A pause along the journey, a new idea takes flight, Does it connect to the past, shining in new light? A puzzle piece discovered, a link to days gone by

The NUBIA KINGDOM part 2

The group had traversed more than half of their journey on horseback and halted for a brief respite on a gently sloping hilltop, about 20-30 meters in elevation. It wasn't an imposing height, with its edge extending outwards over the ground below.

Commander Menes pulled out some sticks from his bag, and the others assisted him in kindling a fire. They collectively decided to rest and tend to their horses for approximately an hour before continuing their journey.

Ramon, Kamil, Kasib, and Jack were occupied with feeding Kailo Ramons horse. As they worked, they engaged in a conversation:

"How much longer?" Jack inquired.

Kamil responded, "We've completed more than half of the journey. We should reach our destination by tomorrow around 9 in the morning."

Jack let out a sigh, expressing his disapproval of the horses. "I really don't like horses. I'd much prefer a car."

Curiosity piqued, Kasib asked, "What's a car?"

Jack realized that the concept of a car was unfamiliar to the group and explained, "A car is a metal box shaped for aesthetics, equipped with an engine that runs on fuel, enabling it to move. It rests on four tires, ensuring a smooth journey."

Kasib appeared baffled, prompting Jack to admit with a hint of disappointment, "Don't worry about it; it's quite complicated to explain."

Ramon, however, suggested a different idea. "Why don't we attempt to build a car?"

Kamil, Kasib, and Jack exchanged synchronized disappointed looks as Ramon proposed the idea. In unison, they addressed him, "Really?" Kamil interjected, underscoring the potential implications, "If he does, the future might undergo significant changes. Remember what he mentioned last time."

Jack chimed in, "Well, I could build something similar to cars from the future, although not as advanced. But undertaking such a project would demand a substantial amount of manpower. And with more people involved, the risk of information spreading increases. Before anything else, we should seek permission from Commander Menes or General Setka."

"Alright then, let's go to Commander Menes immediately," Ramon suggested, revealing his unwavering commitment to the idea.

Kasib added with a wry smile, "True to form, Ramon doesn't seem to let go easily."

Kamil directed his query to Jack, "May I ask a question, Jack?"

"Of course, go ahead," Jack replied.

Curious, Kamil posed his question, "Could you elaborate on the advantages of these cars? I must admit, I'm intrigued. Let's discuss this further with the Commander."

"Okay," Jack responded.

Following that, the entire group moved toward the Commander. He was positioned by the Second Fire, a considerable distance from the nearby Soldiers. Khonsu, the royal guard, accompanied him. The two engaged in a conversation while enjoying cups of tea.

The group settled down on the floor, joining the Commander and Khonsu. Without interrupting their ongoing dialogue, they keenly listened in.

Commander Menes recounted, and Khonsu attentively absorbed his words.

Commander Menes shared his experience, "He attempted to wield dark energy against me. However, I managed to redirect it through my eyes, which ultimately frightened him away. Interestingly, since that encounter, he has lost all of his hair and seems deeply affected by the event. It's regrettable that I caused him distress, but it's crucial to remember he was an adversary back then. I truly had no alternative but to fight."

"Hey, Commander," Ramon initiated the conversation.

Commander Menes pivoted and caught sight of the group. With a welcoming smile, he remarked, "Ah, so you all are here too. How did you find my story?"

"It was truly captivating," Commander Kasib responded.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Commander, we come with a request," Ramon stated once more.

"Its about Jack's new plan?" Ramon continued.

Jack's expression turned blank as Ramon portrayed him as the instigator of the eager car project.

"Very well, proceed," Menes granted his approval.

Before Ramon could utter a word, Kamil's hand swiftly landed on Ramon's face.

"Khonsu, might you spare us a moment?". Despite Ramon's efforts to wrestle Kamil's grip free, he found himself ensnared, his breath coming in desperate gasps.

"Rest assured, I've already informed Khonsu about Jack," Menes said in a light tone.

A veil of astonishment fell upon the group's countenances. Ramon, entangled in Kamils grasp, froze in a mixture of shock and disappointment.

"Oh!" Jack's voice chimed breaking the awkward silence.

In an instant, Ramon's visage transformed into that of a lion, sinking his teeth into Kamil's finger. A sharp cry escaped Kamil's lips as his hand released Ramon's face. Speaking in a controlled tone, Ramon addressed the gathering, "Jack's ambitious idea revolves around crafting a car."

Khonsu and Menes exchanged puzzled glances, their brows furrowed in mutual bewilderment.

"What's a KAAR?" they inquired simultaneously, their voices harmonizing in curiosity.

"No, it's not KAAR, it's CAR," Ramon clarified, his tone carrying the resonance of light amusement. "It begins with a gentle and succinct CAA."

"Okay, okay, whatever you call it, what's its actual purpose?" Menes inquired.

Kamil chimed in, echoing the sentiment. "Yeah, tell us now that the commander is here as well, Jack."

"Sure thing," Jack replied, settling himself comfortably on the ground.

"A car can be constructed using various materials, like wood and metal. It's designed with four wheels, two on each side, with some space between them, somewhat akin to the underside of a carriage. Imagine it as a modern carriage," Jack elucidated.

Kasib interjected, scratching his head. "What's so special about it then?"

Jack responded, drawing a comparison. "You see, with traditional carriages, you require horses to move them, but they're not particularly speedy. Moreover, their carrying capacity is limited. A car, on the other hand, operates independently. Picture it as a carriage that allows you to dictate its speed and can carry a substantial load. It's like having the strength of ten horses powering you at once."

"Whoa!" Menes exclaimed, thoroughly impressed.

Ramon, brimming with excitement, chimed in, "So if we make it, we can use it endlessly without stopping."

Jack quickly intervened, halting Ramon's celebrations. "Not quite," he emphasized.

"The enemy of anything that moves is energy," Jack stated with a gravity in his tone. "For your hands to move, you require strength, and for strength, you need sustenance and power. For sustenance and power, you rely on the effort of people to cultivate them. Even the plants that grow demand water and sunlight. The Earth's water came from the skies as meteorites over countless eons, eventually melting and forming over millions or even billions of years. Everything necessitates energy," Jack expounded.

Jack continued, delving into the specifics. "Cars abide by the same principle. They mostly draw energy from two sources—one is convenient but adds weight, while the other is efficient but complex to build."

"Explain both, and then we'll decide which one is the easiest and most optimal," Menes requested.

"Absolutely," Jack concurred, clearing his throat before launching into the explanation.

"Both systems have their intricacies, but the key distinction lies in their energy sources, as I mentioned earlier," he began, his words clear and structured.

"Alright, let's commence with the Combustion Engine. It's a formidable endeavour, intricate in its construction, and operates using fuels such as wood, petrol, or diesel. Yet, the challenge doesn't stop at crafting the engine itself. Obtaining these fuels, like petrol or diesel, is an arduous task demanding substantial manpower and specialized machinery to synthesize the fuel from raw resources. However, once procured, refuelling becomes feasible—simply replenishing the tank, providing the car with renewed energy. Yet, we must also acknowledge that this process emits harmful substances into the atmosphere. Although the impact seems negligible with a sole car, we should be mindful of the implications," Jack expounded.

Turning to the subject of electric cars, Jack continued, "On the other hand, the electric car's assembly requires basic tools, materials like copper, and a few magnets. Its energy source is electricity."

Khonsu interjected, seeking clarification. "Is that comparable to lightning?"

Jack affirmed, "Yes, envision it in a similar vein."

"However," Jack continued, "for the electric car to function, we must construct a battery to store the electricity and incorporate solar panels that harness the sun's rays to capture this energy—a relatively straightforward process."

"Now, let's address the primary considerations. Electric cars necessitate recharging, a process that consumes time. Moreover, transporting electricity everywhere is unfeasible. Conversely, combustion engine cars rely on fuels that are not easily acquired or produced. Nevertheless, once secured, refuelling is swift and can be performed at any time. It's worth noting that electric cars operate quietly, offering a serene experience, while combustion engine cars emit noticeable noise," Jack concluded.

"So, which one do you guys’ think is better?" Jack asked.

The group pondered quietly, each lost in thought.

Ramon spoke up, "I'm leaning toward the petrol car."

Kasib disagreed, saying, "The petrol option might be easier to refuel, but getting the fuel takes time, as Jack mentioned."

Kamil chimed in, sharing his opinion, "I believe going electric is the way to go. It's simpler to build, and as Jack explained, we can get electricity easily."

Menes kept the conversation going, asking Jack, "Can we make the electric car last longer?"

"Yes, Commander, but it would need a lot more electricity and testing," Jack answered.

Menes nodded, understanding. "Got it. Then electric it is. It seems cheaper to make too, right?"

"Yes, you're right, Commander," Jack confirmed.

Khonsu had a question too. "What would we use it for?"

Menes chuckled, "Well, to make an impression, Khonsu." Laughter spread among the group.

Kamil added a practical note, "I think it would be really useful for short trips around towns and on some missions."

And so, the group decided on the electric car, considering its simplicity and potential usefulness.

So, when we return from this journey, we'll gather the resources we need," Jack suggested.

"Alright," the group concurred in agreement.

"Well, I suppose it's time to hit the road. Nearly an hour has passed," Menes announced, rising to his feet and observing the sun's ascent.

"Indeed, Commander," the group responded with determination, all set to continue their journey toward the Nubia Kingdom.

They made their way to their horses. The campfire was extinguished, and the rising sun painted the horizon. Kailo, the horse, was fed and ready. Jack and Ramon mounted on Kailo, ready to set off.

Menes and Khonsu ensured everything was in order, while Kamil, on his own horse, gazed at the sun, his thoughts veering away from the bustling group. "A car, huh?" he mused internally, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

"Hey, Kamil! You're not going to leave us behind, are you?" Ramon shouted, waving his hand.

Kamil turned back, responding with a playful tone, "Of course not, you fool!" He began to move toward the group, his horse picking up its pace.

With everyone in motion, they embarked on their journey.