Chapter 22: Invention

The room reverberated with an insistent, intrusive buzzing, causing Alfonso's peaceful slumber to be rudely interrupted. Blinking his eyes open, he was met with this unexpected morning alarm, starkly contrasting the tranquility he had been immersed in mere moments ago.

Squinting gently, he rubbed his eyes, attempting to shake off the remnants of sleep. His gaze came to rest fondly on his captivating fiancée, who lay beside him. Bathed in the warm embrace of sunlight streaming through the window, her radiant countenance and cascading golden hair shimmered like the finest of jewels.

Despite the jarring clamor of the alarm clock, Alfonso reluctantly extricated himself from the comfort of his bed.

In an unusual departure from his breakfast routine, Alfonso treated himself to a delectable dessert, kickstarting his day with a touch of sweetness.

Having appeased his appetite, Alfonso embarked on his customary morning ritual, commencing with a refreshing bath. This was followed by the donning of his dignified imperial attire, an ensemble befitting his station. Soon thereafter, he proceeded to his office, where he convened with the council of ministers for their daily briefing—a meeting that could extend for two to three hours, contingent on the day's agenda.

Upon the meeting's conclusion, Alfonso diligently undertook his daily exercise regimen. This regimen encompassed a harmonious blend of brisk jogging across the palace grounds to bolster his cardiovascular stamina and a dedicated weightlifting session in the palace gym to cultivate muscular strength.

With his physical exertions duly completed, Alfonso found himself at a juncture of afternoon leisure. The manner in which he chose to allocate this discretionary time was influenced by a shifting balance between quality moments with his cherished family and devoted focus on ongoing projects. Today, it was the latter that held sway over his attention.

A few weeks prior, Alfonso had assigned one of his trusted associates the task of investigating the current state of television technology. The report he had received underscored that functional television sets were yet to grace the market. Drawing upon his future knowledge, Alfonso mentally journeyed back in time to the origins of television technology.

His thoughts alighted upon the late 19th and early 20th centuries, an era of innovative exploration that birthed the concept of transmitting moving images through electrical signals. Inventors like Paul Nipkow had pioneered this concept, epitomized by the creation of the Nipkow Disk in 1884. This early mechanical endeavor laid a foundation that would subsequently facilitate remarkable advancements.

Navigating through the chronicles of progress, Alfonso's contemplations alighted upon the 1920s and 1930s. It was a period that witnessed significant milestones courtesy of visionaries Vladimir Zworykin and Philo Farnsworth. Their groundbreaking contributions revolved around the cathode-ray tube (CRT), a monumental innovation that formed the bedrock of electronic television. Farnsworth's ingenuity eventually culminated in the development of the very first fully electronic television system during the late 1920s.

The report, a compendium of insights and historical narratives, also alluded to ongoing studies in the United States regarding television technology. However, these endeavors, though promising, had encountered hurdles on their path. Empowered by his unique perspective as an individual hailing from the future, Alfonso possessed a profound grasp of the requisite components needed to actualize television technology.

This juxtaposition of historical awareness and futuristic insight served as a potent catalyst, fuelling Alfonso's unyielding resolve to manifest television's potential within his era. With each deliberate stroke of his pen, he etched the blueprint for a television that would transcend existing limitations, all in service of shaping a future defined by innovation and progress.

Moreover, the historical timeline expanded further, shedding light on the 1930s to 1940s. The 1930s marked the inception of experimental television broadcasts. The BBC spearheaded regular broadcasts in the United Kingdom, while the 1939 New York World's Fair granted a wider audience exposure to the marvel of television. However, the advent of World War II cast a temporary shadow over the trajectory of television's development.

Alfonso's vision for the future embraced not only the technological prospects of television but also the nuanced historical context that shaped its evolution. This multifaceted perspective was the wellspring from which his determination flowed, propelling him to engineer a brighter future for his kingdom and beyond.

Initially, Alfonso had intentions of inviting Vladimir Zworykin and Philo Farnsworth, renowned names in the realm of television development. However, upon closer investigation, it became apparent that these individuals were not directly associated with television technology. Consequently, Alfonso decided to extend an invitation to a prominent figure from the United States who had conducted an extensive study in the field.

One pivotal event in Alfonso's busy schedule was the meeting with a potential CEO candidate, a guest from the United States, who could head the Electronics Division of his Future Tech Corporation. This encounter was centered around the finalization and subsequent commercialization of a television prototype—an innovation poised not only to captivate the Philippine market but also to captivate the world.

Equipped with the necessary materials, Alfonso devoted a significant five-hour period to meticulously construct a fully functional prototype. Upon its successful completion, he promptly retreated to his quarters, taking a quick shower and changing his attire in preparation for the forthcoming engagement.

The scene transitioned to Alfonso's well-equipped workshop, serving as the designated location for his meeting with the prospective CEO candidate, Steven. Precisely ten minutes later, a distinctive knock reverberated through the room, prompting Alfonso to rise in anticipation.

As the workshop door swung open, a young man with blonde hair, Steven, entered the scene. His initial reaction was one of awe, provoked by the array of machinery and electronic tools that surrounded him.

"Ah, Mr. Armstrong, you've arrived. Please, come in," Alfonso greeted warmly, eliciting from Steven a respectful bow tinged with an embarrassed chuckle. A genial exchange followed, with Alfonso suggesting that Steven address him simply as "Alfonso."

During their interaction, Steven's fingers fidgeted nervously, reflecting his inner apprehension. An amiable silence enveloped them, broken only by Alfonso's deliberate throat clearing, signaling the commencement of their discussion.

Opening the conversation, Alfonso began by recounting details from Steven's dossier, highlighting his journey from being a farm boy in Houston, Texas, to becoming an engineer of considerable renown in the Philippines. Alfonso particularly noted Steven's endeavor to create a technology with the potential to rival the radio industry's impact at New York's fair—a technology Steven referred to as "television."

Intrigued by Steven's innovative idea, Alfonso delved deeper, prompting Steven to share the origins of his concept. The spark for his inventive breakthrough had come from contemplating plow lines in his father's field, leading him to envision a device that could scan images line by line, akin to how our eyes peruse the pages of a book.

Alfonso's curiosity was palpable, prompting Steven to elaborate on his journey. He revealed that he had shared his concept with his high school teacher, a device capable of scanning multiple images per second and transmitting them through airwaves—a concept that closely mirrored how television functions.

This revelation intrigued Alfonso, leading him to inquire about the duration of Steven's project. Steven disclosed that he had been working on this endeavor for approximately five years since initially pitching the idea to his high school teacher.

Alfonso was genuinely surprised by Steven's commitment from such a young age, recognizing his potential as a future genius in the realm of science. Steven's journey was a testament to his innate ability and dedication.

Amid their conversation, Alfonso's revelation took Steven by surprise. Alfonso disclosed that he had already perfected a television prototype in his workshop. However, his true intention was to invite Steven to oversee the business aspect of this groundbreaking invention, recognizing his skill and knowledge as valuable assets.

Steven's initial bewilderment gradually gave way to understanding. Alfonso's intention was not centered on the product itself, but rather on harnessing Steven's expertise to drive the technology's commercial success. Alfonso's invitation was an opportunity for Steven to contribute his talents to a transformative endeavor.

Alfonso led Steven to a corner of the workshop, unveiling a wooden box concealing a television set—an impressive creation that differed from Steven's own prototype. The television set was a tangible manifestation of Alfonso's vision for the future.

As Alfonso powered up the television, Steven gazed at it in awe. The television sprung to life, emitting a soft white light and a static-like sound. Although the screen displayed random patterns due to the absence of a signal, its potential was undeniable.

To unleash this innovation on a grand scale, Alfonso's comprehensive plan included establishing a broadcasting network—an integral component of the project's success. Steven was not only witnessing history but also becoming an essential part of it.

Steven's response was one of resolute determination. He was ready to embrace this opportunity and contribute to shaping a future defined by innovation and progress. Alfonso's intention had become clear: he sought not only to revolutionize technology but also to nurture young minds like Steven's, propelling them towards brilliance and achievement.

As the two minds embarked on strategizing for the future, their alliance held the promise of reshaping industries, touching lives, and leaving an indelible mark on the annals of history.