Chapter 212: Unwanted Effects

As the aftermath of James Russell's smear campaign unfolded, the public became even more appalled. Russell had not stopped at the electrocution of a horse but had gone further by purchasing a variety of animals, ranging from cats and dogs to monkeys and even elephants, to be executed by alternating current. This disturbing display only served to underscore the dangers of this type of electricity. If such large and powerful creatures could be killed so easily, what chance would humans have if they were subjected to the same treatment?

The outcry from the public was swift and immediate, and demand for the direct current system, which had once been overshadowed by its rival, skyrocketed. States from Canada to the Pacific States were now clamoring to get their hands on Russell's dynamo. Meanwhile, the Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Manufacturing and Distribution Company was left to face the repercussions of the smear campaign.

However, the effects of Russell's tactics were only temporary. As the states began to weigh the costs of maintaining the direct current system, they soon realized that it was exorbitantly expensive. This put a significant strain on the clients who had chosen Russell's system over Axelsen & Nielsen's, and many soon regretted their decision.

In just six months, Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Manufacturing & Distribution Company is attracting Russell's former clients one by one, offering them a better alternative to the direct current, the alternating current. Since no one actually died from electricity aside from the animals Russell had executed, the public opinion shifted towards the alternating current.

In New York, Russell has his hand over his face, his once-promising career in shambles. His smear campaign has failed spectacularly, and one by one, his clients are starting to change their electric distributor.

"What should we do?" Sam asked somberly, sympathizing with his boss.

"Why can't the people of this country couldn't understand what I'm trying to say? You saw yourself that alternating current is deadly."

"Well, Mr. Russell, despite you claiming that no human really died from alternating current. Not only that, if we look at things logically, Axelsen and Nielsen Electric have better products than us. They have their own motor, generators, motorized tools, and appliances that work with their current. Mr. Russell, if you want to survive and compete with them. Why don't you switch?"

Russell looked up at his assistant after he suggested something ridiculous.

"What did you just say?" Russell growled. "You want me to switch my system? That will be just me admitting my defeat and the superiority of their system,"

"Look, Mr. Russell, I didn't mean to offend you, I'm just giving you the best possible option you can take. Even you have acknowledged the limitations of the direct current. Maybe direct current is not the best system for electric distribution..."

"Enough!" Russell shouted, his voice cracking like a whip.

Sam flinched at the outburst, but he knew he had to stand his ground. "I'm sorry, Mr. Russell, but it's the truth. The public is turning against us, and if we don't act fast, we'll be left behind. Axelsen & Nielsen Electric are the future, and if we want to stay in the game, we need to switch to their system."

Russell stared at his assistant, his eyes narrowed. Sam had a point, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it. He had invested so much time and money into the direct current system, and the thought of giving up now was unbearable.

"Sam, I don't think you understand, I cannot start again," Russell paused, his voice trembling. "I have put everything I have into this system. It's my legacy, my life's work. I cannot just abandon it."

Sam nodded sympathetically. "I understand how you feel, Mr. Russell. But sometimes, we have to make tough choices if we want to survive. Also, if this continues, John Morgan might fire you. He has the biggest share of your company, and if he sees that the company is not going well under your leadership," Sam paused, not wanting to finish his sentence as Russell himself knew what it meant.

"I used to believe that John Morgan was the man who could lead our country into a prosperous and advanced future on the world stage. But now, I see him for what he truly is: a selfish and greedy man who only works in his own interest, without regard for the greater good of humankind."

The room went silent after that, only the tick of the clock could be heard in the room. The silence however ended with the ringing of the telephone. They both shifted their gaze at it, and Russell picked it up.

"Hello?"

There was a brief moment of silence before the voice on the other end spoke.

"James Russell figured that you might pick up this call."

It was John Morgan.

"What do you want, Mr. Morgan?" Russell asked.

"So how are things going on your end?" Morgan returned a question. "Your tactic of fear has failed utterly, now I wonder what to do with you if you can't beat the Axelsen and Nielsen Electric Company?"

"I'm working on it, Mr. Russell."

"You mean you are working for another smear campaign of yours? If that's what you are going to do, I implore you to stop it. It doesn't work. You are leaving me with no choice here."

"Mr. Morgan, I am asking you to give me some time. I admit that Axelsen and Nielsen are beating us in cost but if you give me time, I swear, I'll make our direct current so cheap that only the rich can burn candles."

"But if I give you more time, you'll bleed cities and states to Axelsen and Nielsen Electric Company, I'm not a bank."

"With all due respect, Mr. Morgan, that is exactly what you are. I will continue to build miracles while you give me all the money I need to make it."

"No, that won't be necessary, Mr. Russell," Morgan said in a cold and formal tone. "The only people thus far who can make actual miracles are the industrialist duo, and I think I'm liking them. So I'm giving you another chance, Mr. Russell. There will be a world's fair in six years which will be held in Chicago. Thirty million people are going to attend that fair, from all over the world, and the state of Chicago state is looking for a company that could light their fair's up."

"You want me to place a bid?" Russell asked.

"Yes, I want you to place a bid. But let me be clear, Mr. Russell. If you fail to win that bid, I'll have no other choice but to cut all ties with you and your company," Morgan threatened and continued. "And have it merged with the Axelsen and Nielsen Electric Company."

Russell's heart sank at the thought of losing everything he had worked so hard to build. But he couldn't let his company go down without a fight. He had to win this bid no matter what.

"I understand, Mr. Morgan. I won't let you down," Russell replied with determination in his voice.

"Good. I'll be waiting for your bid, Mr. Russell. And I hope for your sake that it's a good one," Morgan said before hanging up.

Russell let out a deep sigh and looked at Sam. "We have six years to come up with the best bid and prove to everyone that direct current is the best system out there."

Sam nodded. "We'll work day and night if we have to, Mr. Russell. We'll make sure that our bid is unbeatable out there."