Chapter Two: Four Dollars’ Worth of Causality

Set the membrane anisotropy coefficient to point seven three. The heat peak moves from the edge to the center.” Zhou stared at the formula, his breathing quickening. He pulled the keyboard toward him and began calculating. Thirty seconds later, he looked up sharply. “What do you want?” “Three encrypted backups. One for you, one for me, and one scheduled for your supervisor. In exchange, Prism contributes its cooling-membrane patent for a ten-percent share of your project. No interference with research.” “You just told her you were bankrupt.” “Bankruptcy is not death. It means the previous balance sheet has closed.” Zhou studied him, then held out his hand. “Deal.” The instant their palms met, the Exchange interface shook.