Over the next few days, Travis did not get much time to write, as he was busy at work due to some urgent fixes and change requests. But he still continued to write a little bit every day. Finally, on Saturday, he was able to devote sufficient time for his story.8964 copyright protection885PENANAxoh54Q9Qid 維尼
He decided to start writing early in the morning itself. so that he could make the most of the weekend when it came to NaNoWriMo. He had targeted to write around ten thousand words over the weekend, so that he would be in a comfortable position to finish on time.8964 copyright protection885PENANAK83sFG6FSg 維尼
So, on Saturday, he first reviewed what he had written so far. He had set up the initial opening of the story, where a murder happens at Energised Incorporated. Then he had devoted the next two chapters on the detectives' failed attempts to trace the source of the poison by using their network of informants and covert operatives. In those chapters he had also spent some time on character building.8964 copyright protection885PENANAGCuNPxcUuc 維尼
This had required considerable thought on his part. Initially he had decided that Riley, the main character, was to be a family man. Joe, being a supporting character, was not to figure much outside of the investigation. So, there he could do with omitting details of his private life altogether. But the more Travis thought about it, the more he realised that it would be a lot more difficult to actually write that.8964 copyright protection885PENANAId16XmCWqG 維尼
For one thing, a lot of work (as far as he was concerned) would be needed to make such a character believable. A story works, he knew, only if the readers can relate to the protagonist and the situations he is in. And that can happen only when the portrayal of the character comes across as something one would expect to see in real life. And Travis knew too little about family life to be able to do anything like that.8964 copyright protection885PENANArWotiN5o1M 維尼
But what Travis had a fair idea about was living alone. He himself was living in the city away from his parents due to his job. He had enough experience in living alone in the city to write a convincing description of that kind of life. And so he had decided to portray the character of Riley as somewhat of a loner, not having much of a life outside of work.8964 copyright protection885PENANAThkG7xQDjU 維尼
Today, Travis was going to write one of those so-called exposition scenes, which are often required to convey details to the readers. This was to be an interview with Oscar, wherein Riley and Joe gain an idea about how Energised's technology actually works. This was needed in order to set up the stage for possible ways in which the nLight1 can be sabotaged.8964 copyright protection885PENANA2UZhW45xxe 維尼
This was the first time he had to actually going to explain the main sci-fi element of his story. So, it was crucial to explain it in a way that could be easily understood by the readers. At the same time, it was also important to keep the concept somewhat believable, so that it came across as something that may be built in the future.8964 copyright protection885PENANAFnfzTgCAfm 維尼
So, Travis again gave it some thought. He had decided that the whole concept had to revolve around the electricity generation being self-sustaining. So that was to be the core of his fictitious invention. Now all he had to do was to spin a believable tale around it.8964 copyright protection885PENANALqHyXuEMLd 維尼
The basic requirement for any power generation device to be self-sustaining, reasoned Travis, is that it should be able to generate power and utilise this process to power itself. As Travis read the materials about the nanogenerator, he realised that the piezoelectric effect was one of the common effects employed in their construction. This, he reasoned, could be used as a basis for creating the self-sustaining aspect of the whole thing. The reason the approach was still in sci-fi territory was probably because it would require specialised manufacturing techniques. Also, he could throw in some other types of nanogenerators in the mix to act as supplementary power generators. Obviously, the generated power must be stored in a battery of some sort, which would then be used by the appliance being powered.8964 copyright protection885PENANA2V9xC5gAPx 維尼
Satisfied with this concept, Travis opened his browser, created a new issue for his story, and began writing.8964 copyright protection885PENANAEmZbRoFUxT 維尼
The next, Oscar received a surprise visit from the two detectives. They were, for some reason interested in learning how nLight1 worked. Like a good employee protecting his employer's best interests, Oscar politely refused at first. But as the two detectives told him their theory of an impending sabotage attempt on nLight1 and how having some idea of how it actually worked might help them identify possible threats, he agreed.8964 copyright protection885PENANA0BSGzInFbH 維尼
"It is all actually very technical, but I will try to explain it in as simple terms as possible." he began. "I believe you are aware what a generator is."8964 copyright protection885PENANAgzOnyA1rvd 維尼
"Yes, it is a device to generate electricity." answered Riley.8964 copyright protection885PENANA5LNcN7CiNK 維尼
"Yes. Now it is important to understand that generators come in all shapes and sizes. From the big ones we used to have at the power plants to the small ones that power your home, to the even smaller ones which you cannot see."8964 copyright protection885PENANAizMbPNFpeR 維尼
"You are referring to the nanogenerator obviously." said Joe.8964 copyright protection885PENANAKOkSQI4xEf 維尼
"Yes. But a single nanogenerator by itself produces a very very small amount of power. The only machines it would be capable of moving would be nano sized motors."8964 copyright protection885PENANAWp5dJaM191 維尼
"Then how do you use it to power a light bulb." asked Joe.8964 copyright protection885PENANAilI8pVKRo6 維尼
"To understand that, let us first understand at the working of something more common. Are you aware how the internal combustion engine works?"8964 copyright protection885PENANA4xvfdW2lji 維尼
"Yes, we learnt about it during school." said Riley, "The four phase cycle of Intake, Compression, Power and Exhaust."8964 copyright protection885PENANAzvFtFuCqq0 維尼
"Precisely. But have you seen how the different cylinders are arranged in an engine.?"8964 copyright protection885PENANAYop4fa6qMa 維尼
"Not many." replied Joe. "But I believe that there are different arrangements possible, depending upon the angle between two cylinders."8964 copyright protection885PENANAtv39rqnfnw 維尼
"Exactly. Now we come to an important point. Do you know why they are arranged that way?"8964 copyright protection885PENANASmW7gkPlRN 維尼
"Efficient use of space?" hazarded Riley.8964 copyright protection885PENANAXkbmYSJg7c 維尼
"In some cases, yes. But most importantly, it is to make the process self-sustaining."8964 copyright protection885PENANAZXD3hZgRkL 維尼
"You see," he continued, seeing the confused look on their faces. "the angles between the cylinders are so fixed that when one cylinder is undergoing the intake and compression phases, one or more cylinders are at the power or exhaust stage of the cycle."8964 copyright protection885PENANAhdg1On1kv0 維尼
"So the motion of the pistons during the latter two stages powers the intake and compression in the other cylinders." said Riley, beginning to understand what Oscar was trying to say.8964 copyright protection885PENANA5XSmnX399k 維尼
"Yes."8964 copyright protection885PENANAetYQMxfilh 維尼
"And you have found some means to replicate this self sustaining behaviour in your nanogenerators." finished Joe.8964 copyright protection885PENANAuJ0DGIzXiX 維尼
"Yes. We use a mesh of piezoelectric nanogenerators to achieve a similar effect." answered Oscar. Then, realising that the detectives probably did not know much about piezoelectricity, he added, "A piezoelectric material is one in which application of force produces a voltage difference and vice versa. What we have done is connected the different piezoelectric generators such that release of pressure on one of the generators produces a force on the surrounding ones."8964 copyright protection885PENANA5gwmtipCIm 維尼
"Okay." replied Joe. "Which brings me to my next question. How are these generators connected?"8964 copyright protection885PENANAFUEEASDNOS 維尼
"They are connected by copper cored nanowires of a highly elastic but strong composite material, so that the arrangement is strong enough without losing its flexibility." replied Oscar. "The copper wire at the core is used to carry the generated current, which is then used to charge the battery."8964 copyright protection885PENANAptuOsjRCEo 維尼
"This is very interesting." said Riley. "But tell me, Mr. Johnson, what will happen if one of these connections between the two nanogenerators were to break? Would that severely impact the power generation capabilities of the device?"8964 copyright protection885PENANARqvUiRtorZ 維尼
"You would need to take out at least half the number of nanogenerators for that to happen. For we have used the structure of Fullerene as a basis for modelling the mesh. Here, let me show you what it looks like."8964 copyright protection885PENANAUvj9eYBnOb 維尼
And so Oscar showed them an image of a fullerene, explaining how this massive mesh extends in three dimensions to create a dense network of nanogenerators.8964 copyright protection885PENANAKjXE4KGcTN 維尼
"How is this whole mesh protected?" asked Joe. "Is there anyway someone could damage it?"8964 copyright protection885PENANAS5UntV8d23 維尼
"We enclose it in an air-tight chamber which is made up of hardened glass. The composite by itself is resistant to damage by atmosphere, but a corrosive agent like sulphuric acid could easily damage it."8964 copyright protection885PENANABwFaKc8P2W 維尼
"Is there any special reason for using glass?"8964 copyright protection885PENANAeABbMRS3tM 維尼
"We also use solar powered nanogenerators as a complement to the mesh of the piezoelectric ones. Their function is similar to the starter motor of an internal combustion engine." replied Oscar.8964 copyright protection885PENANAwya5fktAN0 維尼
"And where are these solar powered ones located?" asked Riley.8964 copyright protection885PENANAItjNoJR3zF 維尼
"They are built into the inner layers of the glass casing itself.8964 copyright protection885PENANAsU4TTq1HIU 維尼
"No offence, but is there any way this sabotage could be carried out in this plant?"8964 copyright protection885PENANAkAWIEMHFl8 維尼
"That possibility has not escaped us." replied Oscar. "We have tight security near the production lines. Also, there are closed circuit cameras installed throughout the entire facility, in addition to infra red sensors. so it is highly unlikely that anybody could sabotage the production lines without us knowing about it."8964 copyright protection885PENANArcbSOrmPwg 維尼
"Okay." said Riley. "That will be all for now. We will get back to you in case we need to know more."8964 copyright protection885PENANAEMTP28Wohq 維尼
Travis stopped writing and read the whole conversation again. It looked detailed enough to serve the purpose. He debated whether to add some more details about the working of an internal combustion engine, but decided against it, as that information was easily available on the Internet. This done, Travis turned to the next order of business, that of continuing the story.8964 copyright protection885PENANAhposJoQ0TY 維尼
Now how should he go about this? Should there be another murder? Or should there be an attempt to sabotage Energised's production lines? Or should he branch off into a sub-plot which would later somehow (he did not know how just yet) join into the main plot?8964 copyright protection885PENANAYDOWmFLUhB 維尼
The more he thought about it, the more confused he got. Finally, he decided to write about a sub-plot that may or may not link back to the main plot. So he started writing.8964 copyright protection885PENANApx9UqkUvol 維尼
Late evening, as night was slowly making her way into the city, a lone figure stood outside the dilapidated power plant.8964 copyright protection885PENANA6CxtQ2jLae 維尼
That was all he could think. He tried to think who this mysterious person should be, but came up with nothing. He tried to think of a reason for being near the ruins of the power plant, but could not come up with anything other than meeting someone. When he tried to think what the meeting would be about, he again came up with a blank. He decided that he would try again the next day.8964 copyright protection885PENANACYKOWXP39F 維尼
But the next day was no different. Ideas failed to come to him. He ended up coming with the same situations as yesterday, without any clue about how to proceed. It was like his thoughts were stuck in an infinite loop. And what he sought could only be obtained after breaking out of this loop.8964 copyright protection885PENANAoolLptF9tO 維尼
And then the realisation dawned upon him. He was under the grip of the dreaded writer's block.8964 copyright protection885PENANAqnF7SMdVcU 維尼
Travis decided that a stroll outside would probably help in get his thoughts in order and come up with some ideas. So, it was late afternoon on Sunday when Travis was strolling aimlessly in the downtown market area.8964 copyright protection885PENANAJx6MXK3szx 維尼
He spent some time looking at the shops, his mind wandering, searching for a source of inspiration in all the things his eyes were seeing. And so it happened, that after twenty minutes of window shopping and idle walk, Travis found himself in front of a toy store.8964 copyright protection885PENANAAQOeWGd9fX 維尼
The store had been decked with all the new toys, in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. The sight of toys brought back happy childhood memories. Also, at the same time Travis realised that there might be some sci-fi themed toys or games which might supply him the source of inspiration he was searching for. So, he decided to enter the toy store and have a quick look around.8964 copyright protection885PENANA4wt1klA4ET 維尼
On entering, he saw a section dedicated for soft toys. These failed to provide any ideas, and so he moved along, finding himself in the section of board games. Here, he came across a few detective themed games. Stopping for some time to read the description on the back cover, Travis realised that one of the collectable card games had a game play rule which could be able to use.8964 copyright protection885PENANANYpNXowZQL 維尼
The card game allowed for simultaneous turns, i.e. both the players place their cards on the table at the same time. This, Travis realised, was something his story needed. He had started on a sub-plot, but had failed to establish the time when those events were taking place with respect to the main plot of the game. This was important if he were to even think about having the sub-plot tie into the main plot. He made a mental note about it and moved on.8964 copyright protection885PENANAJWvruUBRin 維尼
The next section was of action figures. Here, he finally got what he wanted.8964 copyright protection885PENANAguxA5O2eU4 維尼
He was looking at an action figure of a commando when he remembered. He had completely forgotten about the little scene he had described towards the end of the prologue. The one involving the discussion about the sniper rifle. That could be used as the starting point for the sub-plot. He could devote some time on describing how the parts were being discreetly brought into the city, so that the police would not get suspicious. Also, he could throw in a few hints here and there that the death of Terence Plank was to serve kind of signal to initiate the plan.8964 copyright protection885PENANAQ6NTfLErbw 維尼
That brought him to the next question. What should be the endgame of this sub-plot? How should this tie into the main plot? Or was it better to leave it as a sub-plot? He finally decided, that the sub-plot would work better if it were a part of the main plot. He also decided to make the sub-plot to be the planned assassination of Energised's owner, who would be present at the launch, the idea being to 'send a message' to anyone who tried to attempt something similar in the future.8964 copyright protection885PENANAtd179yra7h 維尼
Travis completed his tour of the toy store, mentally noting a few other plot devices which occurred to him as he glanced over the various toys on display. He then exited the toy store and started homeward.8964 copyright protection885PENANA5KSbUEGOaS 維尼
Immediately after reaching home, Travis took out his notebook and began jotting down the ideas he had got. When he was finished, he ended up with the below list.8964 copyright protection885PENANAYAXDi0UaDU 維尼
Concurrent story lines: Plot and sub-plot must happen simultaneously889Please respect copyright.PENANApDG8SmN8bY
Sniper rifle from Prologue: Being assembled to assassinate Energised's owner889Please respect copyright.PENANAu3yg36X9l1
Sabotage attempt: Necessary to send detectives on the trail of the bad guys889Please respect copyright.PENANAY8rBfyAERs
Money: Has to be involved somehow. But how? If not money then what else?889Please respect copyright.PENANAcjK4gDMiKm
Pieces of the puzzle: How will the detectives get these? Will someone be leaving clues for them anonymously?8964 copyright protection885PENANA52YxP3HX2L 維尼
He then turned his attention to the sub-plot he had started writing. He decided this would be another meeting between the mysterious Government official and the Power Monger introduced in the prologue. So, he started writing.8964 copyright protection885PENANAnyZXnHFr52 維尼
Late that evening, as night was slowly making her way into the city, a lone figure stood outside the dilapidated power plant. He kept looking first along one road that led to the plant, and then along the other. It was clear that he was waiting for someone.8964 copyright protection885PENANAbOuq8MlTwW 維尼
He did not have to wait for long. For five minutes later, another figure came walking towards the plant from the road to the west. The two figures met each other outside the gate of the power plant and proceeded inside.8964 copyright protection885PENANAPqrB8lMOox 維尼
He then continued to write the conversation that followed in detail. The discussion centred around the progress of the 'import' of the rifle in the city. The government official was telling the Power Monger about the increased security measures following Terrence Plank's death, and the two were deciding the best route to move the different 'pieces' to their rightful place. In addition, he added one or two lines about how the 'rest of the plan' was proceeding on schedule. In the end, he decided to add the first indication that this sub-plot was actually part of the main plot. Realising after a moment's thought that he also needed to move the story forward, he decided to kill two birds with one stone. So he continued writing.8964 copyright protection885PENANAqGqlHRfP6x 維尼
"The investigators are clueless, aren't they?" asked the Power Monger.889Please respect copyright.PENANAtLVsT17W4j
8964 copyright protection885PENANAmYCwRJo3Tj 維尼
"As clueless as they could be. They have no idea what is actually happening." agreed the government official.889Please respect copyright.PENANAoXZwFsBJQr
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"Maybe it is time to send them a little clue, don't you think. Our plan requires that their investigation proceeds along the right track."889Please respect copyright.PENANAtobDNTkx3v
8964 copyright protection885PENANAxTTYKo6I0j 維尼
"That is true. The possibility of them reaching a wrong conclusion or coming to the right conclusion too late is unacceptable. They are in dire need of a helping hand."889Please respect copyright.PENANASxNnt8HVE9
8964 copyright protection885PENANABNYFzY4O4G 維尼
"Indeed. It is time Mr. Thorn's involvement in this was brought to the notice of the authorities." replied the Power Monger. "I will have one of my men 'attempt' to sabotage the plant and make it look like Mr. Thorn paid him to do it."889Please respect copyright.PENANAnhN40Kq1eJ
8964 copyright protection885PENANAJHm92G8o0W 維尼
"Yes. That would serve our purpose just about right."889Please respect copyright.PENANA18lh7ZNLMc
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And thus the meeting ended. Five minutes later, both of them were gone their separate ways, and all that was left was the silence of the night.889Please respect copyright.PENANAI7Xutmejei
8964 copyright protection885PENANAOu7TH3sjMI 維尼
Travis reviewed what he had written and was satisfied with his efforts. He saved the draft of his work and decided to continue it in the coming days.8964 copyright protection885PENANAwXTbzqSKck 維尼
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