This next entry is shorter than the first. Along with the previous entry this is a prologue of sorts to the novel. I didn't mention earlier but some of the more interesting things in this and previous section actually happened. Edison actually did execute an elephant in front of a large crowd, though Twain and his brother were not present. The meeting of Tesla and Twain was not actually at a restaurant but actually at a club that is mentioned below. Enjoy!
1 (part 2)
Twain approached Tesla from across the room “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt sir but I have read your work and I think you’re a genius, and your hatred of the madman Edison only cements this further.” Tesla sat with his mouth agape he wasn’t sure of how long he sat that way but it felt like hours “Mr. Clemens the fact that you are a fan of mine is mind boggling…and now I realize I just called you Mr. Clemens. Do you prefer Mr. Twain or Mark or…dear god I’m babbling.” Twain flashed a large smile “Sam is fine, and Mr. Tesla we could gush over each other all night but I fear it would ruin the appetites of these patrons. Perhaps we can talk like gentleman in a more civil setting. My brother and I (he gestures to Orion and Orion politely waves and joins the men after paying for meal) were invited to a party that I wouldn’t be caught dead visiting. Unfortunately I have been thrown in the role of socialite so I have to keep that up, it would honor us to have someone to speak to with an IQ higher than a grapefruit.” Tesla flashes a smile very similar to Twain’s “ A writer, a politician and scientist walk into a party, sounds like a bad joke. I cannot wait” Orion completed the hat trick of giant smiles “I’m a politician like Mark is a inventor.” “Well Orion we can’t all feed the chickens.” Mark said as the men headed into the night.
Famous actor Edwin Booth founded the New York social club “The Players” also known amongst those in the know as “The Players Club.” Anyone who was anyone was a member of the club and much to his chagrin that included Mark. He would always go when he was in New York and his experiences were usually the same. He would try and relax with a scotch and say his polite thank yous to the actors who complimented his work. Eventually he would be forced to get and regale the room with a story. Many laughs and gasps were often had and seemingly everyone had a good time. Twain hated each and every last one of them. Tonight was different, however, tonight he was with his brother and his scientific mentor. On Tesla’s side, things weren’t much different. A place he had never been but gladly avoided and yet he was happy to be there with his literary mentor. Of course they were forced to tell halfhearted stories of invention and fiction but for the most part they stuck to themselves.
“So Sam” said Tesla “It must awkward for you and Orion to be a club founded by the brother man who (tesla whispers) assassinated (regular voice) the man who thrust you into the world of politics” “Nikola, Edwin is his own person. I know I’m not my brother, I mean who would want to be a jackass with an ugly mustache and a need to write steam boats into every novel?” “And besides” said Twain “I think everyone secretly wishes their boss was dead, it’s not Orion’s fault that his boss was the president.” Orion placed his thumb and forefinger against the bridge of his nose and held back a laugh “well on that note of treason I will be making my exit. I have a long coach ride in the morning, good night gentlemen. Twain hugged and shook his brother’s hand “My love to Mollie and the chickens.”
The two men laughed and shared stories for a few more hours. Twain told Tesla about stories he was starting and Tesla told about inventions he was just starting on. Tesla continued “ I have actually invited a group of people to witness my experiments, we will even be taking pictures, it’s sure to be exciting it would greatly please me if you would join them.” “I would to go Nikola, but if there is an elephant involved I swear I will sock you in the mouth” joked Twain. “Samuel, if there is an elephant than I will sock myself in the mouth” joked Tesla. The two laughed and when they made their separate ways they promised to meet in the morning.
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