For the next two days, Curie, Poincaré, and Tesla practically lived at Lionel's place.
They passionately discussed which directions Lionel's envisioned "electromechanical laboratory" should prioritize for breakthroughs.
Only by determining the direction could the corresponding experimental equipment be procured.
Although the laboratory's funding came from the donation of "a generous banker's wife," it couldn't be aimlessly squandered.
Lionel still hoped that these investments would yield corresponding returns as soon as possible.
Since all three were scientists with strong opinions and personalities, discussions sometimes became very intense, almost making Sophie and others think they were arguing.
However, under Lionel's "patient guidance," the direction was ultimately clarified.
The "electromechanical laboratory's" short-term goal was to improve transformers and create safer AC motors, with Nikola Tesla as the primary person in charge.
Nikola Tesla stated that he would invite several engineers from Budapest who were already well-versed in the subject to conduct experiments with him.
The "electromechanical laboratory's" medium-term goal was to attempt to develop "wireless telegraphy" based on James Maxwell's research, with Henri Poincaré as the person in charge.
He was already responsible for improving the telegraph signal system at Northern Railway; furthermore, he would help Tesla solve mathematical problems during the development of AC motors.
Nikola Tesla was also very interested in "radio" – to be precise, he was interested in all new "electrical" technologies – and thus would participate.
The "electromechanical laboratory's" long-term goal was to invent a more efficient and durable electric light filament, with Pierre Curie as the primary person in charge.
Under Lionel's guidance, everyone unanimously agreed that "tungsten" was the most suitable material, but it was too hard, and current engineering technology could not draw it into a filament.
However, Lionel stated that there was no rush to commercialize it for now; if a sample could be produced in the laboratory and a patent applied for, it would be good even if the cost was high.
Pierre Curie stated that he would bring his elder brother Jacques Curie into the laboratory; Henri Poincaré would also help solve the mathematical problems during the process.
Lionel himself found it hard to believe how well the intersection and complementarity of these three individuals' areas of expertise – especially Poincaré and Tesla – fit together.
————————
In May, the popularity of "Thunderstorm" did not wane, and a hot wind from the southern shore of the Mediterranean added fuel to the sweltering Paris.
"Extra! Extra! French troops enter Tunis City! The Bey signs the Treaty of Bardo!"
"Not a single soldier expended! The Pearl of North Africa brought under protection!"
The newsboy's sharp cries penetrated the cafe's glass windows, mixing with the excited chatter inside.
Lionel was discussing the details of "The Cafe" script with Maupassant in a corner when the sudden commotion interrupted his thoughts.
He put down his coffee cup, watched the surging crowd outside the window and the pedestrians waving newspapers, and frowned slightly.
Maupassant was clearly drawn in too; he waved for an extra, quickly scanning it.
Then he grinned and handed it to Lionel:
"Hey, Lion, look at this. Our generals have planted another small flag on the map of Africa. Tunis, I hear, is a nice place, at least with more sunshine than Paris."
Lionel took the newspaper, his gaze sweeping over the words brimming with the joy of victory, as if he could see the changing flags atop Tunis City.
Lionel gently placed the newspaper back on the table:
"Indeed, 'effortless,' conquest always seems so easy. Especially when one side holds firearms and cannons, and the other has only scimitars and courage!"
Maupassant, of course, knew Lionel's stance, and burst out laughing:
"What, you're not happy for the 'glory' of our homeland?
This is a great victory; those gentlemen in parliament must be ecstatic."
Lionel shook his head, remaining silent.
He recalled his essay "The Glorified and the Castrated," and this "victory report" before him seemed to mock his critique of colonialism.
The inertia of history was so immense that it could never be easily reversed by a few articles or arguments.
Maupassant shrugged; he always lacked enthusiasm for politics:
"Alright, philosopher. But right now, all of Paris is cheering for this good news. I bet the champagne consumption at the Tuileries Garden party tonight will set a new record!"
As Maupassant expected, the news of victory spread like wildfire through Paris's salons and clubs.
Bourgeois gentlemen raised their glasses in celebration of another expansion of the French Empire, for potential markets and sources of raw materials.
In parliament, support for Ferry surged to an unprecedented level.
On May 19th, the Treaty of Bardo was submitted to Congress for ratification, a process so smooth it was almost dull.
On May 23rd, the committee recommended its passage.
Public opinion reached its peak.
Jules Ferry seized this opportunity to deliver a speech at the rally following the treaty's passage, a speech hailed by his supporters as "laying the cornerstone of French colonial theory."
As Prime Minister, Jules Ferry's voice would soon spread throughout France via newspapers:
"Gentlemen! Citizens! Some question our motives for stepping onto foreign lands, examining our great mission with narrow-minded views!
I want to tell these people, and all Frenchmen – that ruling inferior races is the right of superior races, because we bear a responsibility!
We bear the responsibility of civilizing inferior races!"
A thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
Ferry raised his chin slightly and waved his arms:
"Superior races conquering inferior races is not for pleasure, nor for exploitation, but for their civilization, to raise their level of culture!
This is our right, and more importantly, our undeniable duty! To forbid the Republic from formulating colonial policies would be abhorrent, anti-French!
When we undertake this great task within the wise and prudent limits we have set for ourselves, we are benefiting future generations!
We are opening up space for the future of France, we are bringing the light of reason and civilization to corners of the world still shrouded in ignorance!"
The speech achieved unprecedented success.
Even some moderate newspapers that had originally reserved their opinions on colonial policy turned to praise Ferry's "foresight" and "the Republic's responsibility."
The term "civilizing mission" became the most fashionable phrase in Parisian society overnight.
——————
On May 25th, a small celebratory parade was held in Paris.
Thousands of citizens took to the streets, shouting "Long live France!" as they marched through the Arc de Triomphe all the way to the Palace of Versailles.
The parade also passed 117 Boulevard Saint-Germain, and the clamor woke Lionel.
He walked to the window, watching the surging crowd on the street below, and a sense of loneliness enveloped him—
In Paris of 1881, he was a minority, one who "sang a different tune."
Alice placed a freshly brewed coffee on his table:
"It's noisy outside. Many people are talking about Tunis recently, and about Prime Minister Ferry's words."
Lionel didn't turn around:
"Let them talk. If everyone spoke with one voice, that would be the real disaster!"
Patty also walked up to Lionel:
"Young master, why is everyone so happy? Is occupying someone else's city a good thing?
'Protectorate,' it's like when the headmistress from the ballet school bought me but said she saved me, isn't it?"
She understood the world simply through her own experiences.
Lionel turned around and stroked her head:
"Patty, you're right. In essence, there's no difference between the two."
Just then, Sophie returned, bringing a copy of Le Figaro, which she placed on Lionel's table.
She pointed to a short article next to the arts and culture review section:
"Look at this, someone is making veiled accusations."
The article didn't directly name Lionel, but "a young writer who gained fame through imagination and sensational stories" clearly referred to him.
The article criticized Lionel for "lacking understanding of realpolitik and sullying the nation's glory with hollow moralism."
Lionel frowned.
He did not fear open debate, but this insidious wordplay disgusted him.
Sophie asked him:
"Do you need me to do anything? I have experience with North African business; I can find some information about the real situation in Tunis."
Lionel shook his head, a smile appearing:
"Not for now. Everyone is too fanatical right now; they'll only sober up after they've learned their lesson. We have more important things to do. This drawing, arrange for several identical copies to be made..."
He said, handing a piece of paper to Sophie.
(End of chapter)