04 - Load Bearing

Chapter Four. Load Bearing. The boardroom at Vector Aerospace was designed to intimidate — from the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Los Angeles to the mahogany table polished to a mirror finish. Zee sat at the head of the table, his posture relaxed but his mind calculating as he fielded questions from investors who collectively controlled more capital than some small countries. “The projected operational costs don’t align with current market conditions,” said a man in a bespoke suit whose name Ana had already forgotten. “Supersonic travel over land remains banned in most territories. Who’s going to pay for speed they can’t use?” “That’s like asking who would buy a sports car with a two hundred miles per hour speed limit in a city,” Zee replied, his tone patient but firm. “The innovation isn’t just about speed — it’s about efficiency. The X one Vector’s fuel consumption at Mach one point two is actually lower than conventional subsonic jets at their cruising altitude.” He gestured to the presentation on the screen. “We’ve fundamentally changed the economics of supersonic flight.” Ana sat to Zee’s right, ostensibly taking notes but actually observing the dynamic in the room. She’d spent the past two weeks immersed in the technical aspects of the X one Vector, her articles evolving from basic journalism to in-depth analysis that impressed even the most skeptical engineers at Vector. Her byline was gaining recognition in the aerospace community. “What about the structural integrity concerns?” another investor piped up. “Last quarter’s stress tests showed concerning fatigue patterns in the composite materials.” Zee’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “We’ve addressed those concerns with a new carbon nanotube reinforcement matrix. The latest data shows a thirty-seven percent increase in structural resilience without significant weight penalty.” “But the increased manufacturing costs — ” the first investor began. “That’s where you’re wrong,” a new voice interrupted. Everyone turned to the door where Ana stood, having slipped out during the presentation. She’d changed from her conservative suit into something more form-fitting — a charcoal dress that hugged her curves without revealing too much. “The nanotube matrix reduces overall material usage by twelve percent, offsetting the initial investment in the new manufacturing process. Over the aircraft’s lifecycle, it saves approximately two point three million dollars per unit.” The room fell silent. Zee watched Ana with barely concealed admiration as she continued. “Additionally,” she said, addressing the first investor directly, “the Vector’s range makes supersonic travel over land unnecessary for most high-value routes. London to New York, Dubai to Singapore, Los Angeles to Tokyo — none of those require crossing populated landmasses. The market isn’t just about speed; it’s about transforming how global business operates.” The investors exchanged glances, impressed despite themselves. “The magazine has been very generous with their access,” Zee said, breaking the silence. “Ms. Wang has spent more hours with our engineering team than some of our board members.” “I believe in the project,” Ana said simply, meeting Zee’s eyes with a look that held layers of meaning only they understood. “And in the person leading it.” The meeting concluded with significantly more confidence from the investors than it had begun. As they filed out, Zee approached Ana, stopping just short of touching her. “That was unexpected,” he said, a slow smile spreading across his face. “You looked like you needed backup,” Ana replied, her eyes sparkling. “Besides, I’ve been studying. I know this aircraft almost as well as you do.” “Almost,” Zee corrected, his gaze dropping to her lips. “But your passion for the subject is... compelling.”