I sent you one myself. Like I said, it's a long story. But right now, Mr. Wright's car has approximately 9 minutes before catastrophic failure. With your endorsement, perhaps he'll let me complete the repair. The diagnostic system chimed again as if on cue.
Warning: nine minutes to critical system failure. Dr. Chen's voice was now deadly serious. Anthony, let Thomas fix your car.
Not only is he capable, but he's probably the single most qualified person on the planet to do it. I trust him with technology worth billions, let alone a car.
Anthony looked at Thomas with new eyes. I don't understand. If you're who she says you are, how did you end up like this? Thomas held his gaze steadily. False accusations, racial profiling, a system that's quick to condemn and slow to exonerate.
Once you fall through the cracks with no address, no phone, no credit score, try getting back up. But we can discuss social inequities after we save your car. Anthony nodded, properly chastened. Reynolds, stand down. Dr. Chen, thank you for the confirmation.
Wait, Dr. Chen said quickly. Thomas, when this is over, call me immediately. I mean it. We have positions waiting for you. Always have.
I'll consider it, Thomas replied non-committally. Goodbye, Eleanor. Anthony ended the call and turned to Thomas. I owe you an apology. You owe me the chance to finish what I started, Thomas corrected him, already moving back toward the engine compartment.
And those pencils your security guard is holding. The guard quickly handed over the package. Thomas opened it, selecting one specific pencil with the practiced eye of an expert. This will work perfectly. As Thomas returned to work, the crowd's murmuring changed tone from voyeuristic curiosity to something approaching respect.
Even Reynolds and his security team had backed off, though they continued to watch with professional interest. How exactly does this work? Anthony asked, genuinely curious now, as he watched Thomas carefully remove the graphite core from the pencil.
The emergency materials in your kit are meant for temporary repairs, Thomas explained while working. He used the available supplies to improvise a short-term seal, relying on principles he had learned during years of experimental engineering. His hands moved with surgical precision. The goal was simple: stabilize the system long enough for a proper service appointment. Anthony watched in fascination.
And you developed this technique? Necessity is the mother of invention, Thomas replied. When you've worked with limited resources in experimental conditions, you learn to improvise. The diagnostic system updated. Warning: six minutes to critical system failure.
Thomas looked up at Anthony. I need complete concentration for this next part. I need to work without interruption. Anthony nodded and stepped back, gesturing for everyone else to do the same.
The crowd fell silent as they watched the homeless man bent over the multi-million dollar vehicle, his hands steady as a surgeon's. Anthony pulled up a patent filing on his phone. Thomas's name appeared as the principal inventor of the system he was now repairing, dated five years earlier. The next five minutes passed in tense silence. Thomas worked with methodical precision, his movements economical and confident.
The gathered crowd had grown to nearly 50 people, all watching with collective held breath as the homeless man performed what appeared to be technological surgery on one of the world's most exclusive vehicles. Anthony checked his watch compulsively, glancing between the time and the diagnostic readout on his phone. Four minutes to failure. Three minutes. The smoking had subsided somewhat, but the warning indicators remained critical.
I need more light, Thomas said quietly, not looking up from his work. Three phones immediately provided additional illumination.
Their owners eager to assist this unexpected drama. Almost there, Thomas murmured. The temporary seal is holding. Now I need to stabilize the system pressure. He reached deeper into the engine compartment, manipulating components with the familiarity of someone who had designed them. He carefully managed the leaking fluid using the emergency equipment, keeping the temporary repair controlled and contained.
Is that the nano coolant? Anthony asked, fascination overcoming his anxiety. Yes, and it is extremely expensive, Thomas replied matter-of-factly. Anthony raised an eyebrow. You know the exact cost of the coolant? I helped develop it, Thomas said simply.
The price has probably increased since then, but the manufacturing process remains expensive due to the quantum stabilization requirements. The diagnostic alert chimed again: Warning, two minutes to critical system failure. Thomas didn't appear concerned. He continued working steadily, now refilling the system from the emergency kit's reserve coolant.
This is only a temporary stabilization, he explained as he worked. It will allow safe, limited operation until the specialized coolant and proper service are available. Keep the engine well below full output. Anthony nodded, watching in amazement as this man, whom he had dismissed so completely earlier, demonstrated mastery over technology that puzzled even the manufacturer's own engineers. Thirty seconds remaining, the diagnostic system warned.
Thomas made one final adjustment, then carefully secured the access panel. Start the engine, he instructed. Anthony hesitated. Are you sure? Start the engine, Thomas repeated with quiet authority.
Anthony reached inside the vehicle and pressed the ignition. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the hypercar's engine came to life with a sound unlike any conventional vehicle, a high-pitched whine that quickly modulated to a deep, powerful purr. No smoke emerged. The diagnostic screen flickered, then displayed system stabilizing.