Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World



After a meeting with John Morgan, Russell called his secretary to his office who promptly made an appearance.

"What is it, Sir?" Sam asked.

"Mr. Morgan is looking for proof that the alternating current is dangerous, and I just have a plan to show him that," Russell said. "I want you to get me a horse that is about to be slaughtered from the nearby ranches and bring it to my office."

Sam's eyes widened in surprise. "A horse, Sir? Why do you need a horse?"

"Just do as I say, Sam. And make sure it's a strong and healthy one," Russell replied with a hint of urgency in his voice. 

Sam hesitated for a moment, wondering why his boss needed a horse for his plan. But he knew better than to question Russell's methods, so he quickly left the room to carry out his instructions.

After making a few phone calls, Sam was able to locate a nearby ranch that was willing to sell a horse. He drove to the ranch and carefully selected a strong and healthy stallion. He paid the owner and made his way back.

When he returned to the office with the horse, Russell was waiting for him at the door. He greeted Sam and led the horse inside the building, where the research team was already setting up the AC generator.

"Now, my friend," Russell said, patting the horse's neck. "We're going to do something that may seem a little scary, but I promise you'll be fine."

"Mr. Russell, I don't think this is a good idea," Sam commented.

"Sam, Axelsen, and Nielsen are defeating us on cost, the only advantage we have over them is that our system is safer. Of course, this horse is going to be slaughtered anyway, why not put it to good use?" 

Sam nodded reluctantly, understanding the logic behind his boss's plan. He watched as the research team continued to set up the equipment, feeling a sense of unease about what was going to happen.

Russell, on the other hand, appeared confident and determined. He knew that this demonstration would be the key to winning the ongoing battle with their competitors.

"Okay, we need exposure. Sam, I want you to invite the press for a demonstration, they have to publish an article about this."

Sam looked at Russell in disbelief. "Are you sure that's a good idea? What if something goes wrong?"

"Trust me, Sam. Everything will be fine. We just need to show the world that our system is safer than the others," Russell replied, still patting the horse's neck.

Sam nodded, feeling nervous about the demonstration but knowing that he had to carry out his boss's instructions. He quickly made the necessary calls and within a few hours, several reporters and photographers arrived at the office.

They stood there, with their notepad and pen ready to jot down notes about the event that is to unfold. 

"Mr. Russell, do you mind explaining to us why you invited us here?" One of the reporters said, looking at the horse that are currently being tied into something.

"Good question. You see this horse is named Gus, and Gus is being connected to the same current the Axelsen and Nielsen uses for the generator, but there is no word to define death by electricity, so while waiting for you, I asked the men who write the dictionaries and I heard back, that the term for death by electricity is 'electrocution.' That was a very standard name but nevertheless carries the idea of living things getting killed by electricity. For that, I'm going to demonstrate." 

"You mean you are going to execute the horse with electricity? Is that what you are saying, Mr. Russell? This is for clarification." 

Russell looked at the reporter and nodded. "Yes, that's correct. We're going to electrocute the horse with an alternating current to show the world that alternating current is dangerous and shouldn't be implemented as a distribution system of electricity. Now you might want to stand back a little."

The reporters did what they were told, they stepped back a few steps, not wanting to get caught by a dangerous current. 

Sam felt uneasy as he watched the team connect the electrodes to Gus, who was now tied up and unable to move. He could feel the tension in the air, as everyone waited for Russell's signal to begin the demonstration.

"Are you ready, gentlemen?" Russell asked, turning to the team.

They all nodded in unison, their eyes fixed on the horse.

Russell then turned to the reporters. "Ladies and gentlemen, what you are about to witness is a demonstration of the dangers of alternating current. We will now proceed to electrocute this horse to show you the lethal effects of this type of current."

He then signaled to the team to start the generator, and immediately, the sound of electricity crackling filled the room. Gus began to convulse, his body jerking back and forth violently. Sam could hear the horse's screams, and he felt sick to his stomach.

The reporters gasped in horror as they watched the scene unfold before them, some of them taking photos, while others recorded the event on their notes. Sam felt ashamed of himself for being part of this, and he could see that some of the team members were also feeling uncomfortable.

But Russell remained steadfast, his eyes fixed on the horse as it struggled to survive. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Gus fell to the ground, motionless.

The room fell silent, and the reporters stared at the lifeless body of the horse in shock and horror. Sam felt like he couldn't breathe as he watched Russell walk over to the horse and stroke its mane.

"Gentlemen, I hope you have all seen what I wanted to show you. Alternating current is dangerous and deadly. We cannot allow it to be used as a distribution system for electricity. Thank you for coming," Russell said, his voice shaking with emotion.

The reporters quickly gathered their things and left the building, some of them looking pale and shaken. Sam stood there, feeling sick and disgusted. He knew that what they had just witnessed was wrong, and he couldn't understand why Russell had gone through with it.

But as he looked at his boss, he saw a man who was now lost in his own thoughts, his eyes fixed on the lifeless body of the horse. Sam knew that this demonstration had changed something in Russell, and he could only hope that it was for the better.

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