At 9:47 p.m., Dr. Vasquez called for another team meeting. The engineers gathered in a circle around the silent hypercar, their faces etched with defeat.
"Status report," she said, though everyone already knew the answer.
"Complete electromagnetic spectrum analysis: negative for interference sources," reported one engineer.
"Full diagnostic of all AI processing units: hardware shows perfect functionality," added another.
"Power systems, cooling systems, even the tire pressure sensors—everything tests normally individually, but won't integrate."
Dr. Vasquez nodded grimly. "Recommendations?"
The silence stretched for thirty seconds. Finally, James Mitchell spoke the words everyone was thinking: "I don't think we can solve this with our current approach."
Hawthorne's voice cut through the night like a blade: "Then find a new approach, or find new jobs!"
That's when Zara stepped closer to the fence. "Excuse me," she called out clearly.
Every head turned toward the chain-link barrier. Twenty exhausted engineers stared at the 13-year-old homeless girl they'd watched security chase away dozens of times.
"I think I know what's wrong," Zara said simply.
For a moment, nobody moved. Then Hawthorne's laughter erupted like machine-gun fire. "Oh, this is absolutely perfect!" He strode toward the fence with theatrical swagger. "The street rat thinks she can solve what my engineers can't!"
He keyed his radio, broadcasting across the entire facility: "Attention, all Technocore employees. Our resident vagrant believes she has insights into our technical difficulties. Should we invite her professional opinion?"
The cruel announcement echoed through every floor. Windows lit up as employees stopped their work to witness whatever spectacle was unfolding in the parking lot.
Dr. Vasquez felt sick. This was about to become a viral disaster. "Sir—" she started, but Hawthorne waved her silent.
"No, Elena, let's see what kind of genius wisdom our little friend has to offer." He turned back to Zara with mock formality. "Please, enlighten us with your vast engineering expertise."
Zara remained perfectly calm. "I've been watching your tests for six months. This car has glitched three times before, always on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m."