Chapter 42
The industrial complex worked to excellence, each machine performed to such perfection on their separate but interconnected functions. Some welded parts together, some riveted, others threaded and fixed, all with calculated synchronisation.
Tom Swift had seen assembly lines in operation, he had toured the automobile factories of Loren Hardeman in Detroit; but they employed lots of people and built cars. This line only had a few human workers, and they were building the very thing that would make them obsolete: mechanical men. Matter of fact Totenkopf and Loren Hardeman looked very similar.
This finished product stood slightly taller than a man; it looked like a suit of plate armour with a head resembling an Easter Island statue. Those that had been tested and demonstrated showed well articulated arms with inpressively manipulating digits for fingers. The legs were not so impressive, the knees had only minimum bending ability. Ambulation was slow as was a march that looked like goose stepping. They could not talk, all communication was through wireless transmissions into and out of their heads.
Modestino D'ara was the Italian scientist who masterminded and supervised this development, he took the young American observer under his wing and gave further demonstrations of the mechanical mens' capabilities. Tom was dazzled of course, but did bring up the point of their poor ambulation.
"My dear Tom." Said Modestino in fluent English. "Totenkopf and other personages have handed over to me the scientific knowledge and detailed designs to render that detail a low priority. They will not be marching on the Western Front but will stay here and develop this complex into the super structure it can be. Most people who are here, working to make Totenkopf's grand vision a reality, habor thoughts of leaving this complex and going home. My mechanical men will replace them and stand and work at their place in the construction process until the final rocket is ready for take off. That will be years away but they will remain stalwart throughout this long industrial process. They will not walk away, thus improving ambulation is really not that necessary.
"If I had my way and a lot of time and money, I could give them super ambulation." Continued Modestino. "The abilty to run faster than a car,"
"Poor things." Said Tom. "I would hate to see them trip or stumble."
Modestino laughed. "Tom let me show you the blueprints that will see development in the years to come."
A locked folder of papers was opened; the blueprints were intricate and well designed by Totenkopf.
The first page seemed quite disturbing, it showed a mechanical man much like the ones just presented, but this was gigantic. Its scale was that of a twenty storey building next to it. A tiny human figure was at its feet and could easily be stepped on.
Modestino flicked the page over to reveal aeronautical designs that gave the impression of a future mechanical man being built like an airplane with no pilot. It would fly to a designated location and perform any function communicated to it.
A further page flick had the scientist point out the intended design. It was of a mechanical man that had no legs and was hovering five feet off the floor.
"Hoverability is a technology being developed here." Said the Italian. "Not just for mechanical men but for vehicles and platforms. Think of it Tom, both legs and wheels will be obsolete."
Tom took a moment to imagine a future with no people, just these metal things hovering around a lifeless yet active superstructure. He did not want to stay in Totenkopf's complex of all devouring science.
A message blared through the speaker system. All scientists were to assemble for an announcement from Totenkopf.
Modestino put the blueprints away and joined the American lad as he headed for the massing crowd of questioning scientists. Tom noticed Zarkoff, Calculus, Maxon and Vargas in the throng.
Totenkopf appeared at his podium and began his announcement.
"By now you have all heard of the sudden blight that has killed the homunculi fields and you all would've seen the destruction of the super zeppelin along with all on board. These events have damaged our ability to aid in the Fatherland's war effort. To recoup such facilities will require time and resources that I can no longer provide. It is with great regret that all contribution to the Great War will cease. No more homunculi will be cultivated, no more tanks or zeppelins will be constructed. Those few units that are completed will be the last sent to the Western Front."
A mild hubub spread among the assembled scientists along with loud protests from the German members. Imperial Navy guards also heard the announcement and were furious, some wanted to yell abuse towards the podium. It was Stalhein who commanded them to retain their composures, though he himself seemed to have a few words for Totenkopf, who continued his announcement.
"It is time to concentrate the resources and efforts of this community to the most extraordinary end for which it was initiated. War has ravaged this planet as it has twisted the common soul of mankind. A new genesis must happen, a fresh beginning that will wipe humanity's filthy board clean."
Totenkopf yanked on a dangling string which unrolled a poster next to his podium. The picture was of fresh clean people in light civilian clothing happily playing, in an Eden like garden, with cute woodland critters.
"This is the future we must create, but it will not be here. This Earth has lost its innocence; war has defiled it. The place for this divine future is the planet that you have heard me refer to as The World of Tomorrow."
He yanked on another dangling string. "And this is how we are going to get there."
Another poster unrolled on the podium's other side. It's picture was that of a rocket, a huge one, far bigger than any the scientists had worked on. So big that the entire volcano interior would become its launching silo.
"This is our target achievement." Blared Totenkopf. "This is what you must all strive for. I will gear this place and all mechanisms to constructing this glorious ark and seeing it travel, with Earth's new beginning to The World of Tomorrow."
A jubilant applause broke out among the crowd. Tom joined in, he was pleased to hear that very few of the monstrosities Unit Eleven created will make their way to the Western Front. Germany's ability to reverse the tide of defeat will be negligible. The League's mission appears to already be a success.
Hans Zarkoff approached Tom. "This is a long term goal Tom. Many more test rockets will have to be constructed before perfection is attained, only then can the long task of building the big ark begin. It will all take many years. You will probably be the only one still alive to see The World of Tomorrow."
"Are you staying around throughout this long haul?"
Zarkoff did not answer, he just smiled.
Tom said. "This ark could take a lot of people to this new world."
Jorge Vargas cut in. "Actually it's going to take animals. After all it is an ark."
Tom asked. "What about people?"
Vargas spent ominous seconds staring at Tom before answering. "Yes. It will take people to."