Chapter 445: Sterling Launchpad Begins!!!
Star Harbor Convention Center.
Monday morning.
The main auditorium was already full long before the formal opening began.
Rows upon rows of seats stretched toward the central stage.
More than five hundred people could fit inside the hall, and today, almost every section was occupied.
School students.
University teams.
Independent founders.
Young entrepreneurs.
Experienced startup builders.
Mentors.
Faculty escorts.
And dozens of people who had traveled from different parts of Haven for one reason.
Sterling Launchpad.
At the center of the stage stood a large presentation screen, almost like the one inside a movie theater.
Sterling Foundation branding filled the background.
Soft instrumental music faded.
The lights dimmed slightly.
Then the host walked onto the stage.
Applause began immediately.
The host smiled.
"Good morning, everyone."
The auditorium responded warmly.
He waited for the sound to settle.
Then raised the microphone.
"Welcome to the first-ever Sterling Launchpad."
The applause grew louder.
"A national initiative by the Sterling Foundation created to bring together young minds, founders, students, innovators and future entrepreneurs from across Haven."
The host continued,
"Over the next seven days..."
"Hundreds of individuals and teams will come together under one roof."
"Some of you are taking the first step toward your startup dream."
"Some of you already have working businesses."
"Some of you are still discovering exactly what you want to build."
"And some of you..."
He smiled.
"...might find that answer right here."
Cheers rose again.
Across the auditorium...
Anna sat with her school friends.
All of them wore Launchpad identification cards.
One of them was already taking pictures of the stage.
Another kept checking the Sterling Launchpad app.
A few rows away...
University students from Citadel whispered among themselves.
Elsewhere...
Flake, who had once worked as a food delivery person, sat among aspiring entrepreneurs .
People from completely different backgrounds had gathered in the same hall.
No distinction.
At least not today.
The host continued,
"Before we begin..."
"I want to tell you a little about the organization that made this possible."
The screen changed.
STERLING FOUNDATION
The hall became quieter.
"The Sterling Foundation is a charitable trust established by the Chairman of Sterling Enterprises..."
"...Mr. Miles Sterling."
Several people immediately began whispering.
The name alone was enough.
The host continued,
"The Foundation was created with one simple belief."
"That progress means very little if it only reaches those who can afford it."
The screen changed again.
Images of newly built facilities appeared.
"Among its primary areas of work are child welfare..."
"Orphan care."
"Education for disadvantaged students."
"Accessible healthcare."
"Medical research."
"Humanitarian and social development."
"And programs for youth talent and entrepreneurship."
The first visual showed a newly built children’s home.
Bright rooms.
Play areas.
Study spaces.
Open lawns.
Children laughing.
The host continued,
"Within only a few months..."
"Multiple orphanages and child-support homes have already been established across Haven..."
"...with the guidance and cooperation of the National Child Protection Services."
The audience watched quietly.
"The goal is simple."
"No child should sleep hungry."
"No child should grow up feeling abandoned."
"And every child deserves a place that feels like home."
The screen changed.
Construction sites.
School buildings.
Classrooms being built.
"Several education projects are also under development for underprivileged students."
"Schools."
"Scholarship programs."
"Learning centers."
"Digital classrooms."
"And academic support for students who have ability..."
"...but not opportunity."
The next visuals showed hospitals.
Doctors.
Patients.
Medical equipment.
"The Sterling Foundation has also partnered with hospitals across Haven..."
"...to help make treatment more accessible and affordable."
"Especially for critically and terminally ill patients."
The host’s voice became more measured.
"Because no parent should lose a child..."
"And no child should lose a parent..."
"...simply because treatment costs more than a family can afford."
The auditorium became completely quiet for a few seconds.
Then the screen changed again.
A massive architectural rendering appeared.
A futuristic medical research complex.
The host smiled.
"The Sterling Foundation is also developing what is planned to become one of the world’s largest dedicated cancer research centers..."
"...in Citadel City."
There were murmurs immediately.
Some participants leaned forward.
The host continued,
"And then..."
The screen changed to the Sterling Launchpad logo.
"...there is this."
The crowd smiled.
"Sterling Launchpad."
"An initiative created for minds like yours."
"For people willing to solve problems."
"Build companies."
"Create jobs."
"Develop technologies."
"And help Haven become more self-reliant in the years ahead."
Applause spread through the hall.
The host waited.
Then smiled mysteriously.
"And now..."
"I have something very special for all of you."
The lights dimmed further.
"A message from someone who unfortunately could not join us in person today."
The host stepped aside.
The massive screen went black.
Then a video began.
A familiar face appeared.
The reaction was immediate.
The entire auditorium erupted.
"President Abbott!"
People clapped.
Some students stood.
Others immediately raised their phones.
Maxwell Abbott appeared on screen, seated behind a simple desk with the Haven flag visible behind him.
He smiled.
"Hello, dear innovators of Haven."
The cheering continued.
Maxwell waited.
Then said,
"I am your President..."
"Maxwell Abbott."
That earned another wave of applause.
His smile widened.
"For years..."
"We have been building this country together."
"Not only through government."
"Not only through industry."
"But through ideas."
The screen behind him showed a subtle national emblem.
Maxwell continued,
"We now live in an era where technology changes faster than ever before."
"A solution considered advanced today..."
"...can become outdated tomorrow."
"New industries appear."
"Old industries transform."
"And new problems demand new answers."
He leaned forward slightly.
"But one thing does not change."
"The value of an idea."
He paused.
"An idea does not die simply because the world changes."
"It survives..."
"...if the people behind it keep learning."
"Keep adapting."
"And keep improving."
Many participants listened carefully now.
Maxwell continued,
"We are also living through a global race."
"A race of innovation."
"Technology."
"Research."
"Entrepreneurship."
"And national capability."
His expression became proud.
"And that is why I am extremely proud to see organizations such as the Sterling Foundation..."
"...creating platforms that support talented minds before those minds are forced to look elsewhere for opportunity."
Applause rose again.
Maxwell smiled.
"I would also like to personally thank the young Chairman of Sterling Enterprises..."
"...Mr. Miles Sterling."
Another cheer.
"For consistently finding ways to return value to society."
"Not only through business..."
"...but through responsibility."
Maxwell chuckled faintly.
"And believe me..."
"If you ask me personally..."
"I really wanted to be there."
Several people laughed.
"But unfortunately..."
He sighed dramatically.
"My motherland has refused to approve my leave."
The auditorium burst into laughter.
Maxwell smiled.
"So I have to remain very hardworking..."
"...just like all of you."
"To make sure Haven remains safe..."
"Stable..."
"Prosperous..."
"...and a good home for everyone."
He paused.
"However..."
"I did send someone."
People immediately became curious.
"My son."
"Nicholas Abbott."
The cheering became louder.
"He will spend time with all of you."
"He will observe."
"Learn."
"Help where he can."
"And hopefully..."
Maxwell smiled knowingly.
"...learn something useful himself."
The auditorium laughed again.
"If he causes trouble..."
The President’s expression turned mock serious.
"Please report him to me."
The hall erupted.
Maxwell laughed.
"To every participant..."
"Every mentor..."
"Every student..."
"Every founder..."
"I wish you the very best."
"Use these seven days well."
"Learn from people older than you."
"Teach people younger than you."
"Ask questions."
"Make mistakes."
"Improve."
"And most importantly..."
"Build something you are proud of."
He smiled.
"Thank you."
"And good luck."
The video ended.
The auditorium exploded into applause.
The host stepped back onto the stage.
𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚
"What a message."
He smiled.
"And now..."
"Please welcome..."
"All the way from Citadel City..."
"Mr. Nicholas Abbott."
Music began.
The side entrance opened.
Nick walked onto the stage.
Two Secret Service agents entered with him but stopped near the side.
The reaction was immediate.
Applause.
Cheers.
Excited whispers.
The effect Nick had on the younger audience was obvious.
He smiled comfortably and walked toward the microphone.
"Good morning, everyone."
The response came louder.
"Good morning!"
Nick laughed.
"That was better than I expected."
More cheers.
He rested one hand near the microphone.
"For the next seven days..."
"I’m your friend Nick."
The audience laughed.
"No formalities."
"No long titles."
"No ’President’s son’ every five minutes."
He smiled.
"Just Nick."
Several students clapped.
"I’ll be here with all of you."
"Watching."
"Learning."
"Meeting teams."
"And hopefully helping where I can."
Then he glanced toward the side of the stage.
"I should probably thank my buddy Miles."
The crowd reacted instantly.
Nick smiled.
"For allowing me to come here."
Then he laughed.
"Although..."
"If you ask him..."
"He’ll probably say my mother forced him to babysit me."
The younger participants laughed loudly.
Nick continued,
"Like Mr. President said..."
"This is an era of competition."
"Businesses chase bigger numbers."
"Higher valuations."
"More users."
"More markets."
"More profit."
He paused.
"But while Sterling Enterprises keeps growing those numbers..."
"Sterling Foundation is cutting a part of them away..."
"...and giving it back to the community."
The audience became quieter.
Nick smiled.
"Who does that?"
A few people laughed.
He looked toward the large Sterling Launchpad logo.
"Honestly..."
"I support that completely."
Then he smiled.
"And I support you too, my friend."
The crowd applauded.
Nick waited.
Then his expression became mischievous.
"Now..."
"I know what some of you are wondering."
Several participants immediately reacted.
Nick smiled.
"Will Miles Sterling actually show his face?"
The entire auditorium became louder.
Anna’s group looked toward each other.
Several university students leaned forward.
Nick laughed.
"I knew it."
He shook his head.
"Miles is..."
Nick thought carefully.
"...a very simple person."
"Quiet."
"Private."
"And he likes his peaceful life."
Some participants chuckled.
"But..."
Nick raised one finger.
"I asked him."
The room became quieter.
"And we reached an agreement."
He paused deliberately.
"On Day Seven..."
The giant hall seemed to hold its breath.
"...during the finals..."
"Miles Sterling will personally meet every finalist."
The reaction was instant.
Cheers.
Applause.
Excited voices.
Nick grinned.
"Yes."
"You heard that correctly."
"So..."
He pointed toward the participants.
"Good luck."
"Work hard."
"And don’t miss a one-in-a-billion chance."
Another loud round of applause followed.
Nick waved.
"See you around."
He left the stage.
The two Secret Service agents moved with him.
The host returned.
"Thank you, Mr. Abbott."
He waited for the audience to settle.
Then his tone shifted into something more instructional.
"Now..."
"All of you already have your seven-day schedule available through the Sterling Launchpad application."
The large screen changed.
A detailed timeline appeared.
"Over the next several days..."
"You will attend sessions ranging from basic startup fundamentals..."
"...to advanced business strategy."
"Product development."
"Market validation."
"Financial planning."
"Branding."
"Technology."
"Legal structure."
"Pitching."
"Leadership."
"And much more."
He looked around.
"I know some of you are already experienced."
"Some of you may have businesses running for years."
"Some may already understand many of these topics."
He smiled.
"That gives you another responsibility."
The older founders listened.
"Guide the younger participants."
"Share your experience."
"Help them avoid mistakes you already made."
"Because this program is not only about winning."
"It’s about building people."
The screen changed again.
DAYS 1 TO 5
"During the first five days..."
"There will be no direct competition between your original teams."
Several participants looked surprised.
The host smiled.
"Instead..."
"Your participants have been shuffled into temporary mixed groups."
The auditorium immediately filled with whispers.
"Different ages."
"Different educational backgrounds."
"Different industries."
"Different levels of experience."
"Different cities."
He continued,
"Why?"
"Because real life rarely allows you to work only with people who think exactly like you."
That quieted the room.
He smiled.
"For five days..."
"You will learn from one another."
The screen showed the Sterling Launchpad application.
"Your temporary group assignments are now live."
Immediately...
Hundreds of phones vibrated.
People looked down.
Several university teams started reading names.
Even experienced founders began searching around.
The host raised one hand.
"Don’t move yet."
The auditorium laughed.
"I know you’re excited."
He smiled.
"But your next task begins right now."
Everyone looked toward him.
"Without chaos..."
"Without shouting across the room..."
"And like the professionals you are trying to become..."
A few people laughed.
"Find your assigned teammates."
"Meet at the designated area shown in the app."
"Then move together toward the assigned lecture hall."
"Your mentors will already be waiting."
He raised one finger.
"And once everyone is gathered..."
"Choose a group leader."
The audience immediately became more interested.
"By yourselves."
"No voting system from us."
"You decide."
He smiled.
"And yes..."
"This is part of the evaluation."
Whispers returned.
"Leadership."
"Communication."
"Coordination."
"How quickly strangers can organize."
"How well experienced people listen to younger voices."
"And how well younger people respect experience."
He paused.
"All of it matters."
The screen shifted once more.
GROUP REWARDS
"And at the end of Sterling Launchpad..."
"The ten best-performing temporary groups will receive additional rewards."
The audience cheered.
"Along with..."
The host smiled.
"...an opportunity to meet Chairman Miles Sterling..."
"...together with the finalists."
That immediately raised the excitement again.
"One more thing."
He looked toward the adults sitting with younger students.
"All faculty escorts..."
"Parents..."
"Teachers..."
"And designated student guardians..."
"Please enjoy your day."
A few adults laughed.
"Dedicated lounges have been arranged for you."
"Food."
"Refreshments."
"Rest areas."
"Workspaces."
"And live screens showing selected public sessions."
He smiled.
"So please..."
"Let the participants work."
Several school students immediately cheered.
The host laughed.
"Looks like they agree."
He took one final breath.
Then looked across the auditorium.
"Everyone..."
"Welcome to Sterling Launchpad."
The logo appeared behind him.
"Your seven-day journey..."
"Officially begins now."
He raised one hand.
"Good luck."
The auditorium erupted.
Applause.
Cheers.
Phones vibrating.
People stood.
But despite hundreds of participants moving almost at once...
There was no chaos.
Sterling Security personnel guided traffic from the aisles.
Foundation volunteers stood near every exit.
Digital signs updated immediately with floor and hall information.
Participants followed their assigned routes.
Some found teammates within seconds.
Others stared at names on their phones while searching through the crowd.
Anna and her friends split temporarily, each joining different mixed teams.
Citadel University students moved toward another section.
Independent founders began speaking with school students.
People who would probably never have met under normal circumstances...
Were already shaking hands.
Across the Convention Center...
The operations team watched everything through dozens of feeds.
Every small detail was being tracked.
Sterling Business Media was present too.
Cameras captured selected public moments.
Short interviews.
Participant reactions.
Opening highlights.
Some sessions would be streamed live.
Others would be released as edited clips.
The inauguration livestream finally ended.
A Launchpad montage began playing across the public broadcast.
...
Operations Floor.
June slowly exhaled.
"It finally began."
Miles stood beside her.
Several screens in front of them showed participants moving between halls.
He smiled.
"Perfect beginning."
June looked toward him.
"Your idea about mixing the groups..."
Miles glanced at her.
"...was actually really good."
He smiled.
"Of course."
June rolled her eyes.
Miles continued,
"It gives them something they won’t get if they stay with their own teams all week."
"Real-world friction."
"Different personalities."
"Different skill levels."
"People who don’t agree with them."
He pointed toward one feed.
A university founder was already explaining something to two school students.
"That builds confidence."
"Also exposes weak points."
June nodded.
"So by the time they return to their original teams..."
"They’ll look at their own pitch differently."
"Exactly."
Miles smiled.
"They’ll find gaps."
"Questions they never considered."
"Problems they ignored because everyone around them thought the same way."
June looked across the feeds.
"This competition is going to be tough."
"Very."
Miles continued,
"Especially near the end."
"But that’s fine."
He folded his arms.
"They’ll find their way."
June smiled.
Then noticed Miles’ attention shift toward one particular screen.
A participant list.
June already knew what he was looking for.
Miles smiled faintly.
"I’m really looking forward to NULL’s team."
June looked toward the same screen.
Then smiled.
"Me too."