A Digital Era

Chapter 2

A few states away two senior MIT graduate students are preparing their end results of countless hours of studies and endless dollars spent to achieve there desired results in the field of computer cryptography. Small town kids, Chris age 29 originally from Texas and Charlie age 31 originally from Virginia both with very loving and successful parents. Excelling in the digital era has made them top of their class since childhood. Prime candidates for a tech giant like MIT. Finding themselves onboard after years of dedicated hard work alone with skill. Some would even call them perfect candidates. Chris and Charlie met at a lecture expo. A communion of tech giants in Las Vegas during their freshman year. The communion is also where their crypto career begin. Although top of their class with a bright future in sight, they also fell under the constraints of their current economic and financial status. Like many people often feeling, desperately needing money. Following a successful graduation both Chris and Charlie decided to celebrate. More like a guy’s night out instead of a post-graduation celebration. Together, both brainstorming ideas attempting to gather their life together. Although intelligent, bright and full of potential Neither Chris nor Charlie had work lined up for after school. No plans to earn money with their hard earned Ivy League degree: sort of walking blind into their future, acting sometimes like college kids with no worries for tomorrow. This is the night they devised a plan to become drug dealers. To utilize their skills and to making an attempt at financial freedom after discovering college tuition and debt doesn’t come cheap. The idea was put into motion after a topic was brought up on crypto currency as a means of safe and effective form of anonymous payment. Since the time of the meeting of the giants there freshman year, crypto currency and other forms of independent banking has really made an impact on the world market. Even though they have decided to remain anonymous, they were blinded and unprepared for the road that lie ahead. Both with very well developed and maintained relationships to shed some light on their personalities. They both were single when it comes to relationships, more leaning toward workaholics and dorm kids rather than men with careers or family in mind. Meaning there really was nothing much holding the guys back from what could be an interesting road to financial freedom or providing another perspective on what's potentially the best or worse decision of their lives. After a few hours on the subject and a few beers later, becoming enlightened on cause and effect of all possible perspectives they could counsel up into light: and even scheming on the dynamics, as if gyrating the roles to come. Closely highlighting the roles of all who would become involved with their idea of drug dealing. The United States Postal Service, drug divisions from all kinds ranging from DEA to the local patrols. Cyber services including military division, as well as the potential for future coordination from the international political community could cause some problems for their security in the long term. The dynamic of their financial freedom idea shifted into focus. It felt to them totally like a work of science fiction in a cyber-age. Untraceable, independent transaction mediums such as private sector vendors, just like the ones at the expo in Vegas. The thought of small state and local organized entities, designed to work in the silent area of the government or probably not designed that way, more than likely evolved alone with the market, now deciding to remain anonymous for their own purposes 'elemental communions'. Many dynamics highlighted and brought into the light during their conversation covering family topics and relationships. Not long after the conclusion of family dynamics, they found themselves upon the topic of product source. Contacts as well as transportation, trafficking and small business owners with hundreds of orders daily alone with the worldwide postal service to help. As soon as they could get there product back to their garage, they know they have all the time in the world to just wait patiently for the money to come to them. With the design to transform the digital currency into good old fashion American dollars. A few weeks later not long after that poetic night out, 'solo' Charlie finds himself face to face with the perfect candidate to help initiate and put into motion this plan, if willing to participate and cooperate. Pedro forty-five, originally from Portland Oregon with family ties to Mexico and Columbia claimed hints from the past and time spent proving points behind the scenes: A puff of smoke here and a line of coke there. Connecting with him and Going as far as enjoying their poison in each other’s presence. He met Pedro not long after getting accepted into college. Out one night, after attending a lecture in Portland Oregon. Charlie decides to have a few drinks with the local night life. Choosing an exotic nightclub over your standard sports bar to enjoy a drink. Pedro from a table away, striking up a conversation with Charlie as he waited for his drink. And now here we are, Charlie shook off the all the paranoia and fear, he thought perfect and approached just like old friends from the past. There wasn’t much time to be spent upon the encounter, lucky enough there numbers were exchanged and their roles carried on where they left off. A few days later Charlie calls with the attempt to shape a breakfast energy with Pedro: answering the phone with such a perfect inviting energy. The call went perfectly according to Charlie: the attempt to schedule breakfast went accordingly. The weeks flew by, after multiple meetings over both coffee, breakfast and tiptoeing his way around the dynamic, it was clear to Pedro well as Charlie. Both picked up on the energies that was being presented. Quickly discovering that the long term security, trust as well as loyalty and anonymity issue was in the forefront of each other’s mind. How coincidental both guys were looking for the same thing in life 'financial freedom'. Weeks go by Chris and Charlie find themselves roaming around yet another seminar expo, this one located in Atlanta. They find themselves introducing themselves to the ground vendors, getting to know and learn the possibilities of what’s to come for the future. Conversations ranging from the current state to new and improved creations in the industry. New and improved ways of working with technology. User friendly integrations involving home computers and mobile devices. Exploring around, after a few hours they run into a few old colleagues and classmates from there past who agree to have lunch with them the following day. The week long communion provided for them the perfect opportunity to fit the schedule and maximize the experience. Experiencing all that one day could offer. Later in the evening, they find themselves back at their room going over all the possibilities. Possible integrations with the new tech and their current ongoing projects. The night brought rest to the subjects. The following morning they find themselves back at the expo food court with their colleague classmates from there past. Casual and catching up on their past. You could tell the dynamic changed momentarily: all hoping everything goes according to their minds plan, however prepared to let everyone be themselves letting the topics of conversation flow freely without and restriction. The guys attempted to feel out each other’s energy before diving into the business energy topics. Later into the lunch, the heat turned up, topics of future investments of the currency and potential growth of their relationships and possible investments were brought into light. Mark 42, single from Miami Florida, successful businessman and Justin 40, single from San Francisco California and successful businessman. Both have their own stories of achieving success, as well as having more experience involving certain laws in the private sector and government integration. Primarily involving there investment opportunities that's turned out successful in the past or so they bring into light. Which was fine with Chris and Charlie, there experience and knowledge gave them confidence. They thought confidence is key moreover becoming more enlightened to the nature of the industry is also key. The digital unexplored Yukon: involving unknown and newly created laws and policies. Independent shareholders to the private independent entities. All topics in the industry are up for interpretation and viewpoint expression in their opinion. New minds always sheds new light on their current and future decisions ranging from security to long term success. Concluding a very successful lunch with the guys, catching up becoming influenced as much as possible as well as implanting the idea of future business plans. Mark and Justin inform Charlie and Chris that they now have to return to their area of operation. It was left up for question, Chris and Charlie already knew in that line of business they could have multiple areas of operation, kind of laughing if off like a joke amongst the to themselves. To keep from imposing any further they allowed the lunch to close with a near perfect and smooth transition. As Mark and Justin turned and walked in to the crowed of people, Charlie looked at Chris saying 'success' and the lunch didn’t even feel a like business meeting at all, it felt more like a good old time with the guys and lunch than anything. Stating in a relax state, his legs crossed leaning back in his chair in the food court. Chris spoke up saying 'it’s been a really good day so far' maybe we should get drinks, I could go for a drink. Following the drinks as well was a few more hours of exploration and studies that concluding yet another successful day at the expo, they find themselves back at their room once more going over certain paper works and discussing certain topics on the tech studies from the gadgets discovered earlier in the day. They were both thrilled with the idea of another day at the expo and the idea of recovering from the alcohol. The next morning they find themselves back at the food court having brunch, thinking and processing all the information has been received. Going over the topics once more discussing ideas as before. The subject of currency exchange, storage and transference was brought up, with the possibility that a formula for security maybe on the rise. Charlie speaks up saying 'man I think I drink too much last night' as he sips on his coffee and rubs the sleep from his eyes. Feeling not quite like a freshman recovering from a dorm party from the previous night. I think I’m getting to old for alcohol and late nights maybe. I should probably take into consideration the next time I attempt to drink and stay up late. Chris looks up smiling at Charlie with a look that speaks for itself, the look spoke 'were not as young as we once were'. A year or so back Chris and Charlie rented a small business building for their ongoing operations involving work and school, where they work and study like normal people every day, with a normal schedule. A small business rental in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. A perfect setting surrounded by retail shops, banks and grocery stores. Not much attention was brought to them by the public, of course they have not been successful enough to actually name and sign their business yet. What success this far involving Chris, Charlie and the crypto world, they have used the earnings for basic and major upgrades and self-sustaining purposes. Thankful for their current status and business location. However more wealth is needed for continuous growth and prosperity. The past generated wealth come from earlier investments, followed by the design of their web based online platform. Where they could now connect the buyer and sellers of currencies, goods and services to buy, sell and trade. Although not as successful as their parents or acquaintances in terms of volume invested. There platform continues to hold huge potential for the future of investors and merchants. There platform is now active, up operating and generating profits a small however, helpful amount of profits. Often people would call asking questions regarding the nature of their business and investment opportunities. They could tell by the analysis of the combined questions over the past, the majority of the people coming into contact with their advertisements and or platform, are of the small and large business investment minded people. Successful deals closed here and there, alone with a small however proud amount of transaction success. They quickly realized they needed to step up their game. The closer and closer feeling of financial freedom, the desires of success and to make a difference in their lives as well as their clients, could be felt by everyone. With their professionalism and exceptionally great past experience alone with current good standing in the industry, that seems to be what connects them and their returning clients. The ethical world of freedom and liberty, the ever growing and evolving nature of the business and industry they've been building around them has been shedding more and more light on themselves. To sum up the past few years of research, they have come to the conclusion that it's a complex and ever changing environment. Finishing up there coffee and brunch, they find themselves in a moment of silence. A state of awareness they only could interpret as peace. After a while of silence, reflection and food digestion, there attention was redirected to a scene across the food court. A father sitting with his children laughing, cheering and enjoying ice cream. As if there life was complete and at that moment the only thing that matters is family, happiness and ice cream. It's like a small piece of Charlie was present at the table during the laughter of the pleasing moment. Any uneasy, stressful related emotion or thoughts if any harbored within, settled within them at the food court expo exhibit at that moment. The slow, calm awareness moments seems to come from nowhere at the right and perfect time. Snapping back to the reality of the moment. Sitting quietly with the sound of people around them as the world passes by like time speeds up. In an instance reflecting on their whole life and what it’s all been for. When they see true happiness, they immediately realize there priorities. Both Chris and Charlie live in Atlanta now, both live in well-developed neighborhoods with well-developed relationship with their family and neighbors. Often having crowds over for sporting events and holidays with parent and family gatherings. To share more details on their personalities. Not your stereotypical drug dealers. A few days later, enjoying a book with the market news in the back ground, Chris puts on a cup of coffee, and upon arriving back to his seat, solitude and stillness fills the room. A quick press of the mute button on the remote and silence quickly follows. Not long after, he hears the ring of his cellphone from his bedroom. He picks up his cellphone and sees its Charlie attempting to make contact with him. Not thinking too much he answers 'hello'. 'Hey bro' Charlie responds 'how are you this morning’? Pretty good, the response carried enough energy to signify to Charlie that’s it's another slow and calm weekend over at his place. What are you doing later? Do you want to meet up? I have some information for us to work with. Chris remaining calm responds 'sure' I have a couple errands to run this morning, however I'll be free this evening if you would like to hang out at my place? Responding eagerly Charlie accepted the timeframe. Great I’ll call you back later in the evening to see how everything is going. So it was agreed upon, wishing each other a safe morning. Beep... Chris hangs up the phone, returning to his couch to continue enjoying his coffee. Pondering the possibilities he places his coffee on the coffee table, kicking back to pick up where he left off in his book. A few hours later, skipping breakfast altogether, indulging in coffee and literature. He finds himself getting tired and ready for a nap, closes the book. Placing the book beside the empty coffee cup. He decided it was time to get out of the house, going to run his errands and do his chores. The tasks on the morning list: groceries store, laundry supplies and post office kind of morning. Returning home, storing away all the supplies he lies down on the couch, book and coffee cup lying as it was left. He grabs the pillow lying beside him, wrapping it around his head as he lies back on the couch. Startled by a phone call, Chris realizes he has fallen asleep and that hours has passed after looking at the clock on his phone. He answers the phone 'yes hello'. Hey bro, I’m in your neighborhood. Have you settled in for today? 'Yeah sure' come on over Chris replies. Alright I’ll be pulling up soon, great I’ll see you momentarily. Chris hears a knock that tells him Charlie has arrived. Yelling from across the living room 'it's open, come on in'. Charlie enters, sitting down greeting themselves like old friends would. Upon settling in, Charlie brings up the topic of the visit. The anonymous source, and how he has received a call regarding what we will be needing: and how it's all been organized and taken care of Charlie says. An endless supply of cocaine. Charlie thinking to himself how happy and thrilled he is on landing a confident, higher-up contact on the first try. Of course past history really played a role in security and relationship development. Informing Chris that all the dynamics on this topic is covered. However to get the best price for the merchandise, they would have to drive themselves to pick it up instead of relying on it to be brought to them. They would have to take the risks driving. At least at first they thought, until they could adapt and change to the plan or employee more help. 'Would you like a cup of coffee'? Chris asks Charlie 'Sure in response'. Retrieving the coffee Chris states, 'you know I’m glad you’re here' cause my contact has made contact with me as well. Now we have both a secure source, and a well-protected and safely guarded platform. An anonymous platform that will connect merchants and customers anonymously from the safety and security of their home or terminal of their choosing. A safe, long-term, secret and user friendly internet platform designed just for our needs, Chris informs Charlie. 'You’re kidding' Charlie asks. 'Nope' I’m not kidding, everything has lined up pretty much perfectly for everyone involved, he said. Later into the conversation they come to the realization that now, all they have to do is drive themselves right on down to Mexico, picking up there product and return without getting arrested by the police. They both thought 'easy enough' then 'perfect'. Now there plan was waiting on them. Both Charlie and Chris knew the power and the line drawn when it comes to remaining anonymous. No one seemed to be worried, mutual respect and loyalty to each other enflames there confidence and security. All seemed to be recognized and brought into reality over a cup of coffee and a few hours of thinking. To keep everyone safe and anonymous, Charlie volunteers to solve the transportation issue. Everything from pickup's to the garage drop-offs. There second phase: here Chris would take over with his contacts and platform. Charlie wanted to provide the security for both Chris and Pedro. Eliminating all possible risks that he will be getting himself involved in with Pedro and Chris. Not needing the two parties to connect the dots on their relationships. Keeping everyone involved more safe and secure. Just how they wanted it. Chris was the one to worry about the online currency transactions, and the redistribution of these substances. All the time worrying about the unknown digital footprint possibly left behind. Connect it all to him and failing on his attempt to remain anonymous to the authorities. It seemed to be all solved. They would have to sleep on it to fine tune the decisions to come. Chris would have to make phone calls prior to acting to get everyone lined up and ready for vendor activities. The topics come to a close and the idea of a movie and pizza came to the mind of the guys. They thought what better way to celebrate the day, than to chill at home while relaxing, dreaming of a better tomorrow.