Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World



April 25th, 893.

The much-anticipated day had finally dawned, heralding the grand opening of the Chicago World's Fair. As the rays of sunlight painted the sky, a monumental arch gate welcomed a sea of people from diverse backgrounds, both domestic and foreign.

Groups of friends chattered excitedly, families marveled at the towering structures, and couples strolled hand in hand, soaking in the atmosphere of wonder and innovation that surrounded them.

Technologies invented by various companies and individuals were proudly on display, each vying for attention amidst the cacophony of delighted exclamations.

The scent of international cuisines wafted through the air, enticing fairgoers with promises of exotic flavors. Street vendors hawked their wares, from intricate trinkets to the latest gadgets.

Children clung to their parents' hands, their eyes wide with wonder as they encountered marvels they had only dreamed of. And couples exchanging loving glances.

Amidst the bustle, Poul, Sara, Jonathan, Caroline, and their loyal associate, Amelia, made their way through the fairgrounds. They were dressed in their finest attire that reflected their social standing. 

They were heading towards their station, where they were displaying their products. 

After walking for about a minute, they finally arrived at the location. The Axelsen & Nielsen Corporation had secured a prime spot for their exhibition, the largest and widest pavilion at the fair. 

The entry to their spot was an arch gate adorned with intricate Art Deco designs. As they passed under it, it was as if they entered into the future.

The pavilion's interior was a symphony of modernity and elegance. Polished stainless steel fixtures gleamed under the soft glow of custom-designed chandeliers. The space was carefully divided into thematic sections, each showcasing a different facet of their groundbreaking work.

Thousands of people were inside, and many more were waiting patiently to enter, forming a line that snaked its way through the fairgrounds. 

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They observed them, surrounding one space that seemed to be where the radios were displayed.

Jonathan nudged Poul on the arm and whispered. "You think this is the perfect time to introduce television? If you know how to make one." 

"I know the mechanism of a television, Jonathan," Poul replied in a whisper. "But I think we should give the people some time to breathe. We have invented a lot of technologies to the point they couldn't adapt as fast as we are making new ones." 

"So you know how to make a television," Jonathan grinned. "We are going to be extra rich. Okay, everyone, I think this is where we part. Amelia, you are to facilitate our pavilion. Caroline, you'll come with me that's given and you Poul, well you can show Sara around." 

"That's what I intend to do," Poul inclined his head in agreement.

Amelia, ever efficient, nodded in acknowledgment. "I'll ensure everything runs smoothly in the pavilion. Visitors will have an unforgettable experience." 

"Good, and don't push yourself too hard, okay?" Jonathan said. "I also want you to enjoy the fair like everyone else." 

Amelia smiled appreciatively at Jonathan's concern. "Thank you, Jonathan. I promise to take a moment to enjoy the fair's offerings as well."

Caroline, ready to explore the wonders with Jonathan, linked her arm through his. "Let's go, Jonathan." 

As Jonathan and Caroline disappeared into the crowd, Poul turned his attention to Sara. 

He offered her his arm with a charming smile. "Shall we explore the pavilion, my dear?"

Sara took his arm.  "Lead the way, Poul." 

With that, Poul and Sara explored the pavilion. 

They first made their stop at the showroom where automobiles akin to the design in the 1940s were displayed. Hundreds of spectators surrounded the showroom as the man standing next to the automobile explained to them the key features.

"This vehicle is called the AN Model A. It's equipped with a powerful Flathead V8 engine, boasting a remarkable horsepower of 85. This engine provides an unparalleled driving experience, with the capability to conquer even the most challenging terrains."

The fairgoers leaned in, their interest piqued by the impressive specifications of the automobile. Poul and Sara listened attentively, their curiosity matching that of the crowd. 

With a spacious interior and seating for up to five passengers, the AN Model A offers both comfort and convenience. Its large fuel tank allows for long journeys without the need for frequent refueling. If you are looking for numbers, that would be 300 miles." 

The fairgoers gasped at the features of the vehicle. Though almost everyone wasn't familiar with vehicles, hearing the details fascinated them.

"As for the transmission, The AN Model A features a state-of-the-art 3-speed sliding-mesh manual transmission."

"What does that mean?" One of the fairgoers asked. "Speak in a way we can understand."

"Yeah, speak English!" 

He smiled warmly at the inquisitive fairgoer and said, "Of course, let me explain it like this. You see, the transmission in the AN Model A is a bit like the gears on a steam locomotive or an electric locomotive. Just like those locomotives have different gears for going uphill, downhill, or on flat tracks, this automobile has gears to help it move smoothly in different situations."

The fairgoers nodded, some of them having had experiences with locomotives in the past. This analogy helped them grasp the concept more easily.

"And you know how when you're riding in a horse-drawn carriage, the driver uses reins to control the horses and make them go faster or slower?" the man continued. "Well, in this car, the driver uses a gear stick to select the right gear, just like reins, to control how fast or slow the car goes. It's all about making the ride comfortable and efficient, no matter the road ahead." 

"How much does that automobile cost?" Another person asked.

"The unit price is 750 dollars. It will be released in three months on all Axelsen and Nielsen dealerships," the man replied. "And I must say that this is not the only vehicle Axelsen and Nielsen are selling, there are also trucks, buses, pickups, and motorcycles. It's in the next showroom. Please follow me." 

Poul and Sara chuckled as they watched the fairgoers follow the man introducing the automobile.

"You truly went all-out in the automobiles huh?" Sara remarked. 

Poul planted a kiss on her forehead before replying. "There's no holding back, especially on automobiles. We have introduced them in the company town so why not introduce them to the world?" 

"Point taken," Sara said. 

They ventured into the next showroom, where a dazzling array of vehicles awaited them. The fairgoers eagerly gathered around as the man resumed his explanations, showcasing trucks, buses, pickups, and motorcycles, each more impressive than the last.

"These vehicles," the man began enthusiastically, "represent the future of transportation. They come in various sizes and styles, designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you're a business owner looking for a reliable truck, a family in need of a spacious bus for long journeys, or an adventurer seeking the thrill of a motorcycle, Axelsen & Nielsen has you covered."

As they moved on from the transportation section, Poul and Sara discovered another part of the pavilion dedicated to electrical appliances. Rows of refrigerators, washing machines, radios, and other modern conveniences were on display.

They lingered for a while, watching as fairgoers marveled at the prospect of owning such time-saving and labor-reducing devices. Many asked questions about how the appliances worked and their availability in the market.

Before they moved on, Poul and Sara took a moment to admire a particular innovation: the penicillin display. Sara had played a pivotal role in developing this revolutionary antibiotic, and she felt a deep sense of accomplishment seeing it showcased at the fair.

Poul placed a supportive hand on her shoulder and whispered. "Happy?" 

"I am…" Sara replied softly.

A Sara basked in the sense of achievement, a voice boomed through the pavilion's public address system, capturing the attention of everyone inside.

"Gentlemen and ladies, fairgoers of the Chicago World's Fair, we have a special treat for you today! Please make your way outside to the open area for a unique spectacle."

Curiosity piqued, Poul and Sara joined the stream of people as they made their way out of the pavilion. The grand entrance led them to a spacious courtyard where thousands of fairgoers gathered, their eyes cast upward at the clear blue sky.

"What do you think this is, Poul?" Sara asked, her gaze fixed on the heavens. 

"We will see." 

As they joined the crowd, they craned their necks to see what awaited them. And then, emerging from the horizon, they saw it: a massive blimp, gracefully hovering in the sky.

The fairgoers collectively gasped and whispered in amazement. 

A banner unfurled from its side, displaying the words "Axelsen & Nielsen: Shaping the Future." 

"You know this would happen," Sara said. 

"If I tell you, it'll ruin the mood," Poul said. "Now, why don't we continue our exploration?"