"Good day, Mr. Sumpter. Thank you for choosing our company. We are truly honored to have the opportunity to bring the same level of magic and success we have achieved in the city of Scranton to the state of Ohio," Poul greeted warmly.
Felix nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Mr. Nielsen. I have a few questions if you don't mind."
"Not at all, Mr. Sumpter. Please feel free to ask," replied Poul.
Felix leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "Is it possible to electrify the entire state of Ohio within the next three months? We are eager to see the benefits of electricity, from lighting to powering equipment."
Poul and Jonathan exchanged a glance, fully understanding the urgency of the matter.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Sumpter, building a power plant of that scale takes time, typically a year or two. However, we do have some alternatives we can offer," Poul explained.
Felix's smile faded slightly. "What alternatives do you have in mind?"
"We can provide temporary power solutions for each city in Ohio using an alternator," Poul suggested.
"An alternator? Isn't that the same as what Mr. Russell is offering?" Felix asked, slightly confused.
Poul shook his head. "No, Mr. Sumpter. An alternator is a type of dynamo that produces alternating current, which is much more efficient than the direct current produced by Mr. Russell's dynamo."
Felix's face lit up with understanding. "I see. That sounds like a viable option. How soon can we expect the construction of the power plant to begin?"
Poul checked his notes. "We estimate that construction will begin in approximately six months. In the meantime, we will provide each city with temporary power solutions powered by alternators."
"Six months? Isn't that quite long?" Felix exclaimed.
"No, Mr. Sumpter, that is a reasonable time frame that we can promise to you. You see, building a power plant takes time and planning. We want to ensure that everything is done properly to avoid any future problems or delays," Poul explained, trying to reassure Felix. "Also, we will have paperwork and permits that we have to settle before laying the foundation. Of course, with your help, we can speed things up."
Felix nodded slowly, taking in the information.
"I understand. I appreciate your honesty, Mr. Nielsen."
"Do you have anything more to ask? If you do, please don't hesitate to speak it out," Poul said.
"There's none actually. I will inform the other council about what decisions were made in your office. I'm sure they'll understand if I explain to them like how you explained to me why electricity won't be available in the time they are expecting."
"Yes, even though the construction of the power plant in the city of Scranton is not yet finished, it'll take months for it to be completed. And when they do, it can't not only power one city but multiple cities."
"Multiple cities with one power plant?" Felix asked in disbelief.
"Yes," Poul confirmed. "Unlike Mr. Russell's system where you have to buy one generator per mile, we only need one power plant to bring electricity to multiple cities."
"That's impressive, and what's more, at a cheaper cost."
Felix's face fell as he considered the cost. "I see. Perhaps we should consider Mr. Russell's offer instead. It may be more affordable."
Poul leaned forward in his seat. "I understand that cost is a concern, Mr. Sumpter. But please consider the long-term benefits of using alternating current as the distribution system for Ohio. It is more efficient, has lower energy losses during transmission, and can power larger areas than direct current. It will save you money in the long run."
Felix looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding slowly. "I understand. So you are saying that once we have built the power plant, which is an expensive undertaking, we can generate profit from it in the long run because it has a cheap operating expense?"
"That is right, Mr. Sumpter."
"Well, in that case, the decision won't be changed."
Poul and Jonathan heave a sigh of relief, glad that they were able to pull him back. But, to ensure that the deal is made, they have to do something.
Poul and Jonathan stood from their seats and extended their hands.
"That's a deal then. Mr. Sumpter. Please let us shake hands and we will prepare the necessary documents for you to sign," Poul said.
Felix stood up and shook hands with Poul and Jonathan.
After that, Poul glanced at Jonathan.
"Jonathan, please bring Amelia here, I have a task for her."
Jonathan nodded and excused himself. Moments later, he returned with Amelia.
"Mr. Nielsen, do you want anything from me?" Amelia asked politely.
"Amelia, I want you to meet. Mr. Sumpter is a district councilor of the state of Ohio. He will be our major client in our electric enterprise where we are tasked to electrify the state with our alternating current systems. I want you to draft the contracts and agreements for this project. Can you do that?" Poul asked.
Amelia looked surprised but she quickly regained her composure. "Yes, of course, Mr. Nielsen. I can draft the necessary documents for the project," she replied confidently.
"Good. I knew I could count on you," Poul said with a smile. "Please start working on it right away. We need to have everything ready for Mr. Sumpter to sign within a week."
Amelia nodded and quickly made her way to her office to begin working on the project.
Upon Amelia's leave, Felix spoke.
"Still, I can't believe that you two have grown to be powerful men in this country. To think that you were once a beggar back then, asking for spare change, and now you must have a lot of money. I think I can get the dollars that I gave to you that night."
"For you, Mr. Sumpter, we would be happy to quadruple it. If not for you back then, we would have starved and slept on the streets," Jonathan said genuinely.
"Actually, I was just joking, I don't need the money, but if I can ask you anything, is it possible for me to invite you to my cafe shop in Columbus?" Felix asked.
"We can't reason why not."
The industrialist duo, without hesitation, accepted it.
