Interesting question. Testing Barry's ambitions. Assessing whether he thought small or large.
"Changing the world," Barry said simply. "Energy storage is the foundation. But there are other problems. Other technologies that could advance humanity. I want to build solutions for all of them."
Wells's eyes brightened. "That's what I hoped you'd say. Most entrepreneurs think in terms of exits and acquisitions. You think in terms of impact."
"Money is useful. But it's a tool, not a goal."
"Exactly." Wells leaned forward slightly. "Barry, I'm going to share something that stays between us. STAR Labs is building more than just a particle accelerator. We're building a platform for breakthrough research across multiple fields. Clean energy. Advanced materials. Biotechnology. Everything interconnected."
Barry listened carefully. This was rehearsed. Wells had prepared this pitch. Which meant he wanted something specific.
"The particle accelerator is the centerpiece," Wells continued. "But the real vision is creating an ecosystem where brilliant minds can pursue ambitious projects without traditional constraints. Funding. Resources. Collaboration. All available to people who think beyond conventional limitations."
"That's ambitious," Barry said neutrally.
"It requires ambitious people." Wells met his eyes directly. "I want you to be part of that ecosystem. Not just as a consultant. As a partner. Someone with skin in the game."
There it was. The real ask. Wells wanted Barry deeply integrated with STAR Labs. Not just peripherally involved.
"What would partnership look like?" Barry asked.
"Equity stake in STAR Labs. Position on the leadership team. Access to all research facilities and equipment. Freedom to pursue your own projects while contributing to ours." Wells paused. "In exchange, STAR Labs gets first access to your innovations. Not exclusive rights. Just first opportunity to license or collaborate."
Barry analyzed the offer instantly.
Equity in STAR Labs was potentially valuable but also created obligations. Leadership position meant time commitment. First access to innovations could limit his flexibility.
Downsides existed. But so did upsides. Resources. Connections. Proximity to the particle accelerator when it eventually exploded.
"I'll need some some time to come to a decision. Can you wait?" Barry asked.
"Of course. This isn't a decision to rush." Wells smiled. "But I want you to know the offer is genuine. I see something special in you, Barry. A mind that operates on a different level. That's rare. I'd like to help you achieve your full potential."
They ordered lunch. The conversation shifted to lighter topics. STAR Labs research projects. Barry's consulting work. General discussion about Central City's growing tech sector.
Barry maintained perfect social calibration. Engaged but not overeager. Interested but not committed. His enhanced emotional intelligence let him navigate the dynamics flawlessly.
Throughout lunch, he observed Wells continuously. Micro-expressions. Speech patterns. Physical mannerisms. Looking for anything that indicated deception or hidden agendas.
Wells was good. Very good. His affect was consistent. Body language relaxed. Eye contact natural. Nothing overtly suggested lying or manipulation.
But something was still off. Something Barry's enhanced perception caught in tiny details.
Wells's eyes. They held depths that didn't match his friendly demeanor. Like someone who'd seen things that changed them fundamentally. Trauma maybe. Or knowledge that isolated him from normal human experience.
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