NOVEL NEXT 47 The Prelude to the Evaluation
December 26th, 2023. The most anticipated and awaited day for Michael had finally arrived. The Grabcar he had summoned through the app pulled up to the gleaming facade of the Solar Dynamics Corporation headquarters. As Michael stepped out of the car, he found himself craning his neck to take in the towering structure that loomed before him, its glass surface reflecting the early morning sun. "So, this is it," he thought, a mix of anticipation and determination stirring within him. "The heart of the Solar Dynamics Corporation."
The building, with its sleek modern design and the company's logo prominently displayed, stood as a testament to the corporation's influence and power in the renewable energy sector. Michael took a deep breath, steeling himself for the day ahead.
Today wasn't just any day; it was the day his solar panel would undergo independent evaluation by a team of experts, a critical step in proving the legitimacy and potential of his invention against the accusations of fraud from Solar Dynamics.
As he approached the main entrance, Michael's thoughts were a whirlwind of strategy and scenarios. The outcome of today's evaluation would not only vindicate his technology but could also significantly alter the dynamics of the solar energy market. The scrutiny and skepticism that had dogged his steps since the public challenge would either be dispelled or confirmed and Michael was betting everything on the former.
The lobby of the Solar Dynamics Corporation was as imposing as its exterior, with high ceilings and a minimalist design that exuded a sense of corporate efficiency. Michael was greeted by a receptionist, who, after verifying his appointment, directed him to a conference room where the evaluation committee would meet. As he made his way through the corridors, Michael couldn't help but feel like David approaching Goliath, a young inventor about to challenge the might of an industry titan with nothing but his conviction and the merits of his technology.
Upon reaching the designated room, Michael found that the evaluation committee was already assembled. A mixture of independent engineers and experts in solar energy, the committee members represented a broad spectrum of the field, from academia to industry veterans. As he looked around, he didn't see Francis Peralta. He wondered where he was on this important day. Doing some shady backroom deals? Who knows…Oh no, it's bad to get ahead of myself with negative thoughts. Michael reminded himself, refocusing his attention on the task at hand.
Another person entered the conference room, and it was a familiar one. It was Engr. Benico, the engineer working for the Solar Dynamics Corporation, was the one who faked the technical report to dismiss his invention. Well, both of them are on good terms now as he told him why he did that. 15:11
Then a group of people entered the conference room. They have cameras and microphones, possibly the media to cover the event. Michael's story had attracted significant attention, turning today's evaluation into a public spectacle. This was both an opportunity and a pressure point; the results would not just be a private matter but would be broadcasted, potentially influencing public opinion and the renewable energy market at large.
Then followed by the media, is the CEO of the Solar Dynamics Corporation. He entered with a confident stride as he really has made something out of his company, transforming it into a powerhouse in the renewable energy sector. Francis Peralta took his seat, his gaze immediately flickering towards Michael, locking on it. There was a brief moment of silent confrontation, an unspoken acknowledgment of the battle that had brought them to this point.
Moments later, the chairman of the evaluation committee, Dr. Antonio Dela Cruz, a respected figure in the Philippine energy sector with decades of experience in renewable energy research and policy development, called the meeting to order. Dr. Dela Cruz has been instrumental in pioneering solar energy initiatives in the country, and his commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies has earned him numerous awards and recognition both locally and internationally.
Before they could begin, Dr. Dela Cruz addressed the room, stating, "Before we proceed with today's agenda, I'd like to inform everyone that we are expecting one important guest who will join us shortly.
The anticipation in the room grew as whispers filled the air, speculating on the identity of the mysterious guest. Michael, trying to maintain his composure, couldn't help but feel curious about who this person might be and what role they would play in today's proceedings.
After a short wait, the doors opened once again, and in walked a figure that caused a stir among those present, especially Francis Peralta and Michael Reyes.
It was Bridget von Reimann, behind her were two middle-aged caucasian men. To Francis Peralta, she is the person that he wanted to invest in his enterprise, because having her as an investor and a partner would allow him to expand his market into Europe. So he wondered why she was here. Bridget sat next to Francis Peralta and leaned forward to the microphone.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Bridget von Reimann of the JAB Holding Company. The reason why I'm here is because I'm the angel investor of Michael Reyes's company which is about to be established should the ruling favor him. These gentlemen behind me are esteemed engineers from Europe, experts in solar technology and renewable energy systems. I've brought them along to observe today's proceedings and to provide an additional layer of scrutiny to the evaluation process."
The room fell silent as everyone processed Bridget's introduction. Michael glanced at the engineers, noting their professional demeanor and the keen interest in their eyes as they surveyed the room. It was clear they were not just any engineers; their presence signaled the serious investment and international interest Michael's invention had garnered.
Bridget continued, "We are here not to interfere, but to ensure that the evaluation is conducted fairly and transparently. Given the public interest this case has attracted, it's crucial that the process is beyond reproach."
Dr. Dela Cruz nodded in acknowledgment, "We welcome the expertise and oversight that Ms. von Reimann and her team bring to this evaluation. The committee is committed to a fair and thorough assessment of Mr. Reyes's solar panel technology."
Francis Peralta, who had been quietly observing the proceedings, finally spoke up, his voice carrying a hint of skepticism.
"While we welcome the interest from Ms. von Reimann and her associates, I must emphasize that the evaluation should remain unbiased. She had explicitly stated that she is an angel investor for Michael—"
Bridget offered a polite smile in response, interrupting him. "That may be true, Mr. Peralta but I also explicitly stated that if the ruling deemed Mr. Reyes's technology is ineffective or fraudulent, our involvement would immediately cease."
The tension in the room was palpable as the two exchanged glances. Francis Peralta leaned back in his chair, his expression hard to read. Michael, meanwhile, felt a surge of gratitude towards Bridget for her clear and straightforward defense. It reassured him that his decision to accept her as an investor was sound.
Dr. Dela Cruz cleared his throat, aiming to steer the meeting back on course. "Thank you, Ms. von Reimann, for your clarification. Let us proceed with the evaluation."