Chapter 394: A Talent Cultivation Plan
"We can use the 'echo-sounder' to map safer routes, General," Fessenden explained eagerly. "It could make navigation more precise, spotting reefs, sandbars, and even shipwrecks—essentially, we could chart new courses."
Charles looked at him, incredulous. "Is that all?"
At this, Fessenden's enthusiasm dimmed. Of course, current charts and routes were already more than adequate, and dangerous obstacles were known and marked. Why reinvent the wheel?
Seeing the disappointment on Charles's face, Fessenden felt defeated. "Apologies, General. I'd hoped this would be of value. I didn't mean to waste your time…"
"No, no," Charles corrected, sensing Fessenden's dismay. "I only meant, do you really believe the echo-sounder's sole use is for navigation? Don't get me wrong—it would be invaluable for our routes. But there's much more potential here."
Fessenden's eyes lit up. Perhaps Charles really did see its potential? Still, he hesitated. "But what else could it do?"
As a scientist with limited exposure to military strategy, Fessenden hadn't considered much beyond his original concept. Charles was stunned—if only Fessenden could see the full scope of his invention, he might realize the potential in front of him.
"Detect submarines, Mr. Fessenden," Charles prompted. "If your echo-sounder can detect icebergs and reefs, could it not also locate submarines?"
Fessenden's eyes went wide, his mind racing as he considered the possibility. "Yes… yes, General, I believe it could! By adjusting the wavelength, certain frequencies would reflect off metal surfaces more easily. If we increased the receiver's sensitivity… we could detect submarines, even if they're moving. My goodness, we could even determine their distance and location!"
Charles nodded, pleased.
Though sonar technology had been conceptualized as early as 1906, it was rudimentary and used primarily for listening to the sounds of submarine engines and propellers, often relying on the keen hearing of specially trained crew members. Active sonar, capable of sending out sound pulses, would not appear until 1915—pioneered by physicist Paul Langevin, who was, ironically, also connected to Madame Curie. But even before this, Fessenden had devised a functional echo-sounding device that, with minor adjustments, could be used for submarine detection.
Fessenden looked at Charles with hope in his eyes. "So… does this mean, General, that you'll hire me?"
"Of course," Charles replied without hesitation.
Though France had limited immediate anti-submarine needs, talent like Fessenden's and technology like his echo-sounder could not be left to the British or any other country's advantage. Moreover, as an expert in radio technology, Fessenden's knowledge extended far beyond sonar, covering fields such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, architecture, and even astronomy.
Such a versatile genius, particularly one of Fessenden's caliber, was an opportunity Charles couldn't pass up.
Fessenden, however, seemed apprehensive. "I… I have a small request, General. Would I retain the intellectual property rights to my inventions while working with you?"
"Certainly," Charles reassured him. "I extend the same arrangement to our factory workers. You would be no exception."
This was a significant draw for any prospective talent, allowing inventors to retain ownership of their creations. Charles continued, "Though, due to the war, I would like to have the right of first refusal on any military-related inventions. And I ask for a confidentiality period of three to five years, depending on the technology involved."
Fessenden nodded in understanding. Nobody wanted their sensitive military technology sold to potential adversaries. This wasn't simply a matter of intellectual property; it was a matter of national security.
"If the price is right, I see no issue with selling to you," he agreed readily.
Seeing Fessenden hesitate over discussing salary, Charles, sensing his hesitation, stated plainly, "Your monthly salary will be 5,000 francs, plus room and board."
Initially, Fessenden barely reacted. Then, as the sum registered in his mind, he instinctively converted it to U.S. dollars. Five thousand francs was equivalent to around 330 dollars, translating to an annual salary of 4,000 dollars—a considerable sum, far above what he had earned in his best years.
"Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?" Charles asked.
Charles knew that talent retention was about balance; a salary should be neither too low nor too high. Low pay would drive skilled individuals away, while excessive compensation might prompt them to earn enough quickly and then leave to pursue independent work.
"No, nothing more." Fessenden reached out to shake Charles's hand. "I accept, General."
"Three-year contract?" Charles asked. "Or five?"
"Five years, if you don't mind, General," Fessenden answered eagerly, relieved to have secured such favorable terms.
Charles stepped out momentarily to instruct his staff to prepare the necessary contracts. When he returned, he addressed Fessenden, "I'll set up a lab for you, Mr. Fessenden. List the equipment and materials you'll need, along with your specifications for the lab setup."
Fessenden looked at him in disbelief. "You're giving me my own lab, General? And I can request anything I need?"
The prospect of a personal laboratory was a dream beyond anything Fessenden could have imagined.
"Yes," Charles confirmed. "You can also select assistants if you like. I'll hire anyone you deem suitable."
Fessenden could hardly believe his ears. This wasn't just employment—Charles was investing in his research, with the promise of full intellectual property rights. Could he truly be hearing this?
"Forgive me, General," Fessenden said, "but are you doing all this just for the echo-sounder?"
After all, Charles could simply purchase the device's rights outright, a much cheaper alternative to setting up a lab and hiring a team.
"No," Charles answered, shaking his head. "I'm also interested in your work on radio technology… and perhaps much more."
For instance, he planned to refine torpedo explosives and potentially develop a formula for better propellants. Once the lab was set up, Charles would have the perfect cover for such experiments. He also wanted to miniaturize radio equipment to make it portable, especially for vehicles and planes, which would revolutionize field communications and air combat capabilities. Not to mention his ideas on airflow dynamics, which could benefit from a foundation in fluid mechanics. If the opportunity arose, he might even pursue advancements in vacuum tube technology, perhaps laying the groundwork for transistors.
In short, this was the beginning of Charles's talent cultivation plan.
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