Chapter 408 - 177: Gallows (Is There More?)
Of course, if the Spaniards decide to land on the island, not to mention three guns, even adding three more may not be enough to determine the outcome of the battle.
In Chen Zhou’s mind, the real heavyweight weapon has to be TNT.
He decided to find suitable locations on the beaches at the northeast and southwest corners of the island to set up TNT in advance.
Bury ceramic pipes under the sand, lay fuses within the pipes, leading to hidden trenches.
Once the Spaniards land, regardless of their numbers, as long as they leverage the Chen Family rifles’ range advantage, they can fight while retreating, luring them to the TNT setup location. Detonate TNT, and even if unable to annihilate them completely, it will severely damage their viable strength and morale.
Although black gunpowder in the 17th century was widely used in various weapons, the information Chen Zhou mastered and what the Spaniards knew was not equal.
For the Spanish fleet, this distant island was a "black hole of information."
Before landing, they could never have imagined there would be such a terrifying explosive buried here, nor would they preemptively guard against such an attack method.
Moreover, black gunpowder easily becomes damp, and the 17th-century fuses had significant flaws, making them unsuitable for long-term burial in seaside sand.
As the 21st-century’s most superior comprehensive explosive, TNT does not have this concern.
TNT has stable physical and chemical properties, extremely low hygroscopicity, dissolves very little in water, and almost does not absorb moisture from the air. Even if directly in contact with water or soaked in it, TNT can still maintain its explosive capability.
TNT, commonly used in underwater explosions and special engineering, has advantages that far surpass 17th-century people’s understanding.
The tactic of burying explosives is an attack method the Spaniards might never dream of.
And TNT also has a point that black gunpowder cannot match—explosive power.
When this destruction-to-everything "big firework" explodes on the beach, even if the Spaniards miraculously escape back to their ships, it’s unlikely they could reorganize a manpower attack.
A person only has one life; who would willingly challenge such a task as this, akin to a "trip to Hell," with no kin or reason?
...
Although TNT is reliable, due to the limitations of its setup location, it basically can only be used for defense.
When used as an offensive means, apart from "daredevil squad" style rushing with a pack of explosives, Chen Zhou could only think of using mechanisms like catapults to project ignited TNT.
This offensive method seems unreliable, not to mention whether the thrown TNT can hit ships anchored at sea.
If the TNT with lit fuses fails to successfully be thrown, or if a throwing error occurs, landing next to the catapult, they could all be blown sky-high.
For weapons with long range and high safety, it’s best to rely on cannon.
...
When transporting materials initially, Chen Zhou was actually eyeing the six cannons on the ship—
Even if they weren’t used for firing, these heavy blocks could serve as metal material.
However, the cannons were too heavy.
Of the six cannons, the lighter ones used 2-pound cannonballs, each weighing around 120~150 kilograms.
The two ship cannons using 4-pound cannonballs were likely above 240~280 kilograms in weight.
At the time, under the pressure of time, with only one person and limited strength, the cannons were naturally prioritized after other materials and became abandoned items, with Chen Zhou only carrying some cannonballs ashore.
After the ship was destroyed, all six cannons sank along with the wreckage.
It has been close to three years now.
Chen Zhou didn’t know if the tides would carry these cannons away from the shore or if they could still be used after prolonged sea water erosion, whether there’s a possibility of restoration, but he wanted to try.
Among the Native Tribe, there were quite a few skilled divers.
He planned to repair the two canoes previously hidden and row to where the ship vanished, having the natives dive to see if they could find the cannons.
If the cannons were found, tie them with ropes; whether dragging or salvaging, strive to bring them ashore.
Then build several stone cannon towers facing the sea on the beach, giving Spain greater intimidation.
However, whether the cannon recovery would succeed is still uncertain.
At present, Chen Zhou felt he should focus on practical matters that could be accomplished.
Set up more chevaux-de-frise, create more obstacles between the beach and inshore woodland to slow invaders’ attack.
Build some defensive structures in the woods, dig trenches, erect fortifications to enhance the safety of their warriors.
Also, the essential watchtower and beacon fire.
These actionable items were evidently more reliable than the elusive cannons.
...
With clear thinking, organizing intelligence, and contemplating tactics did not take much time.
Before nightfall, Chen Zhou had handled all items.
The Native Tribe, having worked all day, at this moment welcomed a change of management, seeing Saturday’s round, amiable face.
...
Tonight, they still had no houses, continuing to sleep on planks, guarding the campfire burning all night.
However, slightly different from yesterday, tonight they had to prepare their own food.
Although Sunday’s teaching was strict, it indeed made these natives keep it in mind.
Under Saturday’s supervision, the natives took the eliminated wooden shovels by Chen Zhou to dig fire trenches around the land. Then, dispatch the one most skilled with flint to bring dry wood and light the fire.
The seven natives and the isolated Werner shared a large clay pot.
Beside the planks lay four wooden barrels full of water, and a small woven grain basket holding a shallow layer of barley and some coarse salt.