Dr. Smith welcomed Lofan into his office.
"Cloud Gull Admiral, that is the situation. We need you to apply to headquarters again and have a new Research Director assigned here."
The World Government maintained very strict control over researchers.
Essentially, all research talent in this world had to have their information registered with the government for ease of management.
So even something as simple as firing a Research Director or their departure was beyond the control of Dr. Smith, the head of the Development Agency.
"No problem. I'll send someone to take Dr. Anlieke back to his hometown."
"Sorry for the trouble, Admiral. Also, regarding the proposal you mentioned before about adding external propulsion to warships, do you think this approach would work?"
Having Lofan come over this time was not just about dealing with the trouble surrounding Anlieke.
The main reason was that they needed Lofan's forward-looking insight to sort through the many proposals.
"Using just a single paddle wheel wouldn't be cost-effective for something as large as a warship. I've seen the propulsion device Dr. Vegapunk left here. Could it be improved further?"
The Navy could sail through the Calm Belt entirely thanks to Vegapunk's use of Seastone and Calm Belt propulsion.
But it was too slow. That early propulsion system resembled a steam engine, but Lofan wanted to go a step further.
Even being just ten kilometers per hour faster than the other side could have enormous strategic value.
It took over an hour before he finally left Dr. Smith's office.
Passing the cafeteria, Lofan found Anlieke sitting blankly in a seat.
He was still bound with rope, and no one was willing to untie him.
Lofan had witnessed Anlieke's behavior.
When the Development Agency personnel first arrived, Anlieke had splashed quite a few things over his