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Developing a perpetual motion machine takes time. If it means to take forever, so be it.
Alva and Herman were two scientists who aspired to attain such a creation. However, each had their own means of producing the machine:
One, who would be covered in sweat and grease daily on tattered overalls, had the intention to utilize it for the betterment of humanity. At first, he did not favor the notion of creating a contraption that defies natural law. But the concept of utilizing an everlasting engine can be applied into many ideas and viable future inventions. Deep down inside, however, he knew there was a price to pay for allowing the existence of the perpetual motion machine. Such a marvelous machine has the potential to be used for varying levels of morality. Whether it would be for the good or the worse ideas, the machine’s existence will educate society with its cautions.
The other, who would be dressed preppy and dapper with the frilly handkerchief that is as fluttery as his dreams, had the intention for a more personal use. The fame that would result from producing the machine can fulfill his desire to keep what he loved most. With reputation, his and his fellow companion’s name would be etched into history, passed down through generations as the men who achieved what was thought to be unfeasible. With fame, no one would forget his and his partner’s name. With glory, the essence that they worked together, that they were together, would be immortalized through the test of time.
To begin an experiment, there must be an idea. The idea needs a hypothesis to begin exploration of whether it can be proven true.
“It is definitely possible to make such a machine! Together, we can prove it,” exclaimed Herman.
“As scientists, it is our duty to discover what is undiscovered,” Alva agreed.
A mutual understanding. A pair of opposite personalities have attracted due to sharing a common goal: creating a perpetual motion machine. It is beautiful to have someone believe in an idea that you formerly thought was solely in your mind. It is in someone else’s mind too.
Yet, the common goal was understood differently. One man believed in one thing, while the other believed in something else.
Days have turned to years, and both of the men were slowly aging. Despite time going forward, their passion to upheave each other’s desires of accomplishing the apparatus was as steady as ever. One could say it was akin to an everlasting fire. A perpetual flame.
So how come there is unease despite such loyalty for one another?
The lack of funds hindered the process of developing the machine. Without enough financial support, their dream would come to an end. Materials, tools, and people who were enamored in their experimental idea will gradually go away. After all, the invention sounded too imaginary, too far-fetched…
Too impossible.
It is also amusing how Herman, the aristocrat, would be running out of money.
No matter — he should not stop now. Nothing else was of meaningful concern as long as he had one person left in the world who shared his unconventional beliefs. Alva was the only person who acknowledged him when fate tried to steer Herman to follow the Zeeman family lineage.
Alva was his rebellion for a better life. If only he understood Alva the same way Alva understood him.
So much dedication. But without enough substance, a flame will eventually die out.
“Herman… It would be best if we stop.”
“You must be stressed out. Go ahead and take a nap. It will help your mind feel better, Alva.”
“But all this sacrifice… there little to nothing left. This experiment has taken a physical toll on our bodies and on everyone around us.”
“What-- I don’t understand. After all these years…!”
“Please Herman, there is nothing wrong with stopping now…”
It is painful to admit defeat. Working on something you love should not have to be heart-wrenching. But some people live for the pain. Pain allows them to keep going.
A secret letter with a muse mark and red wax stamp came to Herman one day, unbeknownst to Alva.
In order to keep the fire burning—to keep the dedication alive—the poor aristocrat took dire circumstances and went missing for two years. No words were exchanged when Herman left. Alva never learned where the brunet went nor what he did.
The silence of not hearing from Herman spoke for itself. With no one to stand by Alva’s side, who else can understand him?
The perpetual motion machine was designed to last forever. If such a thing does not exist, then what does it mean for the two men who have been together for it all this time?
Should this research stop? If it comes to an end, then whatever was deemed impossible would stay impossible. There is no need to continue working hand-in-hand on something that was never meant to be. Disagreements occur all the time, but the more personal it becomes, the less chance there is of seeing eye to eye.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. For every thought, there is an equal and opposite point of view.
Poor Alva was left all alone. He longed for anyone to listen to him. Instead, Alva became a cursed witch surrounded by people whom have turned against him. He was condemned as a liar when he tried to tell the truth. There was no one left to understand him.
Eternity lied in companionship, not in a machine. It lied in understanding, connecting, and feelings deeper than pitch black darkness. Eventually, the man would discover a completely unexpected conclusion in the distant future.
Of course, no one can predict the temperament of humanity no matter how pure your intentions are. With every experiment is a lesson to be learned. The hypothesis is still standing by with no clear answer.
It should be deemed true, but how? The natural law dictates that nothing can last forever. If something like that were to exist, it would be deemed... "unnatural".
Eternity is a long time, but it is not long enough if you are loyal and true.
As scientists, it is our duty to discover what is undiscovered.
