this question, but after all, you are probably the second person in the field of electromagnetism in the UK after Mr. Faraday, so I would like to know about the future development of electromagnetism. direction, what do you think?"

"Um……"

Arthur pretended to be contemplative. For this question, he chose not to talk about theory but only about vision.

"The discovery of electromagnetic induction has indeed solved a big problem for us. After discovering that electricity and magnetism can be transformed into each other, Mr. Faraday began to devote all his energy to the development of electromagnetic generators.

If he has made a key breakthrough in this area, then I believe that maybe in the near future, electromagnetic generators will be used in various fields of life like steam engines. "

"Electromagnetic generator?"

Codrington's eyes lit up when he heard the words: "I know that some civilian ships powered by steam engines have appeared in the past two years. However, the power provided by steam engines is obviously not enough to drive large warships for the time being, and can only be used as auxiliary power at most. .In your opinion, is there any chance in the future to build a warship that is completely powered by electricity?"

"A battleship powered by electricity?"

Arthur recalled it carefully, and he didn't seem to have such a thing in his mind, but he couldn't refute Codrington's interest, so he could only reply.

"With science, all I can say is that anything is possible. But at the same time, you need to be patient. After all, you know, it's been a long time since the invention of the steam engine. But starting today, Britain really has A passenger railway driven entirely by steam locomotives. I believe that electric warships will definitely appear, but it will take time."

Codrington laughed loudly when he heard the words: "It turns out that you have also seen the news that the Manchester-Liverpool railway is about to open to traffic. To be honest, although I am old, I always like to follow the fashion. Order, I was going to take the first passenger train today."

Arthur joked: "Really? I'm the same as you. If I hadn't received this case suddenly, I would probably be in charge of the Duke of Wellington's security on the train right now."

After Codrington heard this, the old man couldn't help but said happily, "In this way, it seems that we are destined to sit together and have a cup of tea today."

Arthur nodded with a smile and said, "Looking at it now, this is probably God's will, right? I can't hide from having afternoon tea with you even if I want to."

Codrington smiled and nodded: "If you say that Scotland Yard doesn't value talents, it actually puts an outstanding person like you on the high seas. What if something happens? In the new field of electromagnetism, Great Britain You and Faraday are the only ones who can do it. Let me tell you, young man, you should stop working at Scotland Yard. In two years, maybe I will be transferred back to the Navy Headquarters. Then you will do science for me Secretary."

Arthur was caught off guard by Codlington's sudden olive branch.

However, he thought about it for a while, and he didn't immediately refuse, but smiled and said: "If you need anything in London, you can contact me at any time."

Codrington waved his hand and said, "It's not necessary anytime, I will need you in a while. To be honest, I will go back to London for vacation in two weeks, and my wife wants to take this opportunity to hold an event at home." The Science Salon needs an outstanding young scientist like you to be a guest. If you can spare the time, let's settle the matter now."

Arthur was stunned by a series of combined punches from General Codlington.

It wasn't until now that he finally understood the other party's true intentions.

He said dumbfoundedly: "Your Excellency, if it is for this matter, why do you have to go around such a big circle? I can definitely promise you."

As soon as Arthur's words came out of his mouth, Codrington was surprised.

"Oh...is...is it? I thought you wouldn't like it. After all, there are many scientists in the Royal Society who are very eccentric. For example, Farah... Oh, no. I can't say they are eccentric, but they put All the time is dedicated to science, so I rarely want to appear in social places. Not to mention, this science salon is still organized by..."

When Codrington said this, he suddenly stopped talking.

Arthur asked, "Or what?"

Codlington looked at Arthur, and the old man blinked vigorously: "Nothing, nothing..."

In a panic, he quickly picked up the teapot and filled Arthur's cup.

"Come on, Mr. Hastings, drink tea. This tea is also carefully selected by me. Chinese tea is absolutely top-grade. I don't give it to ordinary people."

(End of this chapter)