Every British military and political official present, without exception, had their faces turn black in an instant.
The Avenger carried the empire's hopes of reclaiming control of the Mediterranean Sea. There could not be the slightest mistake—yet it had broken down on its maiden voyage...
Admiral Jervis merely tossed out, "Submit a report to me," before turning and entering the cabin.
Sander, who had attended the maiden voyage ceremony as Bolton-Watt Company's representative, was extremely nervous as well. He feared that components deliberately left as "back doors," such as the Steam Pressure Gauge and Safety valve, had malfunctioned ahead of time.
At present, the United Kingdom had completed only seventeen light Steam Warships. Even if the matter came to light now, the impact on the British Navy would be very limited. At the same time, he himself might be investigated by the British Intelligence Department.
He hurriedly put on an appearance of concern for the warship and followed several Navy Committee investigators aboard the Avenger.
Half an hour later, Sander entered the Avenger's engine room through the smoke and dust that had not yet fully dispersed. He immediately saw the Steam Engine's broken Crankshaft and Piston Rod twisted like a hemp rope. The sight was too ghastly to bear.
Standing in ankle-deep water, he carefully confirmed that every "back door" component remained intact, then finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Over dinner, Sander spoke with his partner Frank about that morning's maiden voyage ceremony. "You should have seen Jervis and Middleton's expressions. It was as if they'd eaten a lump of dog shit, hahaha.
"That's right, I confirmed it wasn't a Steam Engine malfunction. Oh, judging by how far the Transmission Gear shifted, the Ship Axle most likely broke..."
Frank's fork, reaching for his Fish and Chips, froze in midair.