Central Mountain City, Kingdom Laboratory
"Let's start discussing the proposals", I commented before moving on to the section where new projects they or their colleagues had devised for technological innovations or advancements were presented.
Most of the proposals focused on their specific areas, although ideas utilizing technologies from other sectors were also included.
The person in charge of the medical sector proposed using coca as a relaxant and stimulant. He also suggested importing several plant species from other regions or nearby kingdoms for research and possible application. He also mentioned the idea of obtaining concentrated poison for deadly uses in the army and navy.
"If we could eliminate the addictive part of coca, everything would be in order… I didn't expect someone working on new ways to save lives to consider using poison in weapons", I thought as I heard their proposals.
The person in charge of civil improvements only requested mass production of hand pumps for newly occupied areas without access to irrigation systems and for newly developing cities. He also presented an idea about using stoves to heat water for civilian purposes. He also suggested expanding cement research.
"Wow, maybe someone will soon propose a boiler or something similar, although I don't think we'll have the capacity to develop something like that in the next 20 years", I thought, feeling both awe and pessimism.
The agricultural manager, albeit with some reservations, broached the topic of growing crops indoors to protect against adverse weather conditions. Some looked at him strangely and sarcastically, but I knew his proposal had merit.
"I could build a greenhouse for medicinal herbs", I thought, evaluating his proposal.
The industrial manager didn't bring any new ideas, but he did suggest mass-assembly methods for the various products manufactured in the city. He also suggested relocating industries closer to their resources or applications. For example, he suggested moving the glass plant to regions where sand was abundant.
"Rather than research, he should be involved in governance or commerce", I reflected.
The head of navigation suggested designing stronger hulls for the ships, using more than two layers of wood. He also suggested improving the pulley system, establishing a nautical chart registry, and creating a more stable compass.
"First misconception, the rest is acceptable... Not everyone can be a prodigy", I thought as I heard his suggestions.
The head of transportation recommended reinforcing the wheels of the large freight carts with leather, fibers, or other soft materials to reduce wear on the metal wheel frame, which surprised me a bit.
"If only we had rubber, everything would be simpler", I thought as I considered the proposal.
The head of metallurgy focused on designing furnace stations in series to improve the quality of iron and other metals. However, he also requested increased exploration for new metals.
The head of mining, backed by certain theories about forces that are discussed both here and, in the academy, suggested a system of semicircular tunnels with rudimentary cement reinforcements.
"Oh, another visionary for his time", I thought with a positive attitude.
The person in charge of military advancements only suggested the use of lighter alloys for armor.
"Hmmm... it's strange that he only talks about that", I reflected as I continued to observe him. "Ah... I see", I thought as I watched him make some signs that only the Shadows knew.
In addition to these proposals, they presented some improvements using other materials, although most were quite far-fetched. For example, someone wanted to build bronze drains or iron houses.
While some of these ideas were absurd considering the times we live in, one of them suggested building iron bridges for their durability, or even iron ships, something that is currently impossible but might be viable in the future.
"Okay, now that everyone has shared their proposals, I will prepare a report on the acceptance or rejection of your ideas, along with recommendations and suggestions", I said in a serious voice.
"Now let's discuss the new lines of research I need you to work on", I announced. "Before we continue, I want to inform you that the kingdom's laboratory will be expanding to new regions, so some of this research will be conducted at other facilities", I added, surprising everyone.
"The first focus of improvement will be in the medical field", I began. "I require you to develop a series of metallic surgical instruments, such as needles, forceps, and knives", I added as I reviewed the document on my table.
"I want the mining and construction departments to create arched structures for the tunnels previously suggested by the mining manager, as well as for the construction of bridges", I explained, looking at both officials.
"In agriculture, I need you to coordinate with the industry manager to manufacture coulter plows", I pointed out to the researchers in each area. "It's also essential that you study seed selection and the use of compost", I added, addressing the agriculture manager.
"I would like the navigation and industry sector to work on a new braiding system for ropes and strings. Likewise, I would like the mining and transportation managers to examine the possibility of establishing rails, both in mines and on trade routes", I explained to each of them.
Industry needs to analyze the production of flat glass and navigation, modify the shape and materials of sails, improve the stability of furnaces in metallurgy, and develop a register of topography and mineral identification in mining, I explained without pause. "Fuuu... Finally, I'd like you to focus on the creation of lenses, scales, and weights, as well as oil lamps and hand mills", I concluded my explanation after taking a sip of water.
"Each of these studies will be sent to each of your offices shortly. Some of them are investigations that will take time, while others are short-term", I mentioned, noticing confused expressions on their faces.
"Do you have any questions?", I asked, seeing several people about to raise their hands.
"Young Chuta, have you thought about our proposals?", one of those present inquired, noticing that some of my recommendations coincided with his ideas.
"Yes... We agree on several points, and I've taken the opportunity to promote new related research", I replied.
"Young Chuta, will it be necessary to move to the new laboratories in other regions?", one of them asked expectantly.
"It's not essential", I replied. "But you must consider that research will be conducted in those areas, and that many experiments will be more viable there. For example, navigation research will be conducted in coastal regions, providing opportunities for on-site experimentation", I clarified.
"Since there are no further questions, we will adjourn the meeting", I proclaimed loudly. "If any questions ever arise, you can schedule a meeting with me at any time… I trust that the knowledge of the gods that I have shared with you, or that the academy professors have shared with you, will guide you toward new discoveries and that you can contribute to the kingdom", I said with an emotional tone as I dismissed everyone.
"Oh, right… I need the head of the military area to stay, along with those responsible for basic sciences, the head of medicine, and you Ubatas", I mentioned just as everyone stood up to leave.
After making sure the others had left, we took seats in a smaller group in the meeting room. Everyone seemed intrigued, looking at each other. Some of them interacted every day, while others weren't as connected.
"First, I want to inform you that Ubatas will be the new director of the laboratory", I announced, surprising everyone, including Ubatas himself.
"The second thing I must mention is that some sectors of the Ministry of Innovation, specifically the Kingdom Laboratory, will not participate in the expansion, and only common areas will be established in other regions", I said.
"Young Chuta, I don't understand what you mean", commented the head of the chemical department.
"Essentially, key areas such as military research, chemistry, physics, and medicine will be carried out solely in the Kingdom Laboratory. The other laboratories in other regions will be able to integrate elements from the different research areas", I explained calmly to avoid any confusion.
"The third thing is that you, who are primarily responsible for the kingdom's vital future research, will unfortunately be under the supervision of the Explorers Division", I commented sadly. "If they knew the Shadows would also be watching them, what would they think?", I mused.
"No problem", the military researcher replied.
"Don't try to fool yourself, you're just a Shadow", I reflected ironically. "However, it's not all bad. You'll receive much more than your colleagues, and the kingdom will provide you with personalized housing and allow you to research freely. Even if any of your research has commercial value, you can establish a business or trade in collaboration with the kingdom", I mentioned, trying to smooth things over.
After sharing these new guidelines, I held one-on-one meetings with each person.
With the head of the medical department, we discussed more military applications, partial anatomical studies of the human body, as well as future medical research related to war criminals.
"I'm amazed he doesn't take this the wrong way", I thought, observing the researcher's calm reaction.
With the head of the military department, we discussed new cannons and ammunition types, applications for ships and watchtowers. I also proposed researching crossbows and incendiary grenades made of ceramic. He also told me that they already had a regular supply of the necessary materials for gunpowder.
"I'd love to be in the middle of a naval battle like in Pirates of the Caribbean. Although, of course, I'd prefer to be on the winning side", I reflected as I visualized a confrontation between several ships using cannons.
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
Chuta explains some of the ideas he heard from researchers. Some of them were ahead of their time.
Unnecessary fact of the day: Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) and Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) are great scientists who lived during the era of early voyages.
Will Chuta meet them at some point?
Read my other novels.
#The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future.
#The Walking Dead: Emily's Metamorphosis from Visions of Future Saga.
You can find them on my profile.]