Chapter 3: Laying the Groundwork

The first few weeks in his resurrected teenage body were a strange mix of nostalgia and urgent planning. Potchefstroom in 2010 felt both familiar and slightly off, like a memory viewed through a slightly distorted lens. While the System was handling the discreet acquisition of the land for his future factory, Tom knew he couldn't just sit idly by. Establishing the legal framework for "Interstellar Technology" was paramount.

"System," he said one afternoon, sitting at his old wooden desk, which now seemed ridiculously small, "what's the best way to register a new company in South Africa in 2010?"

"Accessing information on company registration procedures in South Africa, 2010. The primary regulatory body is the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (CIPRO)." The System provided a concise overview of the necessary steps: choosing a company name, registering it, drafting a memorandum of incorporation, and appointing directors.

Tom frowned. While he had a vague recollection of these processes from his previous life, the specifics were hazy. "Can the System provide any assistance with this?"

"Affirmative. For 5,000 System Points, I can provide you with a comprehensive guide tailored to your specific needs, including templates for necessary documents and a list of reputable legal professionals in your vicinity who can assist with the registration process."

Five thousand points was a relatively small price for such crucial information. "Acquire," Tom confirmed. Instantly, a detailed document appeared in his mental interface, outlining each step with clarity. It even included potential pitfalls to avoid and tips for a smooth registration.

The list of legal professionals caught his eye. He recognized a few names from his previous life – established law firms with good reputations. He decided to focus on one of the smaller, more agile firms. He didn't want to attract too much attention from the outset.

Using some of his initial capital, Tom scheduled a meeting with a lawyer from the recommended firm. Playing the part of an ambitious young entrepreneur with a groundbreaking (albeit currently vague) business idea, he explained his desire to register a technology company. He kept the details deliberately vague, mentioning software development and innovative electronic devices. The lawyer, a sharp individual in their late thirties, seemed intrigued by Tom's confidence and the promise of significant investment.

Over the next few weeks, Tom diligently worked through the registration process, guided by the System's comprehensive information and the lawyer's expertise. Choosing the name "Interstellar Technology" felt audacious, even to him, but he stuck with it. It conveyed the long-term ambition he harbored, the goal of reaching far beyond the confines of Earth.

During this time, the System informed him that the land acquisition was complete. A large plot on the outskirts of Potchefstroom had been secured through a shell corporation, ensuring anonymity. Soon after, construction workers, seemingly appearing out of nowhere (though Tom knew they were System-generated), began arriving at the site. Hoardings were erected around the perimeter, just as he had envisioned, effectively shielding the activity within from prying eyes. The initial construction phase, resembling a standard industrial warehouse, was underway.

While the legal and logistical groundwork was being laid, Tom spent hours delving deeper into the Tier 1 Mobile Phone Technology blueprints provided by the System. The sheer sophistication of the designs was breathtaking. Features like a high-resolution AMOLED display, a powerful multi-core processor, and an intuitive operating system were years ahead of anything available in 2010. He also noted the integrated camera technology, which boasted megapixels and capabilities that wouldn't become commonplace for several more years.

The application ecosystem was nascent but held immense potential. The System provided the framework for a mobile app store, something that was only just beginning to gain traction in 2010. He could foresee the immense demand for such advanced devices.

As the registration of "Interstellar Technology" neared completion and the construction of the factory began to take shape, Tom felt a growing sense of anticipation. He was laying the foundation for something extraordinary, something that would not only disrupt the existing technological landscape but redefine it entirely. The 18-year-old version of himself might have been overwhelmed by the enormity of the task, but the memories and experiences of his past life, coupled with the incredible power of the System, gave him the confidence to aim for the stars. His journey had just begun.