It had been a week since King Cedric approved Arthur's proposals to establish intelligence and police institutions. During this time, the foundations for both organizations were being laid. The intelligence agency had already commenced its first operations. The initial step involved dispatching agents to Aragon, where they would infiltrate the government through bribery and blackmail. Their mission was to gather sensitive information about Aragon's domestic and foreign policies, especially concerning the Maraz Strait, and send the intelligence back to Pendralis. Once received, the information would be analyzed at the headquarters and compiled into comprehensive reports. These reports, unless involving urgent developments, would be presented routinely to the king and the government.
Simultaneously, the establishment of police departments in major cities had begun, in accordance with newly written laws and regulations. Once urban centers were covered, efforts would gradually expand to smaller towns and rural areas to ensure the entire country benefited from organized law enforcement. The aim was to address rising crime rates and maintain public order efficiently.
A week later, Arthur woke early as usual. After completing his morning exercise routine and taking a refreshing shower, he enjoyed breakfast in his quarters before sitting at his desk to review government reports. Among the various documents, a report from the Ministry of Transportation immediately caught his attention. It detailed the nearly completed national railway network and described how the expansion had greatly facilitated the movement of goods and people across Pendralis. However, the report also highlighted a concerning issue.
The rapid growth in railway traffic had led to delays and a notable increase in accidents, some of which had resulted in loss of life and significant financial damage. The lack of a system to manage this growing complexity posed serious risks to the network's efficiency and safety. Arthur understood that if left unaddressed, the problem would only worsen, potentially causing major disasters.
Sitting at his desk, Arthur began planning a solution. Drawing from his knowledge of railway systems, he devised the implementation of a block signaling system. This method would divide railway tracks into sections, or "blocks," with only one train allowed in each block at a time. By preventing multiple trains from occupying the same section of track simultaneously, the system would eliminate the risk of collisions. Arthur carefully outlined the technical details and considered how to adapt the system for Pendralis's expanding railway network.
However, he quickly realized that the success of this signaling system depended on efficient communication between stations. The current mechanical signaling towers were outdated and inadequate for managing the increased traffic. Arthur proposed the development of an electric telegraph system, which could transmit messages instantly over long distances. This innovation would revolutionize communication and significantly improve coordination across the railway network.
Arthur also created a standardized code—Morse code—to facilitate the use of the telegraph. He envisioned this code being used not only for railway communication but also for military and civilian purposes. To ensure its widespread adoption, Arthur planned to integrate Morse code training into the education of soldiers and sailors and to make it publicly available for civilian use.
As he reviewed his plans, Arthur realized that the introduction of the telegraph would also bring security challenges. Sensitive communications, particularly those involving military or intelligence operations, could be intercepted if not properly encrypted. Determined to address this vulnerability, Arthur decided to implement a cryptographic system based on the M-94 cipher machine.
The M-94 cipher machine was a revolutionary device consisting of 25 disks, each engraved with a scrambled alphabet. These disks were mounted on a central rod and could be rotated independently. To encrypt a message, the operator would align the disks to spell out the plaintext horizontally. The ciphertext would then be selected from another row of letters on the disks, as determined by a pre-arranged key. To decrypt the message, the recipient would align the disks according to the ciphertext and read the plaintext from the appropriate row. This system was not only simple but also highly effective for securing sensitive communications, making it an ideal choice for Pendralis's military and intelligence needs.
With his plans finalized, Arthur gathered his documents and proceeded to his father's chambers. Upon reaching the room, he was granted permission to enter. King Cedric, as usual, was busy reviewing reports, but he set aside his work to listen. "Yes, Arthur, what is it you wish to discuss?" he asked.
Arthur began by explaining the growing issues outlined in the transportation report. "Father, as you know, the rapid expansion of the railway network has significantly increased traffic. However, this has also led to a rise in accidents and delays. If left unchecked, the situation could worsen drastically."
King Cedric nodded, his expression serious. "I've seen the reports about the accidents. What do you propose we do to address this?"
Arthur placed the documents on the desk and began detailing his plans. "I've devised a solution called the block signaling system. It involves dividing railway tracks into sections and ensuring that only one train occupies a section at a time, preventing collisions. To support this, I've also designed an electric telegraph system, which will allow stations to communicate instantly. This will make the entire network safer and more efficient."
The king carefully reviewed the documents, nodding in approval. "This signaling system seems essential for ensuring railway safety. I'll authorize its implementation across the entire network. As for the telegraph, if it works as you've described, it could revolutionize communication in Pendralis. When the prototype is ready, let me know so we can begin rolling it out."
Arthur continued, explaining the M-94 cipher machine and its potential for securing military and intelligence communications. He demonstrated how the device worked, emphasizing its simplicity and effectiveness. The king, impressed by the machine, approved its production and use for both the army and the intelligence agency.
Later that day, Arthur traveled to the industrial district to meet with William, the head of Pendralis's industrial sector. Upon Arthur's arrival, William greeted him warmly. "Your Highness, it's always an honor to see you. How can I assist you today?"
Arthur responded with a smile. "Good day, William. I wanted to check on the progress of our military production orders. Are we on track?"
William nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Your Highness. With the additional factories and shipyards we've established, production is running around the clock. At this rate, I expect we'll deliver the final steel warship by this time next year."
Arthur expressed his satisfaction. "That's good to hear, but I also have some new projects for you to consider." He handed William the plans for the block signaling system, the electric telegraph, and the M-94 cipher machine.
William studied the documents carefully before responding. "The signaling equipment and cipher machine can be produced immediately, but the electric telegraph may pose some challenges, particularly with the electrical components."
Arthur nodded. "I've anticipated that. I'll coordinate with the university to send experts who can assist you with the telegraph's development. Their expertise should help address any technical difficulties."
The two discussed the projects in detail until the sun began to set. As night fell, Arthur returned to the palace, tired but pleased with the day's progress. After a quiet dinner in his chambers, he retired to bed, ready to face the challenges of the following day.