I nod. "That's better," I say, even though I'm not sure it is. I want to seem like we're in demand, but also make it clear we have nothing to lose. Which is true, if you count 'nothing' as $130,000 in student debt and a lease I can't break until June.
Maddy tweaks the draft. "Jian, you sign it. He'll trust you more."
Jian shrugs. "I will send from my address. But Alex has to take the call."
I nearly choke on cold coffee. "Why me?" I ask, and they both just stare at me like I'm an idiot.
Maddy says, "Because you're the vision guy. You actually believe this shit."
Jian nods. "Also, you are the only one who can explain the entropy thing without losing the audience."
I want to argue, but they're right. I'm the only one who can make it not sound insane. Or maybe I'm the only one insane enough to believe in it.
We read the email one more time. Jian's cursor hovers over 'send.'
"Do it," I say.
He clicks.
It's out there.
We're out there.
The room goes weirdly quiet, like we just launched a missile and are waiting to see if it hits anything.