Still alive?

The next day, Max, as often it happens, worked long hours.

Despite the late evening in metropolis, there was milky white light seen in a few windows in the building – a crucial conversation was about to happen in the central office. Max was sitting at the table and reasoning upon the topic that has been exciting many minds ever since the active consumption of the deplete resources of planet Earth began. As soon as this, initially strictly controlled process began, it was impossible to stop it. Just as it is impossible to slow down an old water mill, if the water has accelerated its flow. People try to intensify the process of developing new deposits, but the main issue in the process is splitting the shares. It all depends on the influence of independent international corporations, which are responsible for all such activities. Although their independence has its boundaries, as those corporations make sure that every country gets its shares and no government is offended. And they cope with this complex task. It’s still a pity that the shuttles equipment belonging to the organization is not available - everything is protected both on paper and in the reality. All that remains for each country is to search for helpful personage among those at the controls. Still, whatever you say, but business is business – and, last I checked, the rivalry is always there.

Max was pacing back and forth around the office in anxiety. Then, stopped and dabbed his bracelet.

“Augmented reality lenses are useful, as always,” he said think aloud, looking at the text located within the milky-bluish frame of the screen. “They are especially useful for those, who want their data to be secured,” he then muttered hardly audible, completing a thought.

He shivered thinking what could happen to him if someone saw this data. After all, augmented reality devices have become almost the second soul, the second consciousness of those who used them. Its users were a few, by the way, as such technology was very expensive, though it was making life notably easier. In the flip side of the coin, this technology was disaccustoming people of memorizing things, since they had some nano schemes to do it for them.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on a door.

“Come on in,” Max said, turning off the hologram. Immediately responding to the invitation, the guest quickly walked to center of the room. The stranger had a very ordinary appearance - thick dark hair, concave facial profile with a straight and slightly upturned nose. He was dressed in a gray suit. All this was calling to mind some thoughts about the guest’s character. The man was looking around the office with interest and the Max’s question snatched gin away from whatever he was thinking about.

“I hope you took care of hiding what is happening in this office?” Max asked. Notes of tension and some tiredness were heard in his voice.

“That is offensive, I must say, sir. Everything was foreseen and revised, as always. We are professionals, after all,” the guest made a bitter face, for a show, and then grinned. How amusing it is - to deal with those who are afraid to take risk searching for unusual ways.

The guest knew that Max was one of the few people being useful in resolving specific issues. Though, but his position was still unclear, as Max was too cautious. Therefore, the guest added, parrying the question.

“The same to you, sir. It would be better to take off your gadgets., They can sync up, you know? Who knows, maybe there is a spy software on one of your devices. Well, you know such a program that allows bypassing all filters to transmit information. We need to be wary about it now, don’t you think, sir?

“Ah, yes... I suppose, you’re right,” Max agreed a bit awkwardly, making passes with his hands in the air, aimed to close some programs, and then removing his glasses and putting them on a table stand. He thought to oneself for a moment and Asked “Why should we use formal titles? We are a team, aren’t we?”

“It’s too early to buddy up, sir. Do not forget that I am older than you and much more experienced. Therefore, maybe it’s time to start our talk without a curtain raiser?” the late guest said in a voice full of mockery.

“And yet, sir, what is the reason for such a late visit? Some insignificant news wouldn’t be conveyed in such a hustle and not by such a “messenger,” Max answered, looking at the city flashing with night lights through the window. It began to rain. The air in the office suddenly felt stuffy and dusty despite one of the windows was open. Or it was just Max was feeling hot. His idea of new energy source appeared not long ago under the influence of one of his fellow students and now is leading to something unexpected. But it seems that it’s no turning back... In any case, it’s better to listen to what one of those who are involved in situation control is going to tell.

“So, your name is…” Max asked

“Alexander,” the guest answered pronouncing clearly.

Max carefully scanned Alexander with.

“Interesting,” Alexander said, “I’ve heard so much about those startups, but it’s the first time I’m going to be involved with one. So, how this your startup thing is doing’.”

“Are you interested in startups, in general?” asked Max. “Or mine is the special one?”

“I do have interest in startups in general, and your happened to be one of them. “

Alexander liked to ask people some challenging questions that required a detailed answer, and then, listened in half ear, peered at their facial expressions and gestures, as if he could get to know everything about that person that way. Often, it was his way to understand a lot even before discussing the main issues.

“Well, in general ...” Max started and his voice faded.

Alexander scratched his head and looked at him waiting.

“In general,” Max continued firmly, “ninety percent of all startups go bankrupt. But ten percent, still turn out successful or super successful, such as PayPal or Google. In such cases, their investors become billionaires.”

“Interesting,” Alexander nodded.

“Yes, startups start with one goal - to create something so promising and break through. It requires certain investments to implement. Startups are usually presented with the help of Power Point presentations.

“I see,” Alexander nodded again.

“But sometimes, in startups people don’t initially work on implementing the idea or offering a new product or service. They firstly put a lot of effort in demonstrating the future growth or making colorful diagrams with promising figures – all this, is just to interest an investor and raise funds. In such a way, the main work is not the idea but a power point presentation slide.”

Max spoke quickly, speak with fervor and sincerity. Max’s gestures were energetic and graceful as if he helped his words arms, breaking an invisible barrier in front of him. All this, gave his speech some credibility.

“And what is your startup doing?” Alexander asked.

“It is expected, that over the next 30 years, non-renewable energy resources will be depleted. By the middle of the century, the world will use twice as much energy as it does today. It is very likely that resource shortages will cause conflicts and even World War III. Therefore, we urgently need to find a solution to this problem. What we want to offer is an absolutely unique technology of saving energy. It is not a substitute for oil and gas, but only a plan “B”.

“And how many investors do you already have involved in your startup?”

“None, to be frank,” Max made a confession. “They immediately want to see the product, sales, real customers. They want the project to get rolling from zero in a snap. Only then they are willing to invest... You know what profit rate they need. They demand no less than world-rate profit, a new Apple, so to say.”

“You seem a good guy,” Alexander smiled. “I like it. And you have a good work vector and energy. When did you come up with this?

“During studies at the university, writing my term paper.”

Max stood up from his seat and pulled out a device from the jacket inside pocket. The thing was a little larger than the data storage device. Placing it on the table, he pressed a button gleaming greenish. Three vertical holographic screens containing information appeared.

“You can familiarize yourself with the information, we managed to get from the analysts. You can ask questions after I finish. All the tasks concerning the Management Board and others, are almost settled. We made a decision to try expanding our data field inside the Study Center. The only question is how to do this. Information we have now is not enough,” the guest, then, became silent, giving Max the opportunity to express his thoughts.

“Well, it can be done easier way. The information that we receive through gaps in the analytics system is not enough for us. It seems that there is some information that even they don’t have.” Saying these words, he staggered back from the table on which he leaned, and met his gaze with Alexander; eyes radiated unusual grit and power.

“We need a direct and most complete description of energy sources. They told me so, and inform you. Do you understand what I mean?” Alexander was struck by the perseverance and determination of Max. He paused, putting his hands behind his back and taking a step to the side, as if intending to take a walk around the room while thinking.

“Are there any customers?”

“It’s not so easy. First you need to elaborate the tech. You invest not in the startup itself but in the specific technology. You could even become its first user. Believe me, Alexander, I offer a unique experience. If you are going to spend money, this is the best way to do it. Unfortunately, very few people on Earth have such an opportunity.”

Alexander sighed.

“Does your startup already have a name?”

“M Limited. It is written in capital letters M, like on my T-shirt,” Max answered.

Yes, it all is very interesting. But ... Alexander needed to clarify a few things, call a couple of contacts. In the meantime, it would be better for him to brainstorm on the issue. Alone. He needs to look Max in the eyes and to give the only possible answer to somewhat delay the claim...

Alexander looked out the window again, then at Max and resolutely said:

“Well, Max, consider me signing up for your unique experience. I’ll invest some money in you. First, a small amount. And then we’ll see ...”

Max’s face brightened.

“Thank you for your trust!”

“Now, could you, please, explain why ‘M’?”

“Because I’m Max.”

“Oh, I see,” Alexander said.

“If you don’t mind, I have a little ritual that I perform at the beginning of cooperation. Let’s drink a glass of champagne?”

“I don’t mind.”

“Good. I’ll be right back in a moment,” Max said, and left the office.

While Max was absent, Alexander looked out the window and finally felt a pleasant relaxation after a rather intense conversation.

Soon, Max came back with a bottle of champagne.

“For your small but hopefully good investment!” Max said and raised his glass.

“For the future. And I hope it will be good,” the investor answered and raised his glass in response.