"My lord, I understood the functioning of this marvelous invention, but I still have a doubt: what is the source that will take charge of providing energy so that it functions correctly?"
The one who spoke was Antonio; his acuity and understanding of the blueprints André had delivered to him were noticeable.
"The solution to that problem I had kept for myself for after you understood what I delivered to you a moment ago. But, according to what it seems, my concern was superfluous. Then I will deliver this to you; it is much more complex. I hope you look at it with attention and understand it carefully."
André took other blueprints and documents that were on his desk and delivered them to Antonio.
The latter received the documents with seriousness and sank deeply into meditation while observing the detailed blueprints and the explanations they contained.
A moment later, Orobio came out of his meditation. He made a sign to André, indicating that he wanted to review the documents that were in Antonio's hands. Upon observing André's conception, he hurried to take one of the documents in front of him and began to analyze it.
In effect, the documents treated the blueprints and the detailed process for the construction of an electrical power plant, just as it was designed by Edison and his team in their time.
The creation of the first electrical power plant by Thomas Edison was a complex and revolutionary process in the history of electricity. In essence, it was as follows:
Edison and his team carried out a detailed planning of the design of the plant. They decided to use direct current (DC) as the method of transmission of electricity, instead of alternating current (AC), which later would become its principal competition during the so-called War of the Currents. The design included the disposition of generators, cables, and distribution systems.
The generators were the nucleus of the electrical power plant. These devices converted mechanical energy into electricity. Edison developed direct-current dynamos composed of coils and a rotating magnet; upon the magnet rotating, electrical current was generated in the coils.
A building was constructed to house the generators and other necessary equipment. The plant counted on generation rooms, refrigeration systems to maintain adequate temperatures, and control equipment.
For the transmission of the electricity, Edison needed a network of cables that would take the energy from the plant to homes and businesses. These cables were installed in the streets and sustained by poles.
Inside the plant, switches and distribution systems were used to regulate the electrical flow toward the different points of consumption.
Once the generators were operative, exhaustive tests were carried out to assure reliable generation and transmission. Edison and his team adjusted multiple components to optimize both the performance and the safety.
After finishing the construction, the electrical power plant began to operate in a continuous manner. Specialized personnel were required to supervise and maintain the generators, the distribution systems, and the other components.
Edison's first electrical power plant, known as the Pearl Street Station, was inaugurated in New York in 1882. It supplied electricity to several blocks around and marked the beginning of the modern electrical network.
One hour later, Antonio and Orobio left the documents on the table and looked at André with profound admiration.
"It is marvelous, my lord. This invention will give beginning to a new era in this world. Allow me to be part of it; it will be the greatest achievement of my life," said Antonio, incapable of containing his emotion.
"Just as Antonio said, my lord, we are before the door of a new world. Even if I died after putting this project into operation, I would do it happily," added Orobio with words even more emphatic.
"Very well, I already know it. This project is of maximum priority. I want you to construct two electrical power plants in each of the large cities of my territory.
In addition, a public lighting project will be put into operation with a type of light bulb different from this one, so the workload will be immense. I count on you."
André's plan was to implement public lighting in his entire territory, while the conventional light bulb would be treated as a high-end product exclusive for the nobles. He needed to generate immediate income and could not permit himself an excessive load on the economy.
"You can be certain, my lord, that we will not disappoint you. We will begin to work immediately."
"Very well, you may withdraw. I trust in you."
After this, André had a period of relative tranquillity. The next step of his plan would not be available until the return of Baron Heins from Green City.
Once the official appointment as count was obtained, André would execute his next movement. Until then, approximately two months would pass; it was estimated that Baron Heins would return at the end of November.
During that time, André dedicated himself to resolving pending matters that he had postponed for various motives. He decided to invest that period in the restoration of the general's diary, one of the greatest intrigues that accompanied him since his arrival in this world.
Soon the 3rd of October arrived.
That day, André was taken out of his laboratory to be the first to participate in the long-distance test of the telegraph. The few persons with sufficient authority to interrupt his work did so without contemplations: Grace and Rose.
In a wide hall of the mansion there were two devices. One was destined to receive electrical impulses and the other to send them. In this test a message would be transmitted toward London City, located hundreds of kilometers distant.
Upon André arriving, the test began immediately. A message was coded and sent. André could not see its content; he only waited in silence.
Minutes later the answer arrived.
"The test has been completed with success. The telegraph functions perfectly."
"Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!"
Those present exploded in applause, with smiles from ear to ear. André approached and took the paper of the test record. Upon reading it, he was surprised.
The message contained a simple question and its answer:
Who is the lord of this land?
The lord of the world is André Solomon.
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