The Perfect Surface

Chapter 3

The Deal

Lucas checked his watch as his private transport pod navigated Linear City's skyways. He was already running late for his children's school showcase, but the massive sealant manufacturing plant on the horizon caught his eye. The dream's images flashed unbidden through his mind.
"Slight detour," he instructed the pod. "Chen Sealant Technologies."
The plant's status indicator pulsed a steady amber against the brilliant white buildings surrounding it. Inside, the familiar scent of containment sealant filled the air – the clean, sharp smell that had protected Linear City's foundations for generations. Sunlight streamed through the vast windows, illuminating the gleaming machinery which, though now quieter, retained its immaculate condition. Even with orders on the decline, every surface gleamed with meticulous care, showcasing unwavering dedication.
James Chen sat at his desk, holographic displays floating around him like luminous butterflies, each showing a different aspect of his company's journey. The gentle hum of production lines in the background had grown softer over the years, but hadn't fallen silent. His maintenance crews kept every system running at peak efficiency, even as demand dwindled.
"Lucas Freeman." James's voice carried its characteristic warmth, though his status indicator wavered slightly. "Here to watch the sunset on my family legacy?"
"Just checking in with an old associate."
James gestured to a presentation still floating from his last meeting. His hand steady despite the circumstances. "New construction's switching to self-regulating nanobots. No containment sealant needed." He pulled up a map of the facility, pride evident in his precise movements. "But this location – prime real estate. The conversion potential is incredible. Three acres of industrial-zoned property with direct neural grid access. Manufacturing setup could be modified for any emerging tech." The holographic plant schematic rotated smoothly, each system highlighted in perfect working order.
Lucas's swift analysis revealed a decline even more pronounced than James had hinted at. Yet the facility hummed with the same excellence it had shown in its prime. James's status indicator flickered as he watched Lucas study the true figures.
"I... I should be honest." James's voice cracked slightly. "Current valuation is much lower. The debt..." He gestured at streaming numbers, each darker than the last. "My family's future..." His immaculate suit and perfectly maintained office spoke of someone who refused to surrender to decline.
Lucas studied his old associate, remembering the man who'd once commanded respect in every corporate pod. The tactical move would be to leverage this desperation, acquire everything for practically nothing. In Linear City's transparent economy, no one would blame him.
"Ten percent of last year's value," Lucas said finally. "I'll absorb all debt. And you'll retain ten percent ownership. Keep the Chen name in the company."
James stared at him, struggling to maintain composure. His status indicator pulsed with disbelief. A cleaning drone quietly polished the floor behind him, maintaining standards until the very end. "Why would you... This is too generous. The debt alone..."
"Sometimes legacy matters more than logic," Lucas said, activating his crypto interface. The transaction completed with a soft chime that echoed through the spotless facility.
James's hands trembled as his debt indicators cleared. "My family... we can..." He straightened, his professional facade crumbling before him. "I don't understand. Why?"
"Sometimes you have to trust what you know," Lucas said, surprising himself with the words.
His social feed buzzed with notifications as he left. Status level dropped. Calendar appointments rescheduled. School finance alert. Sarah would have questions.
But beneath the digital chaos, Lucas felt an unfamiliar peace. The warning from the dream had spurred him into action, compelling him to place trust in something beyond mere data and transparency. In Linear City's perfect system, faith in the unseen might be their only salvation.
His pod rejoined the skyway traffic, now definitely late for the school showcase. But for the first time since the dream, Lucas felt certain he was exactly where he needed to be.