And we have approximately 18 minutes before irreversible damage occurs. Reynolds stepped closer, his hand moving to Thomas's arm.
Sir, I need you to step away from the vehicle now. The returning security guard, clutching a small package from the convenience store, froze at the edge of the scene, uncertain what to do. Reynolds, please, Anthony began. But the security chief cut him off. Mr.
Wright, we've had three industrial espionage attempts this quarter alone. How do you know this isn't another one? How do you know he hasn't been waiting for an opportunity like this? The seed of doubt that had never fully left Anthony's mind began to grow again.
The crowd had swelled further. Phones recording everything. His reputation, his investors, his company's security protocols, all were suddenly at risk. I think perhaps we should wait for the manufacturer's team, Anthony said, the confidence draining from his voice. Thomas looked up from his work, his expression perfectly composed despite the sting of the renewed dismissal.
In 15 minutes, it will be too late. Sir, Reynolds addressed Thomas directly. Please step away from the vehicle now or we'll be forced to remove you. Thomas slowly put down the tools and straightened up. Mr. Wright, I understand your position, but I need you to understand something, too.
He pointed to a specific component deep in the engine compartment. That is the quantum stabilization unit. In approximately 14 minutes, the leaked coolant will reach its critical temperature and cause a cascade failure. When that happens, you won't just need new bearings. You'll need an entirely new engine core. Three months of work minimum.
Anthony hesitated, visibly torn. Reynolds pressed his advantage. Mr. Wright, we've already called the police. This man has no credentials, no identification, and no authorization to access this technology. For all we know, he could be damaging the vehicle further.
I've helped identify the problem, at least, Thomas said quietly. Perhaps that will assist the manufacturer's team when they arrive. He began to step back from the vehicle, dignity intact, despite the humiliation. The security guard with the pencils finally approached Anthony, speaking in a low voice. Sir, I called the shelter while I was out. They confirmed he teaches engineering there.
The coordinator said he's some kind of genius. Former MIT professor or something. The car's diagnostic system chimed an alert. Warning: twelve minutes to critical system failure. With security approaching and his reputation on the line, Thomas made a bold claim that would either vindicate him or confirm everyone's worst assumptions.
Mr. Wright, make one call to verify who I am.
Just one. Call Dr. Eleanor Chen at SpaceTech Industries. Tell her Thomas Johnson is here. The tension in the air was palpable as Anthony considered Thomas's request. Reynolds and his security team stood ready to remove Thomas from the scene.
The crowd had grown silent, sensing the drama unfolding before them. Dr. Eleanor Chen, the chief engineer at SpaceTech? Anthony asked, surprise evident in his voice. Thomas nodded once.
Tell her I'm here. She'll confirm everything I've told you.
Anthony hesitated only briefly before pulling out his phone. He scrolled through his contacts. The fact that he had direct access to SpaceTech's chief engineer spoke volumes about his own position in the tech world. This is Anthony Wright, he said when the call connected. I apologize for the unexpected call, Dr. Chen, but I have a rather unusual situation.
He glanced at Thomas. There's someone here who claims to know you. Says his name is Thomas Johnson. The change in Anthony's expression was immediate. His eyes widened as he listened to the response on the other end.
The security team exchanged uncertain glances as seconds stretched into a full minute of Anthony listening, occasionally glancing at Thomas with new eyes. Yes, he's right here, Anthony finally said. Would you mind if I put you on speaker? He pressed a button and held the phone between himself and Thomas. Thomas?
Thomas Johnson? Is that really you? The voice that came through the speaker was clear, professional, and tinged with disbelief. Hello, Eleanor, Thomas replied, a small smile softening his features. It's been a while, three years, 4 months, and approximately 22 days.
Dr. Chen responded immediately. You disappeared completely. We looked for you. It's a long story, Thomas said simply. I'm sure it is.
Dr. Chen's voice grew more serious. Anthony, do you understand who you're speaking with? Thomas Johnson is the most brilliant thermal engineer I've ever worked with. His quantum cooling system designs revolutionized our industry. We still use his patents in our latest spacecraft.
Anthony's face showed his growing astonishment. He claims he can fix my Quantum Apex. Says there's a microfracture in the secondary cooling loop. If Thomas says he can fix it, then he can fix it, Dr. Chen replied without hesitation.
In fact, he probably designed the system your car is based on. Aerotech licensed his patents for their automotive division after he left. Reynolds, the security chief, shifted uncomfortably. The returning security guard, who had brought the pencils, now stood protectively near Thomas, his posture subtly changed from suspicion to respect. The thing is, Dr. Chen, Anthony continued, his voice lowered.
He appears to be homeless, Thomas supplied calmly when Anthony struggled to find a polite word. I've been living on the streets for the past three years, Eleanor. A stunned silence came from the phone. That's... that's not possible. You had offers from every major tech company after the Aerotech incident.