A Sip of Infinity

Andromeda Corporation

Starting a company, especially one which manufactured robots and sold them to foreign companies required not only a huge amount of funding and highly qualified recruits but also required that the potential owner of the company has the pre-requisite knowledge of AI and robotics, which in turn required me to study the fundamentals. 

Though the knowledge could’ve been easily available through various online platforms, I elected to follow traditional ways and marched towards the nearest library in my area and knocked myself out. The diversity of textbooks available on just AI channeled a substantial level of positive energy through me. Flipping through each book felt as though the information was being presented on the walls of the place in massive letters in a variety of glittering colours. My mind was absorbing information like sipping off some scrumptious chocolate shake. From python to Java to C++, every bit of the coding languages was getting stamped on my brain with each flip, yet the appetite of my significantly evolved brain remained insatiable.

The following evening, Harold and I went to Dubai World Trade Centre to meet an Australian sponsor named Danick Mervin with whom Harold had fixed a meeting through one of his special contacts.

“Now let me warn you, Jared,” began Harold, looking at me with slight impatience and irritation as I attacked my apple pie in the center’s café, fully ignoring him and relishing the dessert.“Mervin is mercurial, one minute your best friend and the next a cheetah. His personality worships the rule ‘no codswallop’, he needs direct and to the point answers, anything tentative or even suspicious and we’ve lost him forever,” he warned, looking at me serenely as I pretended to ignore him and gobbled up my pie. “Are you up for this? I think we should rehearse first,”

“I’m eating Harold, I retorted calmly, still not looking at him, while his face turned even more serene with sheer nervousness.

               At that point, Mervin emerged from afar, accompanied by a man, who I recognized to be his secretary as he was holding a briefcase that apparently belonged to Mervin. Mervin was a middle-aged man, with a stony face and surprisingly muscular physique who stood towering above us, looking more like a wrestler than a businessman. He gave us an automatic smile and with a handshake sat down facing me while his secretary sat by side. My eyes scanned him from head to torso, as he seemed an accurate version of what Harold had described.

             “Jared Bane,” he addressed me coldly, gaping into my eyes as I looked back in confidence. “I must say I’m quite impressed with the fact that a young gentleman like you has planned to start a company and not just any company but of Artificial Intelligence.”

                “Thank you sir, we appreciate-” uttered Joe, but he was cut off by Mervin.

                  “But why in this world do you believe, that I should take a dramatic decision of funding a would-be organisation thought off by two amateur youngsters who have barely crossed their teens?” he questioned, with a tone that seemed stern but more like humorous. He was right, sensibilitydid require an answer that which successful businessman in his right mind would take such a step. However, I had to present him with a rock solid reason and explanation for sponsoring my company.

“Mr Mervin, we can’t change the fact that we are amateur teenagers but, what we can do is when the company is set-up and running, we would give back more to the community, you realize that we are heading towards the future. A future where man’s jobs are replaced by robots. Japan has already taken several steps towards this kinda future. According to statistics, on average, Japan produces about two hundred thousand robots each year and it’s not just in Japan but also exported worldwide. This idea may seem far-fetched for you and way out of reach of two guys barely outta their ‘teens’, but from where I see, I see myself starting something that could both benefit and revolutionize this part of the world. For starting this company, who could be better than two young people who have just gotten out of the college experience, and know the mentality of the current student population. We have already initiated extending our reach to brilliant students who could be potential employees and when the time comes we could recruit them. Additionally, we have our reach over clients or potential clients who would be interested in buying from our company in the future, if we didn’t have this kinda reach, how else do you think we managed to have a meeting with you here in the first place?” I paused for a second, looking at him, but he sat there motionless attentively swallowing every word I uttered. “And coming to your company, correct me if I am wrong, the motto is ‘Give back’, right? So, Mr. Mervin, I cannot promise you instant success by investing in this start-up, but what I can promise you is that our company would focus more on cause-related marketing opportunities. Thus, by aligning your brand with the life-changing work we’d accomplish…you can bask in the ‘halo effect’.” I finished, still continuing to gaze in Mervin’s eyes, not letting the guard of self-confidence for even a second.

Danick Mervin got up instantly, and accompanying his secretary began walking away. Harold rushed towards him and desperately attempted to persuade him thinking of his negative decision, at that instant, he turned and replied,

“The next meeting will be held when you have initiated the development of the prototype Mr. Jared Bane…..good luck,”