A Marvel's Wolrd (2/3)
[Grand Central Palace, 100 East 42nd Street, NY: 15/10/1931]
The Grand Central Palace, located at 100 East 42nd Street, was more alive than ever. The building's imposing architecture, with its classical columns and large windows, provided a fascinating contrast to the futuristic world unfolding within its walls. It was the venue for the New York Science Fair, a public event funded by industry moguls and technological visionaries.
The main hall, vast and grand, was filled with booths displaying the latest technological innovations. Towering chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating hallways packed with visitors, from science enthusiasts to investors eager to discover the next great invention. The cacophony of sounds, consisting of lively conversations, machine demonstrations and megaphone announcements, created a vibrant atmosphere.
Various booths lined up throughout the hall. In one corner, a Stark Industries prototype jet engine roared periodically, drawing curious glances. Small posters detailed the technical specifications of each invention, while inventors enthusiastically explained the principles and applications of their projects.
Not far away, a scientist presented his latest creation, a prototype assistant robot, the result of Franklin Storm's pioneering work in robotics. This robot, later known as HERBIE, caught visitors' attention with its precise movements and friendly interaction.
Phineas Horton had gained respect and notoriety in the scientific world for his pioneering research in cybernetics and biotechnology. His previous work included a series of impressive inventions, such as cybernetic prosthetics that integrated motion sensors for amputees and neural interface devices that promised to revolutionize the field of medicine.
He was also the author of numerous academic articles on the fusion of biological and mechanical systems, with theories that many considered years ahead of their time.
Horton had published several academic texts that discussed the possibility of creating "Syntesoids", entities that imitated organic systems through synthetic materials. In one of his most notable articles, "The Integration of Biological Processes into Synthetic Systems", he described the theoretical foundations necessary to create a machine that could replicate the vital functions of a human being.
His ideas, although initially controversial, began to gain credibility as he demonstrated increasingly advanced prototypes over the years, until we finally arrived at today.
One Year Before...
In a laboratory lit only by the cold light of fluorescent lamps, Phineas Horton worked tirelessly. The environment was full of precision instruments, test tubes and a multitude of electronic components spread out on metal benches. It was a chaotic sight, but for Horton, every piece was exactly where it needed to be.
After years of research and experimentation, Horton was about to complete his biggest project, a perfect synthesoid. An artificial being that not only imitated human appearance, but also replicated its biological functions in a synthetic, superior manner.
The synthesoid's heart, a sophisticated energy reactor, pulsed gently, providing continuous power to the entire system. Horton had developed a bioelectronic matrix that served as the synthesoid's central nervous system, transmitting electrical impulses that allowed precise movements and rapid responses.
The synthesoid's "skin" was composed of an advanced polymer that mimicked the texture and elasticity of human skin. This outer layer not only offered protection, but also had tactile sensors that allowed the synthesoid to sense pressure and temperature. Underneath the skin, a network of synthetic fibers acted like muscles, contracting and relaxing to allow fluid, natural movement.
The "bones" were made of a lightweight and extremely strong metal alloy, providing structure and durability. Horton had also integrated an artificial circulation system, where a special fluid carried synthetic nutrients to keep all parts of the body functional. This system was essential for the regeneration of damaged tissues and maintenance of body temperature.
The internal "organs" of the synthesoid performed specific functions. A data processing device acted like a brain, analyzing information and making decisions in real time. Horton had programmed advanced machine learning algorithms so that the synthesoid could adapt and evolve its responses to the environment.
The Scientist had finally finished all preparations, and then he beheld his creation.
"Finally!! Finally I created life!!" Horton shouts excitedly.
Back to the science fair....
So, a year later, at the New York Science Fair, Phineas Horton was ready to present his creation to the world. His Synthesoid, a symbol of innovation and advancement, was about to make its historic debut and show that man had achieved God.
"Ladies and gentlemen." began Horton, his voice resounding through the packed auditorium.
"Today, I present to you an unprecedented achievement in the history of science, the moment we cross the border between science and creation!!" He said as he observed everyone present.
A curtain opened behind him, revealing a large glass tube containing a human figure. The audience murmured in excitement and amazement. Inside the tube, the android remained inert, with the appearance of a young man, sculpted to perfection.
He had an appearance that exemplified youth and vitality. He looked like a young adult in his twenties, with an average height of approximately 1.80 meters and a well-defined, athletic physique. His skin was a healthy beige tone, incredibly realistic, thanks to the synthetic polymer that perfectly mimicked the texture and elasticity of human skin.
His face was well proportioned and attractive, with blue eyes that, no matter how realistic they were, did not convey emotion or even life.
He was dressed in a full-body red jumpsuit, made of a strong, flexible material that allowed freedom of movement. The costume was form-fitting, highlighting her athletic and well-defined figure. The jumpsuit, a vibrant red, covered him from his ankles to his neck, with a black belt at the waist that accentuated his silhouette.
Phineas Horton, standing next to a large glass capsule in the center of his booth, was preparing for the most significant performance of his career. The public, a mix of curious onlookers, scientists and investors, crowded around, eager to see the visionary scientist's latest creation.
"It is with great pleasure that I present to you the culmination of years of research and innovation: synthesoid." He paused, allowing the anticipation to build.
"This is not just any automaton. The synthesoid is a perfect replica of a human being, designed to imitate organic systems through synthetic materials." He gave a brief explanation.
He gestured to the capsule next to him, where the Synthesoid's limp body could be seen.
"This synthesoid is a milestone in science, proof that we can create artificial life that not only looks human, but can also perform human functions with precision. Imagine the potential!, more advanced prosthetics, integrated medical devices that can save lives, and even synthetic workers who can perform dangerous tasks while protecting human lives." He said very proudly.
The audience watched in silence, some nodding their heads in recognition of the possibilities Horton presented.
"Today, we stand on the cusp of a new era where science not only complements human life, but elevates it. This synthesoid is a clear demonstration that science can achieve what was previously considered impossible." He says gesturing happily.
Horton approached the capsule's control panel.
"Now, allow me to show you the future." He pressed a button, and the capsule began to release steam as it slowly opened. The Synthesoid, in his full-body red jumpsuit, was now completely free.
With a precise movement, Horton activated the synthesoid's internal systems.
"Watch as artificial life awakens." Lights flashed on the control panel, and suddenly the Synthesoid Hammond "opened his eyes." His internal systems began to function, simulating breathing and movement.
However, something unexpected happened. Without warning, the synthesoid's body began to glow brightly, and flames began to engulf the machine.
"What is happening?" Horton exclaimed, his voice full of concern. The synthesoid was spontaneously combusting, its flames radiating heat and intense light.
The audience panicked, quickly retreating. "Get away!" Horton shouted, trying to remain calm as the flames completely engulfed the synthesoid. "We need to shut down the system!"
But the flames continued, and the hall, which minutes before was a calm and erudite place, now transformed into a scene of chaos and fear. The synthesoid's potential, a promise of advances and benefits, had become an unpredictable and dangerous threat, leaving everyone stunned and uncertain about what the future held.
Six hours later.....
Six hours after the chaos at the fair, Phineas Horton was in his laboratory, sitting at his desk cluttered with papers and notes. His hunched posture and gaze fixed on the ground reflected his deep disappointment and hopelessness. The room was heavily silent, broken only by the occasional hum of surrounding equipment.
In his hand, he held an official letter, the paper trembling slightly. It was a notification of a million-dollar lawsuit, as well as an order for his synthesoid, now sealed in a reinforced containment capsule, to be destroyed.
Horton looked at the sealed capsule, the Synthesoid's silhouette barely visible through the reinforced glass. He slowly stood up, walked over to the capsule, and placed his hand on the cool surface.
"How could everything go so wrong?" he muttered to himself, his eyes fixed on the synthesoid.
He began speaking out loud, as if he needed to hear his own words to process the disaster. "Science, my greatest ally, turned against me. It wasn't a miscalculation... it was something deeper, more fundamental."
Horton walked away from the capsule and returned to his desk, grabbing his notes and scribbling frantically. "The sweat... the synthetic sweat I created to replicate human physiology. It's supposed to be harmless, just a saline solution to keep the synthetic skin hydrated and supple."
He stopped, staring at a chemical formula scribbled in the margin of a paper. "But when the synthesoid went into operation, the sweat evaporated and reacted with the oxygen in the air. This chain reaction... released heat, causing slow, controlled combustion, but... when the internal systems accelerated, the amount of sweat and air exposure increased exponentially."
Horton rubbed his face with his hands, trying to clear his mind. "Spontaneous combustion was a byproduct of my attempt at perfection. The interaction between synthetic sweat and oxygen created a unique situation, where the heat generated accumulated in a vicious cycle, until flames emerged."
He let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of failure. "I wanted to show the world the superiority of science, that we don't need miracles or deities. But I ended up creating something that I couldn't control."
Phineas Horton looked one last time at the capsule containing his greatest success and his greatest failure. "You were supposed to be a symbol of progress, but now you are a painful reminder of the dangers of excessive ambition."
He approached his creation once again, looking deeply.
"This process will ruin me, I will probably live in misery and ironically...I burned many bridges for future partnerships today, but at least I intend to keep you, my torch for humanity, and just like Prometheus I must accept my end." He said already having something in mind.
With a plan in mind, Horton got up and began to act. He would use the rest of his money to build an underground chamber, a sort of time capsule for his synthesoid. Working frantically, he reinforced the chamber's structure, ensuring it was hermetically sealed and equipped with an advanced monitoring system that could keep the synthesoid safe and inactive.
After weeks of hard work, Horton finally finished. He placed his Synthesoid, the "Human Torch", in the chamber, making sure it was sealed securely. With one last sad look, he activated the hibernation system, and the chamber closed, disappearing underground.
––––––––––––––––
In the absolute silence of the underground chamber the synthesoid was inactive. But although his body was still, his artificial mind was not completely dormant. Fragmented sensations and scattered thoughts permeated his consciousness.
Time seemed meaningless to him. Seconds stretched into minutes, minutes into hours, and hours into endless days. In his state of semi-consciousness, he vaguely perceived the passing of time, as a series of disconnected moments. Every little tremor of the earth, every vibration, was a distant reminder of an outside world he could not see.
As the years passed, the machine reflected on its existence. He remembered Horton's words, his grand vision for humanity, and wondered about his purpose. He felt like an extinguished candle, waiting to be lit again. The concept of time became increasingly abstract, but the flame of his identity remained, a small spark of curiosity and determination.
Finally, in 1940, something changed. A failure in the containment system, possibly due to wear and tear or some specific vibration, activated the synthesoid's internal mechanisms. Slowly, he began to awaken from his long sleep. His internal systems reignited, and he felt energy flowing through his circuits.
With a tremendous effort, the Synthesoid opened its eyes, breaking the chamber's seal. He emerged into the world once again.
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Here, my friends, I tried to be more "author", I hope it wasn't too tacky.
Anyway, try to find the few references here, I tried not to abuse them.
Final considerations, what did you think of the explanation of the original Human Torch? I tried to give more layers to the good Doctor Horton which was quite superficial in my opinion.
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