105 The Bid and the New Threats


    December 13th, 2024.


    At New rk City. Michael arrived at the city, parking his RAM TRX 500 in the designated parking space. There, he was greeted by one of the developers of the New rk City, Mr. Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez, a man in his early fifties with a firm handshake and a keen eye, wore a simple yet elegant suit that seemed fitting for the warm climate of the Philippines. His demeanor was professional, yet there was a warmth to his greeting that put Michael at ease immediately.


    "Mr. Reyes, wee to New rk City," Mr. Hernandez said. "We''ve been looking forward to your presentation. SraTech has made quite an impression with your proposal."


    "Thank you, Mr. Hernandez," Michael replied, matching his professionalism. "It''s an honor to be here and have the opportunity to discuss how SraTech can contribute to the city''s development. We''re excited about the potential partnership."


    "Well to do so, you''ll have to meet themittee and bid sessfully," Mr. Hernandez continued as they started walking towards the meeting building. "How about the other parties?" Michael asked as they made their way into the building. "The Sr Dynamics Corporation? Oh, they arrived early and are waiting for their turn to present," Mr. Hernandez replied without missing a beat. "They''re one of your mainpetitors for this project, as you know. But from what we''ve seen, SraTech''s proposal is very promising. It''s going to be an interestingparison."


    As they entered the building, Mr. Hernandez led Michael to a small conference room where he could prepare before the presentation. "You''ll have some time to set up and go over your notes. You''ll be presenting to a panel that includes key stakeholders in the New rk City project, including government representatives, urban nners, and environmental consultants.If you need anything, let me know."


    "Thank you, Mr. Hernandez," Michael said as he set down his materials and began to prepare. Mr. Hernandez gave him a nod of encouragement before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.


    Time passed quickly, and soon Mr. Hernandez returned to escort Michael to the main conference room. But along the way, he saw a familiar figure.


    "Mr. Benico?" Michael said, pointing at him.


    "Mr. Reyes," Benico responded with a nod, his expression neutral. "I trust your presentation went well?" Michael ventured, genuinely interested despite theirpetition. @@novelbin@@


    "It did." "Well, I''m happy to hear that. I''ll be the next to present," Michael said, trying to keep the conversation light yet professional.


    "Good luck then. It''s important for New rk City to have the best options on the table," Benico replied, maintaining a courteous demeanor.


    "Indeed, it is. See you around, Mr. Benico," Michael said as he turned to follow Mr. Hernandez, who had been waiting patiently for the brief exchange to conclude.


    Upon entering the conference room, Michael was greeted by themittee—a group of individuals representing various interests within the New rk City project, including environmental sustainability, urban development, and economic growth. He took a moment to set up his presentation, connecting hisptop to the projector and arranging his notes.


    Once everything was in ce, Michael faced themittees and introduced himself.


    "Good morning, I''m Michael Reyes, CEO of the SraTech Corporation. I am a mechanical engineering student who has been passionate about changing the world for the better. Our mission at SraTech is to innovate in the field of renewable energy and to provide sustainable solutions that not only meet today''s energy demands but also safeguard our for future generations. Today, I''m here to discuss how we can partner with New rk City to make this vision a reality."


    "That is a good introduction," one of themittee spoke. "So here''s the question, why should we choose SraTech Corporation over Sr Dynamics Corporation, especially considering they have offered a lower bid for the project?"


    Michael took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. "That''s a great question, and I appreciate the opportunity to address it," he began, projecting confidence. "While it''s true that Sr Dynamics Corporation has submitted a lower bid, it''s important to consider the overall value and long-term benefits of our proposal. SraTech''s technology is not only advanced and efficient but also designed for longevity and sustainability. This means lower maintenance costs, higher energy output, and longer service lifepared to standard solutions."


    "In conclusion," Michael wrapped up, "while the initial cost of our proposal might be higher, the return on investment when you consider energy savings, environmental benefits, and social impact, is significantly greater. We believe that choosing SraTech Corporation is not just an investment in renewable energy but an investment in the future of New rk City and its residents."


    After hearing his proposal, themittee exchanged nces and nodded in satisfaction. "Yourpany has been making names in Europe right?" "That''s true, and all the more reason to choose SraTech because we have credibility and reditations from Europeanpanies that are eager to partner up with us." "Well…Mr. Reyes, we must admit, the proposal is good, and it''s pretty convincing to say the least. Thank you for that and please wait for our call within two to three days to discuss the oue of the bid," one of themittee members concluded, extending a hand towards Michael for a handshake.


    "Thank you for the opportunity to present today. I look forward to hearing from you soon," Michael responded, shaking hands with themittee member and then with the rest of the panel. ***


    Three dayster, at the PSE Tower, Michael simply watched his phone, the anticipation building with each passing moment. He tried to keep his focus on the work at hand, reviewing project reports and responding to emails, but his thoughts inevitably drifted back to the bid for New rk City. Finally,te in the afternoon, the phone rang with Mr. Hernandez''s number on the disy. Michael took a deep breath before answering, trying to steady his voice. "Mr. Hernandez, good afternoon," he greeted.


    "Good afternoon, Mr. Reyes. I hope I''m not calling at a bad time," Mr. Hernandez began, his voice betraying none of the news he was about to deliver.


    "Not at all, I''ve been looking forward to your call," Michael replied, his heart racing.


    "Well then, I won''t keep you in suspense. I''m pleased to inform you that SraTech Corporation has been selected as the renewable energy partner for New rk City. Themittee was particrly impressed with yourprehensive approach to sustainability andmunity engagement. Congrattions, Mr. Reyes."


    For a moment, Michael was speechless, the weight of the news sinking in. Then, a rush of relief and excitement washed over him. "Thank you, Mr. Hernandez. This is fantastic news! We are thrilled at the opportunity to contribute to New rk City''s development and to work closely with your team."


    Mr. Hernandez chuckled, "We''re equally excited, Mr. Reyes." "This is worth celebrating!"


    ***


    Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, the world''s elites are starting to notice the SraTech rise in the chessboard. Two of them to be precise.