Steel Plant

The atmosphere in the prime minister's office was charged with the weight of impending decisions, as Constantine posed a pivotal question to Terry Kupis regarding the prospect of building a steel industry in Greece. With measured calmness, Terry Kupis responded, injecting a touch of humor into his words, "Then it depends on your choice, Your Highness. If ambition reigns supreme, envisioning a steel plant with a massive annual output would be akin to chasing a mirage. I'd have to be the harbinger of realism and douse such fiery dreams with a splash of cold water."

The seasoned statesman paused, casting an appraising glance at Constantine, gauging the impact of his words. Encouraged by the attentive posture of the Prime Minister, Terry Kupis continued, "However, if we are talking about a more modest endeavor, a steel plant with a more restrained annual output—tens of thousands of tons, perhaps—I believe that could be within the realm of feasibility."

Constantine's eyes gleamed with intrigue, his appreciation for the notion of a smaller-scale steel plant apparent. In the mosaic of Greek industry, a production capacity of tens of thousands of tons held significant weight, especially in the context of a nation with a relatively diminutive size.

Terry Kupis, unrushed and deliberate in his discourse, delved further into a proposal that seemed to have sprouted from a moment of serendipity. His gaze turned to the vibrant harbor, where steel-clad ships navigated the waters with a grace that belied their impending retirement. "As for the raw materials, Your Excellency, consider this: Greece boasts a leadership role in the Eastern Mediterranean shipping industry. Numerous ships under the banners of Greek shipowners ply the seas. When these vessels approach the twilight of their service life, the prospect of turning these imminent relics into the bedrock of our steel industry becomes a promising avenue."

The prime minister, contemplating this maritime approach to steel production, acknowledged the merit in repurposing decommissioned ships as a sustainable source of scrap steel. The notion resonated with the economic pulse of a nation historically entwined with maritime pursuits.

"Yet," Terry Kupis continued, "even with this ingenious solution, we must remain cognizant of the demand for coal and the limited iron ore sources. The inconsistent nature of relying on scrapped ships may introduce challenges, and the costs, though reduced, remain noteworthy."

Constantine, immersed in contemplation, absorbed the insights from his astute advisor. The urgency he felt since the naval siege was the catalyst for his visions of expeditious industrialization. The Greek psyche, with its roots entwined in maritime commerce, embraced the prospect of a ship recycling yard. The ancient spirit of Greek enterprise, once synonymous with thriving ports and trade routes, stood poised for a revival.

The narrative unfolded beyond the boundaries of Greece, traversing the Atlantic to the bustling heart of New York. Sanford, a herald of Constantine's vision, stood before Nikola Tesla—a towering figure in the realm of electrical engineering. The eloquent messenger, eyes alight with purpose, conveyed the Duke's commission: to enlist Tesla's expertise in developing a modern power application system.

Tesla, with a demeanor reflective of both curiosity and reserve, queried Sanford's source of knowledge. The mention of Edison and their shared camaraderie offered a bridge between past achievements and the impending collaboration.

Sanford, unveiling the enticing prospects awaiting Tesla, articulated the generous terms of engagement—$100,000 per year and an exclusive laboratory for the inventive mind to explore and innovate. Tesla's expression hinted at a lingering discord, an aftermath of a recent altercation with Edison, yet the allure of the Duke's proposition left an indelible mark on the silent corridors of innovation.

The intertwined threads of industry, steel, and electricity wove a tapestry that spanned continents and epochs. In the grand tapestry of history, Constantine and his advisors navigated the currents of progress, their choices shaping the destiny of a nation on the cusp of industrial transformation.