Tweet
++ Fire and Water ++
Arturus, the Minister of Science, was making a few last minute adjustments on the Mercury Device as his audience entered the laboratory. The Device, which sat upon a stainless steel table in the middle of the room, was unlike anything that these men and women had seen.
The Device was made mostly of metal. Several gears were linked together by thin metal strands, and a long tube extended from a metal container that was situated at one end of the machine. Each visitor glanced at it with the most puzzled look on his or her faces. Arturus was busy pouring water into the metal container.
The audience, although small, was the most intimidating that the professor had ever seen. He half expected Emperor Davidius himself to walk through the door. But even without the emperor, the credentials of his guests were impressive. General Trajan, commander in chief of the land armies, Grand Admiral Darius, Minister Valarion of the Foreign Ministry cabinet, and Doctor Starius of the Geological Survey department were in attendance each with their own aids. All in total about 12 of the worlds most important people were in attendance.
Dr. Arturus began to speak. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I bid you welcome to the University of Palmyra. I know that many of you are busy, so I shall begin without further adieu.” The guests in the room shuffled for only a few seconds as they got situated, and then focused intently on the doctor, each with a stern face bearing the stress of running their own little corner of an empire.
“Before you I stand today bearing news of one of the most profound scientific breakthroughs the world has ever known. I give you, the Mercury Device.” The Doctor stood aside as he revealed this rather crude metallic contraption to his audience. They all appeared confused.
“For centuries, we have traveled the world under the power of wind and horse. Our navy sails under the power of sail. We traverse this great land of ours in horse drawn carriages or even by foot. This Device, ladies and gentlemen, shall put an end to this. This Device can allow our ships to continue their voyages even on the calmest of days. This Device can power great machines that can carry tons of cargo over great distances with little effort and in twice the time…”
“Excuse me doctor, but how exactly does that thing carry anyone?” General Trajan interrupted.
“Well, General, allow me to demonstrate.” Arturus began to smile like a child.
Arturus lit a candle. After lit, he opened a door on the metal container, and placed the candle inside. Within a minute, steam began to come from the pipe. A few minutes later, the gears began to turn. The noise in the enclosed chamber soon became quite loud.
“As you can see…” the doctor shouted “ …with the addition of water and fire, we can create an ‘engine’ that can run for as long as fuel is provided.”
Arturus continued. “About 6 years ago, we discovered that the force the steam generates when water is boiled could be harnessed into energy. The steam causes the gears here…” The doctor pointed to a set of sprockets “…to turn, which in turn could be used to power wheels, propellers, and so forth. “
“Propellers? “ The Admiral inquired.
“Yes, Propellers. When affixed to the hull of a ship, these propellers could be used to power the ship at speeds comparable or greater than that attained by our frigates today! Also, they generate more power. This means that we can make heavier ships with stronger armor and bigger guns than our conventional navy.”
Darius seemed please. He sat back and nodded his head.
“Now, it will take a much larger engine and a lot more fuel to power this vessel, but it is definitely possible."
“How will this machine be able to transport heavy loads great distances?” Minister Valarion pointed out. “I don’t see how this could work.”
“My dear lady, I understand your concerns. That is why I have prepared more of a demonstration for you.” Arturus responded, with a smile that was almost too big for his face. “People, would you be so kind to accompany me?” Arturus and his assistance lead his audience out of the room, down the hall and into a large garage.
The room had a large door to the left, which several of Dr. Arturus’s aids where opening. On the ground, they noticed a curious patchwork of wooden beams fastened by long, metallic rails. Sitting upon this ‘railroad’ was a carriage. It featured huge, iron wheels that where fitted into grooves on the iron rails. A larger version of the Mercury Device sat on this carriage. Dr. Arturus stood on this carriage as well, and was inviting his guest to join him.
“Gentlepeople, we shall take a ride” the doctor said with a smile. With his audience on board, Arturus gave the order, and his new vehicle was set into motion. His guests became the first Romans to have ‘ridden the rail’.
++ A New Age ++
“You should have seen it, your highness!” Valarion explained. “It was quite incredible. This ‘railroad’ has boundless applications! We could lay down track to connect our cities across our great Nation. A journey that once took days could now occur within a few hours. From Rome to Butos would only be a day and a half travel!”
Emperor Davidius looked concerned, as he always did. “What is the catch? There is always a catch, isn’t there.”
Starius of the Geological Survey department stood forward. “Yes, my lord. As always your wisdom shines forth. There is a catch. These engines are powered by fires that burn very hot, in order to generate enough steam to power them. Wood burns too inefficiently for these engines. Dr. Arturus used a rare mineral he found, known as coal, to generate the needed heat. It seems this mineral burns very hot, and burns for a lot longer than wood. “
“And?” The emperor inquired.
“And, my lord, we have insufficient deposits of this mineral to use this technology in any broad plans. We could make maybe one or two ships, and maybe one ‘train’ outfitted with the engine, but little more. A novelty and a convenience, but without sufficient supplies of coal it will do little to change our infrastructure.”
“Is coal that rare to where it is not found anywhere on our planet.?”
“Well, no. Coal is fairly common in other parts of the world, but unfortunately, not in Rome, your Highness.”
“You mean to tell me that in all of our great empire, we have do not have sufficient resources to implement this invention?”
“Yes sir. That is exactly what I am telling you.”
“Does anyone else know of this technology?”
“No sir.” Valarion responded. “We are certain that our glorious scientists are the first to invent such an engine.”
The emperor sat back in deep thought. “Our army is still the greatest on the planet. Our navy still rules the seas. We have existed for centuries without such technology, I see no reason that it would be a necessity at this time.”
“I ask you to consider this, Emperor. “ Valarion advised. “What if other nations discover these secrets? If our scientist are able to come up with such knowledge, what will prevent others? Our Egyptian neighbors could build a trade network to surpass our own. Zulu warriors could ship supplies and men to the front as quickly as they are trained, leaving them to conquer the whole of their own continent. Germans could build ships of iron that could out match our own navy. Your highness, we are indeed the grandest nation on earth. However, if we cannot implement these secrets, I cannot say for how much longer we will be. “
Davidius stared at his foreign advisor intently. He knew that she was right. But for now, it was only the Romans who knew of the power of steam. If the glory of Rome will continue to shine brighter than any others nation, then they would need to be the first to install a railroad infrastructure.
Grand Admiral Darius placed a scroll on his emperor’s desk. He unraveled it to reveal what appears to be schematics.
“Sir, with the help of Arturus and his scholars, we have constructed this prototype warship that will use a steamed powered engine. This ship would be the terror of the seas, and will insure Roman naval superiority for ages to come. “ The admiral began to explain the details of the warship…how many guns it could bring to bear, it maneuverability, its speed and armor. Davidius was impressed.
“Sir.” Starius inquired. “we will need to send geologist to find if there are any sources of coal for us to secure. “
“Yes, please do so. However, make sure that you alert NOBODY to the nature of your visit. This secret shall remain ours. Once we find it, we will work from there. Valarion, make the necessary arrangements with our neighbors. Tell them we are sending in archeologists or something of the sort. We cannot let other countries know how valuable this resource actually is. “
“Understood, my lord. “ She responded.
“We shall convene a forum in a year’s time to discuss further options.”
A few days later, geologists set sail for the corners of the world.
Arturus, the Minister of Science, was making a few last minute adjustments on the Mercury Device as his audience entered the laboratory. The Device, which sat upon a stainless steel table in the middle of the room, was unlike anything that these men and women had seen.
The Device was made mostly of metal. Several gears were linked together by thin metal strands, and a long tube extended from a metal container that was situated at one end of the machine. Each visitor glanced at it with the most puzzled look on his or her faces. Arturus was busy pouring water into the metal container.
The audience, although small, was the most intimidating that the professor had ever seen. He half expected Emperor Davidius himself to walk through the door. But even without the emperor, the credentials of his guests were impressive. General Trajan, commander in chief of the land armies, Grand Admiral Darius, Minister Valarion of the Foreign Ministry cabinet, and Doctor Starius of the Geological Survey department were in attendance each with their own aids. All in total about 12 of the worlds most important people were in attendance.
Dr. Arturus began to speak. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I bid you welcome to the University of Palmyra. I know that many of you are busy, so I shall begin without further adieu.” The guests in the room shuffled for only a few seconds as they got situated, and then focused intently on the doctor, each with a stern face bearing the stress of running their own little corner of an empire.
“Before you I stand today bearing news of one of the most profound scientific breakthroughs the world has ever known. I give you, the Mercury Device.” The Doctor stood aside as he revealed this rather crude metallic contraption to his audience. They all appeared confused.
“For centuries, we have traveled the world under the power of wind and horse. Our navy sails under the power of sail. We traverse this great land of ours in horse drawn carriages or even by foot. This Device, ladies and gentlemen, shall put an end to this. This Device can allow our ships to continue their voyages even on the calmest of days. This Device can power great machines that can carry tons of cargo over great distances with little effort and in twice the time…”
“Excuse me doctor, but how exactly does that thing carry anyone?” General Trajan interrupted.
“Well, General, allow me to demonstrate.” Arturus began to smile like a child.
Arturus lit a candle. After lit, he opened a door on the metal container, and placed the candle inside. Within a minute, steam began to come from the pipe. A few minutes later, the gears began to turn. The noise in the enclosed chamber soon became quite loud.
“As you can see…” the doctor shouted “ …with the addition of water and fire, we can create an ‘engine’ that can run for as long as fuel is provided.”
Arturus continued. “About 6 years ago, we discovered that the force the steam generates when water is boiled could be harnessed into energy. The steam causes the gears here…” The doctor pointed to a set of sprockets “…to turn, which in turn could be used to power wheels, propellers, and so forth. “
“Propellers? “ The Admiral inquired.
“Yes, Propellers. When affixed to the hull of a ship, these propellers could be used to power the ship at speeds comparable or greater than that attained by our frigates today! Also, they generate more power. This means that we can make heavier ships with stronger armor and bigger guns than our conventional navy.”
Darius seemed please. He sat back and nodded his head.
“Now, it will take a much larger engine and a lot more fuel to power this vessel, but it is definitely possible."
“How will this machine be able to transport heavy loads great distances?” Minister Valarion pointed out. “I don’t see how this could work.”
“My dear lady, I understand your concerns. That is why I have prepared more of a demonstration for you.” Arturus responded, with a smile that was almost too big for his face. “People, would you be so kind to accompany me?” Arturus and his assistance lead his audience out of the room, down the hall and into a large garage.
The room had a large door to the left, which several of Dr. Arturus’s aids where opening. On the ground, they noticed a curious patchwork of wooden beams fastened by long, metallic rails. Sitting upon this ‘railroad’ was a carriage. It featured huge, iron wheels that where fitted into grooves on the iron rails. A larger version of the Mercury Device sat on this carriage. Dr. Arturus stood on this carriage as well, and was inviting his guest to join him.
“Gentlepeople, we shall take a ride” the doctor said with a smile. With his audience on board, Arturus gave the order, and his new vehicle was set into motion. His guests became the first Romans to have ‘ridden the rail’.
++ A New Age ++
“You should have seen it, your highness!” Valarion explained. “It was quite incredible. This ‘railroad’ has boundless applications! We could lay down track to connect our cities across our great Nation. A journey that once took days could now occur within a few hours. From Rome to Butos would only be a day and a half travel!”
Emperor Davidius looked concerned, as he always did. “What is the catch? There is always a catch, isn’t there.”
Starius of the Geological Survey department stood forward. “Yes, my lord. As always your wisdom shines forth. There is a catch. These engines are powered by fires that burn very hot, in order to generate enough steam to power them. Wood burns too inefficiently for these engines. Dr. Arturus used a rare mineral he found, known as coal, to generate the needed heat. It seems this mineral burns very hot, and burns for a lot longer than wood. “
“And?” The emperor inquired.
“And, my lord, we have insufficient deposits of this mineral to use this technology in any broad plans. We could make maybe one or two ships, and maybe one ‘train’ outfitted with the engine, but little more. A novelty and a convenience, but without sufficient supplies of coal it will do little to change our infrastructure.”
“Is coal that rare to where it is not found anywhere on our planet.?”
“Well, no. Coal is fairly common in other parts of the world, but unfortunately, not in Rome, your Highness.”
“You mean to tell me that in all of our great empire, we have do not have sufficient resources to implement this invention?”
“Yes sir. That is exactly what I am telling you.”
“Does anyone else know of this technology?”
“No sir.” Valarion responded. “We are certain that our glorious scientists are the first to invent such an engine.”
The emperor sat back in deep thought. “Our army is still the greatest on the planet. Our navy still rules the seas. We have existed for centuries without such technology, I see no reason that it would be a necessity at this time.”
“I ask you to consider this, Emperor. “ Valarion advised. “What if other nations discover these secrets? If our scientist are able to come up with such knowledge, what will prevent others? Our Egyptian neighbors could build a trade network to surpass our own. Zulu warriors could ship supplies and men to the front as quickly as they are trained, leaving them to conquer the whole of their own continent. Germans could build ships of iron that could out match our own navy. Your highness, we are indeed the grandest nation on earth. However, if we cannot implement these secrets, I cannot say for how much longer we will be. “
Davidius stared at his foreign advisor intently. He knew that she was right. But for now, it was only the Romans who knew of the power of steam. If the glory of Rome will continue to shine brighter than any others nation, then they would need to be the first to install a railroad infrastructure.
Grand Admiral Darius placed a scroll on his emperor’s desk. He unraveled it to reveal what appears to be schematics.
“Sir, with the help of Arturus and his scholars, we have constructed this prototype warship that will use a steamed powered engine. This ship would be the terror of the seas, and will insure Roman naval superiority for ages to come. “ The admiral began to explain the details of the warship…how many guns it could bring to bear, it maneuverability, its speed and armor. Davidius was impressed.
“Sir.” Starius inquired. “we will need to send geologist to find if there are any sources of coal for us to secure. “
“Yes, please do so. However, make sure that you alert NOBODY to the nature of your visit. This secret shall remain ours. Once we find it, we will work from there. Valarion, make the necessary arrangements with our neighbors. Tell them we are sending in archeologists or something of the sort. We cannot let other countries know how valuable this resource actually is. “
“Understood, my lord. “ She responded.
“We shall convene a forum in a year’s time to discuss further options.”
A few days later, geologists set sail for the corners of the world.
I hoep that maybe my stories might inspire you guys to come up with your own stories, or at least help you enjoy playing the game a little more. 
) You've got the story flowing well, the reader's emotions are engaged, and then... wham! Jarred out of the story by a word or phrase that is just ... wrong. For instance, they were 
. But I've studied philology for many years, and it simply grates to hear/read people using language poorly.
Comment