272 Chapter 350 Funeral

A breaking news announcement interrupted the German radio broadcast.

"Announcing some unfortunate news, the pioneer and founder of modern physics, the leading figure in the scientific community, Dr. Albert, has tragically passed away."

This sentence seemed to drop a bomb on the entire scientific community worldwide.

Albert was the greatest physicist of the contemporary era. He loved physics and dedicated his entire life to theoretical research in physics. People called him the Copernicus of the 20th century, the Newton of the 20th century.

How could such a great figure meet such a tragic end?

However, the following words on the broadcast made people extremely furious.

"Dr. Albert was aboard the American liner 'New Jersey,' which was attacked by a British submarine while passing near the Fair Isle. Although our aircraft patrolling nearby promptly arrived and sank the British submarine, it was too late. The rescue ships that arrived found only a few bodies and ship fragments. What's even more infuriating is that numerous machine gun bullets were found on these bodies and fragments. After expert examination, it was confirmed that these bullets came from the British military's currently active Bren light machine guns.

Obviously, after sinking a neutral country's liner, the British submarine not only failed to provide rescue but also engaged in a heinous massacre! This is simply a challenge to human decency!

This is the barbaric behavior of a so-called gentleman country!"

"Dr. Albert was a lover of peace; he did not participate in the development of any war weapons. All his scientific achievements were for the happiness of humanity..."

Of course, the United Kingdom immediately denied the accusations. However, Germany subsequently held a press conference, displaying the salvaged submarine wreckage, two submarine sailors' bodies, identification documents proving the identities of these bodies, and several passengers' bodies from the liner.

"We will not let Dr. Albert and the innocent German people sacrifice in vain. I officially declare here that, as retaliation, our military will indiscriminately bomb London. Moreover, from this moment on, any ship entering British waters will be considered as aiding this evil empire, with no warning, and will be immediately sunk. The German submarine force will launch an unrestricted submarine war against the United Kingdom. We aim to completely eradicate this cancer of Europe!"

Dr. Albert could be said to have gained immense glory even after death.

Because the bodies of Dr. Albert and his wife could not be located, only the work clothes he often wore and several of his works were buried in the Imperial Royal Cemetery.

This Imperial Royal Cemetery was built following the example of the United States' Arlington National Cemetery. Those buried here in the future would include senior military officers killed in wars, outstanding politicians, national personnel who died in their line of duty, and individuals who made outstanding contributions in a specific field. In short, resting here would be considered an honorable repose.

A large group of government officials led by Wilhelm and renowned figures from the scientific community attended the funeral that day.

Wilhelm began by delivering a deeply moving eulogy and posthumously awarding Dr. Albert the highest national honor, the "Imperial Medal." This medal was a miniature version of the German national flag, symbolizing the highest honor conferred by the state. Wilhelm also personally donated one billion marks and established a scientific award in Dr. Albert's name, deeply moving the scientists present.

After a somewhat "showy" display, Wilhelm couldn't help but feel regretful in his heart. Dr. Albert, why did you have to go to the United States of all places? Aren't you forcing me to take action? After all, I don't want to be the target of American atomic bombs. Well, now you have no place to be buried, despite the honors and applause you could have enjoyed. Your scientific mind is developed, but unfortunately, your ideological horizon is too narrow. Do you think authoritarianism will hinder human development? This time, let me show you how I overturn your vision of the so-called free nation and lead humanity to explore space.

After silently expressing disdain in his heart, Wilhelm walked over to Turing, who had become a tearful mess, patted his shoulder, and comforted him. "Alan, don't be sad. This is war; there will always be those who resort to despicable means trying to reverse the situation."

Turing choked up and asked, "But why won't they surrender?"

Wilhelm sighed lightly. "I also wonder why they won't surrender. The expeditionary force was completely defeated, and their proud invincible fleet was crushed, yet they refuse to surrender. It's precisely because of this that I intend to completely knock them down. If we give them a chance to catch their breath, their counterattack will be terrifying. Let's not talk about this; how is the research going?"

Turing wiped away his tears and replied, "Your Highness, the machines will enter the final assembly test in a few days."

"Your teacher in the spirit world would also be happy to see you as the first to receive the award established in his name," Wilhelm responded.

"But, Your Highness, why did you order the assembly of five machines at once? I can't even guarantee that there won't be issues once these machines are assembled."

"That's still too few. If possible, I'd like to assemble ten or twenty at once. There are too many places that need these machines—aviation, pharmaceuticals, chemical industry, military... the future belongs to them."

In history, the first computer was born in 1946, specifically designed for ballistic missile trajectory calculations.

Now, Germany also has an urgent need in this regard. German rockets have already started to develop ranges of over a thousand kilometers. Calculating trajectories with manual calculators for a roomful of people would take several months to obtain results.

Although it's a few years early, it's not impossible. As long as there's sufficient investment, and Germany has technological advantages—transistors have been successfully developed and applied in many devices, using transistors to manufacture computers is a generation ahead of vacuum tubes!

"As for issues, Alan, don't forget what I told you. We are pioneers of the era, guiding humanity's development. As we forge ahead in the river of history, we will inevitably encounter difficulties. Shall we stop advancing just because of a temporary obstacle? Solutions will always outnumber difficulties, and challenges are only temporary; they will pass. Don't let temporary difficulties trap you." Damn, if you don't work diligently, I've given you such a big responsibility for nothing.

Fortunately, after hearing his words, Turing's gaze gradually became firm, and he nodded vigorously. "Understood, Your Highness. I won't let you down."

"Yeah. By the way, how is Christopher doing?"

Turing's handsome face blushed slightly. "Uh, he's doing well. He published a chemistry paper recently."

Wilhelm nodded. "Rest assured, I remember my promise to you. Once that thing succeeds, I will remove the clauses in the constitution that criminalize homosexuality. However, you should also understand that changing the constitution is easy, but changing people's deep-rooted thoughts accumulated over centuries is not. Perhaps your colleagues and friends around you are more 'academic' and open-minded enough to accept a homosexual, but you shouldn't overestimate society's overall acceptance of homosexuality." After all, even in countries where same-sex marriage is legal in the future, there are still groups that discriminate against homosexuals.

Wilhelm spoke sincerely, and Turing's face showed deep gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness."