Chapter 134 The Test

December 31st, 884. A mere three hours remained before the dawn of a new year, and Poul and Jonathan were bustling about, attending to the power plant's final preparations. Over the course of three arduous months, the industrious pair, along with their dedicated teams of engineers and construction workers, had successfully laid the foundation for the power plant.

Although the plant required another six months for completion, Poul and Jonathan devised a plan. Why not conduct a test run of the AC generation and distribution in the town of Scranton? Driven by this ambitious idea, the duo spent countless days and nights over the past month, tirelessly constructing the essential makeshift infrastructure required for electrical distribution.

They erected power lines throughout Scranton, distributed informative pamphlets to its residents, and extended a warm invitation to their sole investor, Caroline, to witness the fruits of her investment. Undeterred by the biting cold, the determined duo and their hardworking crew pressed on to make progress. And now, after three relentless months, the test for alternating current generation was ready to commence.

In the heart of Scranton, curious townspeople gathered in the dimly lit streets, as the gas lamps that usually illuminated their paths were temporarily extinguished to make way for the demonstration of alternating current distribution. The same held true for homes and buildings throughout the town. In the deepening night, the only sources of light were the flickering candles and lamps carried by the expectant residents of Scranton.

The anticipation in the air was palpable, as murmurs and whispers spread among the crowd.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the far corner of the town is the power plant. Inside it was Poul, Jonathan, and Caroline looking at the control panel for the power plant. In the control panel is a lever, waiting to be pulled by one of them.

"So, Caroline, this is what we have been working for. We figured that we call you here to witness this momentous occasion. The debut of an alternating current distribution system," Poul exclaimed, waving his hand.

Caroline simply smiled, as she had expected that they could pull off a stunt like this.

"Do we really have to wait before midnight to pull the lever?" Caroline asked.

"Of course, this is to make the event more impactful to the residents. It's symbolic, if you think about it, the light turns on on the first day of the year 885. It could mean a lot to them, and it would forever etch in their hearts," Jonathan said. "Of course, this is just a demonstration, we are months away from operational status. We just like to show the people what we have been cooking."

"I see, but why didn't you invite John Morgan here?" Caroline inquired again.

"We reached out to him," Poul said and continued. "But he said that he has important matters to attend to."

"Does he know that you are starting an electric distribution company?"

"In a way," Poul replied, nodding his head.

"What do you mean in a way?"

"Well we did tell him our intention to start an electric company, but we haven't informed him about its development and progress. And why would he be? He is already backing James Russell and is a firm believer that direct current is the best system, even after knowing the operational cost it is costing him and Russell a year."

And the trio waited for the clock to strike the designated hour. Poul and Jonathan were looking at their pocket watch intermittently, to check the time. As the clock struck the designated hour, the trio in the power plant glanced at one another and exchanged a meaningful nod. Poul stepped forward, placed a hand on the lever, and pulled it up.

The generator hummed, indicating that it is coming to life.

Outside, a hushed silence fell over the gathered crowd. With bated breath, they watched as the dazzling array of electric lights burst into life. The once-dark streets of Scranton were now bathed in the warm, bright glow of alternating current.

Gasps of awe and amazement rippled through the onlookers, as the magic of electricity unfolded before their eyes. The flicker of candles and lamps paled in comparison to the steady, radiant light emanating from the power plant. The success of the test run was undeniable, and it marked the beginning of a new era for the town of Scranton.

Now that the power plant is generating electricity and lighting up the city. Jonathan cleared his throat and spoke.

"So, why don't we go for a ride?" Jonathan suggested.

And then, the three exited the power plant and boarded the horse-drawn carriage that is waiting for them to take them into the city.

The carriage was warm and cozy, a stark contrast to the biting cold outside. Caroline sat in the middle, flanked by Poul and Jonathan, as they gazed out of the window at the dazzling display of electricity illuminating the town.

The carriage made its way through the bustling streets, passing by throngs of people who were now out on the streets, marveling at the spectacle of electricity.

"Well, this only means that we are now competing against James Russell," Caroline commented.

"Yeah, this is where our battle begins, alternating current versus direct current. Whoever currently gets the most clients in the United States of Avalonia, would win the current war. But I believe the deciding factor in history was the world's fair in Ohio. I don't know what year it will take place, is it going to be on the same date in the original world, or will it be earlier or later?"

"No matter what world it is," Caroline interjected. "The alternating current will win as the best in the electric distribution system. You just have to solidify your position by inventing appliances and electric tools and machines."

"Not only that, the steam turbine that we just built can be used in other applications, such as ship propulsion systems," Jonathan added.

"Oh? Are you getting into the shipbuilding industry as well?" Caroline asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Too bad, none of us actually have first-hand experience in designing a ship," Jonathan said, glancing at Poul who nodded in agreement.

"But we can learn about shipbuilding by attending a university," Poul said. "What do you think Jonathan? Because I think shipbuilding is also fun."

As they discussed, they didn't realize that the carriage had already made it to the center of the city. The trio stepped down from the carriage and they were instantly surrounded by the townspeople, who were eager to see who had brought them the electricity.

Not only townspeople but journalists from mass media companies such as New York Times and Associated Press. The journalist is appointed to interview them about the lighting of Scranton and the industrialist duo couldn't be more delighted.