Quantum thrust cooling functional. Performance limited to 70% capacity. Service recommended.
A spontaneous cheer erupted from the crowd. Several people were recording the moment on their phones. Anthony stared at the diagnostic readout in disbelief. That's impossible, he muttered. The manufacturer said this repair couldn't be done in the field.
The manufacturer overcomplicates things to maintain their service monopoly, Thomas replied, wiping his hands on a cloth from the emergency kit. The repair isn't difficult if you understand the fundamental principles of the system. Anthony looked at Thomas with new respect. How long will this hold? The temporary repair should hold long enough for you to schedule proper service, Thomas explained.
Just remember to keep output below 70%. Anthony nodded, then extended his hand. Thank you, Anthony said sincerely. Thomas accepted the handshake, his expression remaining composed. You're welcome.
The moment might have ended there, a brief connection between two men from vastly different circumstances, but Anthony wasn't finished. His natural curiosity as an engineer and entrepreneur had been thoroughly peaked. I'd like to understand more about how you did this, Anthony said. And about your situation. Perhaps we could continue this conversation somewhere more comfortable.
I'd be happy to give you a ride to my office. Thomas considered the offer for a moment. I appreciate the invitation, but I don't think... Thomas began. Please, Anthony interrupted.
At minimum, I owe you proper compensation for saving my car. And frankly, after what Dr.
Chen said, I have about a thousand questions for you. Reynolds, the security chief who had nearly had Thomas removed, approached cautiously.
Mr. Wright, your investor meeting is in 90 minutes. We should leave soon if you're going to make it. Anthony looked torn between his scheduled obligations and his newfound fascination with Thomas. Come to the meeting with me, he suggested suddenly. These investors are backing a new thermal regulation system for quantum computing.
Your insights would be invaluable. Thomas shook his head. I'm hardly dressed for an investor meeting. Anthony considered this, then checked his watch again. We have time to fix that.
Reynolds, call ahead to Bespoke on Fifth Avenue. Tell them we need their best available in Thomas's size, ready in 30 minutes. full professional attire. Reynolds looked surprised but nodded and stepped away to make the call. Thomas raised an eyebrow. That's not necessary.
Consider it part of your payment, Anthony insisted. Plus, I want to see the investors faces when I tell them who really fixed the unfixable problem with my car. For the first time, Thomas allowed himself a genuine smile. That might be worth seeing. Anthony grinned back, but then grew serious.
I still don't understand how someone with your talents ended up in these circumstances. What happened after Aerotech? Thomas's expression clouded. It's not a pleasant story. I'd like to hear it anyway, Anthony said.
But first, I have a proposition, a test, if you will. Another one? Thomas asked. I thought I just passed a rather significant test with your car. You did, Anthony acknowledged.
But I'm not just interested in your engineering skills. I want to see if your insights translate to our current projects. He paused. Join me for this investor meeting. Listen to our presentation on the new thermal system.
If you can identify its flaws and potential improvements, as I suspect you can, I'll offer you a consulting position on the spot. Thomas studied Anthony's face, looking for any sign of insincerity. And if I'm not interested in your offer, then I'll still compensate you fairly for saving my car and my meeting, Anthony replied. But something tells me you might be interested in what we're working on. What happened in the next 20 minutes defied all expectations as the homeless engineer prepared to enter the elite world of tech investors, a world that had once cast him aside without a second thought. The transformation was remarkable.
In the private dressing room of Bespoke on Fifth Avenue, Thomas emerged looking like an entirely different person. The tailored charcoal suit fit perfectly, emphasizing his still athletic build. His beard had been professionally trimmed, his hair styled. With his commanding height and newly polished appearance, he projected an aura of authority that drew respectful glances from the store staff. Anthony nodded approvingly.
Now you look the part of the brilliant engineer you are. Thomas adjusted his cuffs, his movements precise. Appearances are deceptive. That's rather the point of this whole experience, isn't it? Touché, Anthony conceded. But in about 40 minutes, you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate that substance matters more than style.
The ride to Nexus Innovations' headquarters was brief but significant. Thomas gazed out the window of the luxury SUV, watching as they passed through neighborhoods he usually navigated on foot. The security guards, who had nearly removed him earlier, now treated him with cautious respect. I've taken the liberty of having my assistant research your background, Anthony said, scrolling through his tablet. MIT top of your class.
Three patents before graduation. Lead thermal engineer at SpaceTech by 26. Consultant to aerotech at 29. He looked up then nothing. You disappeared from the industry completely three years ago.
Thomas nodded but offered no explanation. The Aerotech prototype incident, Anthony continued, You mentioned false accusations. My assistant found reports about a prototype failure, significant investment loss. You were blamed initially. I was the convenient scapegoat, Thomas said quietly.