André spent a few days in London City resolving bureaucratic matters.
On Mónica's side, the recruitment for the army had officially begun.
Surprisingly, together with her appeared someone whom André knew very well.
Mónica presented her as her assistant, assuring that she was extremely capable, which was the reason she had decided to recruit her.
The young woman called herself Gloria.
André, however, knew her by her code name: SPARROW, the second highest-rated agent of the entire intelligence agency.
The fact that the first two positions were occupied by women generated a certain initial doubt in him, although in Lucía's case he never questioned her capacity. She had mentioned to him some time earlier that she would infiltrate the army newly recruited by Mónica, but André had not expected her to achieve such a central position so quickly.
Even so, he did not oppose it.
Lucía distrusted everyone by nature, and André knew that that was precisely her work.
**September 15**
André returned officially to Solomon City.
In the meeting hall of the mansion all the high commands of the County of Solomon were gathered. André took his seat at the head and prepared to listen to the progress reports of the previously approved projects.
"Well, gentlemen," André said, "let us begin with the railway."
Alicia straightened her back and began her report with a firm voice.
"The railway lines already cover the entirety of the former Solomon Viscounty. We estimate that in one month we will complete the coverage of the former County of Clun. Rose is currently in Clun City recruiting workers to begin the expansion toward the former County of Blair.
Due to the vastness of the territory, we need you to approve tripling the materials for the construction of the tracks. With those conditions, we estimate that by March of next year the entire territory will be connected by railway."
André nodded satisfied.
"Very good work. I expected no less from you, Alicia."
The praise made his sister's face light up with pride.
"Orobio," André continued, "deliver the necessary materials to him for the railway project. In addition, organize a batch of weapons for a new battalion; they will be sent to London City."
Orobio frowned slightly.
"My lord, currently we are at the limit of capacity. We would need more personnel and to expand the area of the blacksmith shop."
"Approved," André answered without hesitating. "Coordinate the expansion with Mario Pacífica.
Now tell me, how is the telegraph project advancing?"
"We have already manufactured hundreds of kilometers of cable. The installation will begin next week. Everything is progressing according to plan."
Orobio's efficiency left André pleasantly pleased.
Then he directed his attention toward Sofía.
"On my part there are no concerns," she said with a confident smile. "We are finalizing the training of experts in typing, geography, computing, and the other areas you specified. It has been my priority all this time."
"And the general education?" André asked, without congratulating her yet.
"90% of the children of Solomon City and its surroundings are already enrolled in schools. We have also opened educational centers in Sun City, Silver City, Clun City, and various rural zones. In total, twenty new schools."
"Excellent work. You will have a reward; later you will tell me what you desire. The same for Orobio, Antonio, and Alicia."
No one objected. They knew that when André promised a reward, he fulfilled it.
Finally, André looked at Grace.
"As for urban planning," she said, "we are advancing according to plan. By the end of this year we will have a completely modernized city, with sewage system and potable water distribution in all sectors.
The new city will have capacity for approximately three million inhabitants and will count on a financing system for housing."
"Excellent, Grace. You never disappoint me. I am proud of you."
"I will always be here to support you," she answered, visibly happy.
The affection between both was evident, and it did not pass unnoticed by those present.
"That is all," André said. "You may withdraw.
Orobio and Antonio, stay. I need to speak with you."
When the hall was left in silence, André unfolded some blueprints on the table.
"I want to know if you are capable of building this."
The two men observed with attention the diagrams: an electric light bulb.
"The moment has arrived," André continued, "to enter the electrical era."
He explained to them that the principle was simple in appearance, but complex in execution. The light bulb was based on a filament capable of emitting light upon heating without consuming itself rapidly. For that, it was necessary to manufacture a resistant carbon filament, stable enough to withstand high temperatures for long periods.
The next challenge was the interior of the bulb.
If the filament came into contact with oxygen, it would burn instantly. Therefore, it was necessary to extract almost all the air from the interior by means of a vacuum pump, creating a low-pressure environment that would protect the filament.
He also explained the importance of the sealed base: the cables had to cross the glass without permitting the entry of air, sealed by means of melted glass to keep the internal vacuum intact.
"It will not work the first time," André warned. "You will have to make constant tests, change materials, improve seals. (Edison took years to perfect it)"
Finally, he spoke to them of the most ambitious step: the generation and distribution of electricity.
"The light bulb is not enough. We need to produce energy in a constant form and take it to homes, workshops, and streets. This will only be the beginning."
Orobio and Antonio exchanged glances.
They understood perfectly what André was proposing.
Permanent artificial light would change the world.
André smiled.
The County of Solomon was about to take another leap that would leave the rest of the world far behind.
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