Jason pulled his notebook from a worn-out backpack and placed it on the table. He opened the lid, and after a few seconds of booting up, he began navigating through a series of folders and files.
"I'll show you a demo of our platform. We're calling it ProjectHub for now."
He clicked on an icon, and a login screen appeared, with a simple logo at the top representing the temporary name of the site. Jason entered his credentials, and in just a few seconds, the homepage of the site loaded. It displayed a basic interface with some projects listed, each with brief descriptions and a funding progress bar.
"This is a very early version, of course," Jason explained. "We're focusing on functionality first, before investing in design."
Howard looked at the screen with curiosity. "Functionality is good, but… have you tested this with anyone yet?"
Jason nodded. "Yeah, we ran some tests with a small group of content creators and early-stage startups. They found the idea promising, but we had to tweak a few things based on their feedback."
He clicked on one of the projects on the screen, which seemed to be an idea for a portable device to monitor air quality. "Here's an example. This is a fictional project, but it shows how inventors can describe their ideas, add prototypes, and set funding goals."
Leonard leaned forward, interested. "And how do people invest? They just click 'support'?"
Jason smiled. "Exactly. When someone clicks to support a project, they have the option to choose different levels of investment. Each level offers a different reward, depending on how much they want to contribute. It could be a prototype, a mention in the final project, or even a small stake in the project, depending on the amount."
Sheldon crossed his arms. "And what stops these projects from being just scams to take money from gullible people?"
Jason quickly responded, "That's something we're working on. We'll have a verification system for project creators, along with requiring frequent updates and full transparency. If something seems suspicious, backers can report it, and the project will be investigated."
Raj commented, "This could really work. Especially if you can build a community of trustworthy inventors."
Jake, sitting next to Jason, nodded. "That's the idea. We want to change how ideas come to life. Imagine the potential. Someone on the other side of the world could have a brilliant idea but no resources to make it happen. With our platform, they'll have a chance to do that."
Leonard smiled, finally convinced. "It's ambitious, but I see potential. Especially if you can attract the right inventors."
Howard agreed. "And if you can make it more visually accessible, you could really attract the public."
Jason closed the notebook and said, "This is just the beginning. And of course, we want your input on how to improve it. We know it's something big, but we're still in the early stages."
Jake, grinning ear to ear, added, "So, what do you guys think? Are you ready to help build the future?"
Everyone agreed to help with the project.
"I'm also willing to contribute," Sheldon began, "but, of course, under a few conditions."
Jason tried to be diplomatic. "Sure, Sheldon. What do you suggest?"
"First, all decisions related to science, technology, and logic must go through me," Sheldon stated. "We can't allow mediocre minds to influence something this promising."
Howard rolled his eyes. "Okay, Sheldon, and what's the second 'big condition'?"
Sheldon straightened up and announced, "The name of the project. This generic name, ProjectHub, is absolutely unacceptable. It lacks any sense of grandeur. I propose something much more appropriate for what we're creating here."
Leonard sighed, already anticipating what was coming. "Here we go…"
Sheldon ignored the comment and continued, "I propose the name Scientia Magnificus et Alia Minora."
The others were silent for a second. Howard was the first to speak. "I don't speak Latin, but that sounds like 'Sheldon is amazing, and the rest of you don't matter.'"
Sheldon smiled, pleased. "Not exactly, but you're not far off. 'Scientia Magnificus' refers to me, of course, as the intellectual driving force behind this venture. 'Et Alia Minora' represents… you. The lesser contributions."
Leonard shook his head. "So, you want the name of the project to basically mean 'Sheldon is great, and we're… lesser'?"
Sheldon nodded. "You're finally getting it."
Jason tried to intervene. "I… I understand your intention, but maybe we need something a bit more… accessible?"
Sheldon crossed his arms. "You're throwing away an opportunity to make history with a name that perfectly reflects the reality of this project."
Leonard: "Or we could just stick with ProjectHub."
"Generic name, generic outcome," Sheldon grumbled.
Jake, seeing the situation getting a bit out of hand, decided to step in. "Look, initially, I only wanted Raj in this project. He's the only one here I really trust, and besides, he's part of the Eagles."
Howard, surprised, turned to Raj and whispered, "You're in his gang?"
Raj scratched his head, a little embarrassed. "Yeah… I've been in for a while."
Howard whispered back, "And why didn't you invite me too?"
Raj shrugged. "It just kinda happened…"
Jake resumed, ignoring the exchange between Howard and Raj. "As I was saying, originally, this was a private project, something between me and my friends, like Jason. But as we moved forward, I realized we needed capable people. However," he looked firmly at each one, especially Sheldon, "I want to make it clear that this project will remain under my leadership. I'm not letting anyone take ownership of what we've built."
Sheldon whispered to Leonard, "If he hits me, you'll do something, right?"
Leonard took a step back, distancing himself from Sheldon.
Jake ignored the whisper and continued. "I also know it wouldn't be fair to make you work on something that doesn't benefit you. So, I prepared contracts. Jason, please."
Jason grabbed a stack of papers and began handing them out to the group.
"When I knew you were coming, I made the preparations," Jake said, as the others examined the documents.
Leonard picked up the contract and began reading aloud, with a focused expression:
"Okay… let's see… 'This contract establishes the participation of the signatories in the development project of the crowdfunding platform, hereinafter referred to as CrowdFuture…'"
He paused and continued: "It says here that in exchange for intellectual and technical contributions, each of us will have a share proportional to our involvement in the project. So, basically, how much you contribute determines your share of the future profits."
Howard nodded. "Fair enough so far."
Leonard went on: "'The signatories agree that the overall leadership of the project, strategic and operational decisions will remain with Jake and his team. However, all collaborators will have a say in important decisions, especially regarding technical development and platform functionality.'"
Leonard continued, "Here's a part about profits… 'The signatories will be entitled to a percentage of the proportional profits, as stipulated in future addenda, based on the assessment of measurable contributions. Any disputes will be resolved by a neutral mediator if no consensus is reached.'"
He paused to think for a moment and commented, "This seems reasonable. Nothing overly complex, just a way to make sure no one gets screwed over."
Leonard went back to the contract: "'The signatories acknowledge that this is an early-stage, high-risk project, but the potential financial returns will be significant if success is achieved. Conversely, all original ideas and patents derived from the collective work will be jointly owned.'"
Howard was the first to pick up the pen. He looked at the contract for a second and, without hesitation, signed with a smile. "Well, I don't see why not." He handed the pen to Leonard.
Leonard gave the contract one final look, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, it seems fair." He signed next, passing the pen to Sheldon.
Sheldon held the pen, hesitating. He looked at the paper. "Wait, there's really no way we can change the name? Because, honestly, my name ideas are far superior. Just hear me out: Sheldon's Collective Crowdsourcing Revolution. It not only communicates the grandeur of our mission but also… mine."
Leonard, already frustrated, shouted before Sheldon could continue: "Sheldon!"
Sheldon raised his hands. "Fine, fine. But you're all wasting a brilliant opportunity." He finally signed the contract, but not without muttering to himself: "This platform could've been a revolution… now it's just another startup."
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Jake was leaning against the wall, calmly taking a drag from a cigarette.
"So, Raj," Jake started, "what do you think of all this?"
"It's promising. We still have a lot of work ahead, but I'm excited. Jason seems really capable."
Jake chuckled softly. "Yeah, the kid's got a good head on his shoulders. I found him at a garage hackathon. He was alone, nobody paid him any attention, but he created a prototype in less than 48 hours that left everyone speechless. After that, we chatted, and I saw he had potential. I invited him to work with me."
Raj nodded, clearly impressed. "That explains a lot. He really seems to know what he's doing. Is he part of the Eagles too?"
Jake laughed out loud and gave Raj a pat on the back – a slap that was a bit harder than he intended. "Jason? Nah, man, the Eagles aren't that easy to get into. This isn't a tech club, you know."
Raj chuckled, still feeling the thump on his back. "I know that well. I still remember that loyalty test they put me through. They sent the cops after me, threw me into an interrogation… It was hell. Who had the brilliant idea to arrest and interrogate me like that?"
Jake scratched his head and laughed. "Well… things got a little out of control that day. The idea was simple: just stop the bike when the cop told you to. It wasn't supposed to be anything major, you know? A loyalty test, see if you'd stay quiet or throw us under the bus."
Raj stared at him in disbelief. "Just stop the bike? You've gotta be kidding me!"
Jake stubbed out the cigarette, still smiling. "Well, you certainly surprised us. Nobody expected you to make a run from the cops."
"You did what nobody expected. And let's be honest, it was pretty fun watching from a distance."
Jake kept walking, leaving Raj standing there, still processing what he had just heard.
"I… I'm basically the Indian Vin Diesel," Raj murmured to himself.
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A/N: We just finished another chapter, and the next one will be based on episode 11 of the original series. Remember that so far I'm following the plot of the events, but I'm also creating my own interpretation; some things I'll expand on, while others I'll change settings or add something.
A/N: I've also noticed that I'm being slightly nerfed; my book isn't appearing in the rankings, and I don't even know if it's being recommended. It's a shame, because I honestly think many readers would enjoy it since slice-of-life fics are quite popular. I've been genuinely trying to create something fun for everyone, and I hope it's working.