Side Story: Panic

"Wait up, guys," Heinrich stepped away to receive his call. The other three turned at him, looking at his back as he walked out of their listening range.

Arai was still waiting for her leg cast and her other leg to be checked, turning to Ezekiel to ask, "How again did his car explode?"

"He modified his car for an alternative energy source experiment. It's partly funded by NASA," Ezekiel answered.

"But why did he use his own car?" Heath asked.

"Well, because the money is lacking, and he's impatient," Ezekiel answered once again.

"What an idiot."

"Stupid indeed."

Of all people they knew, Heinrich would be the smartest stupidest person they'll ever meet. But simultaneously, he was also the most successful while being almost entirely self-made.

A genius young man leading in rocket science and space exploration projects while also having a rich girlfriend who bought him whatever he wanted. No one else was as lucky as Heinrich.