Building a Business Empire with my Technological System
Chapter 196: The Senate Hearing Part 3

In the cool, marble-lined corridors of the GSIS building, Michael Reyes and his team found a quieter corner during the short break. The tension from the Senate hearing still clung to them like a stubborn mist, but there was a palpable sense of relief now that Michael had navigated through the grueling session.

Juliet approached Michael, her tablet in hand, displaying notes and reminders. "You handled that well," she commented, reviewing the points he had made. "Especially when they pressed about the monopolistic concerns. That was a curveball."

Michael sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, Bridget. It felt like walking through a minefield. But I think we managed to present our case effectively without giving away too much or making promises we can't keep."

"As you all are aware, this senate hearing is being broadcasted in news and social media. So far it has over a million views, and the feedback seems generally positive," Bridget added, tapping through her tablet to show some real-time data and public reactions. "It's good PR."

"That's good to hear. Now, Juliet, I want to know what possible questions the Committee of Science and Technology might throw at us next. I need to be ahead of the curve," Michael said, shifting his focus to the upcoming challenges.

Juliet flipped through her digital notes, pulling up the agenda for the next session.

"I don't think it'll be the same as the Committee of Health and Demography. The Science and Technology Committee will likely focus more on the technical aspects of the Medipod, like its integration with current medical infrastructures, data management, and maybe even its AI capabilities."

"That makes sense," Michael responded thoughtfully. "But I don't think the Senator will be able to understand the technicalities of the technology, given that he doesn't have a background in any engineering or technology-related fields."

As they finalized their strategy, a Senate staffer approached them. "Mr. Reyes, the session with the Committee on Science and Technology will begin shortly. Please make your way to the hearing room."

Michael gave a nod of acknowledgment and turned to his team. "Let's head back in."

The group walked back to the hearing room.

As they entered, they found the members of the Committee on Science and Technology were already seated, arranging their papers and digital devices, preparing for a session.

Michael took his designated seat at the witness table, his notes and digital display ready. The chair of the committee, Senator Thomas Valdez called the room to order with a gavel tap.

"Good morning, everyone. We will now continue our discussions with Mr. Michael Reyes regarding the advancements in medical technology brought forward by his company. Mr. Reyes, today we expect to gain a deeper understanding of the scientific and technological underpinnings of your inventions.

Please be prepared to discuss the technical details, and we appreciate your efforts to make your explanations as accessible as possible to all members of this committee."

"Understood, Your Honor," Michael said.

"Now, the Medipod, it was proved too advanced by international standards, almost bordering on revolutionary. This level of innovation prompts a significant question," Senator Valdez began, leaning forward with interest. "Mr. Reyes, can you share with us how you came to develop such a groundbreaking technology? What inspired you, and what were the initial challenges you faced?"

That was it huh? So they wanted him to reveal how he conceptualized the Medipod. Well it's too advanced, it's from the technological system after all. So he can't tell them that he had received a system where it allowed him to summon futuristic technology invented in the future.

"Unfortunately, I can't share the details of how I conceptualized the Medipod," Michael replied carefully. "It involves highly sensitive information that pertains to proprietary technologies. However, I can assure the committee that the development process adhered to all ethical guidelines and regulatory standards."

Senator Valdez looked slightly taken aback but nodded, understanding the constraints. "While that is somewhat disappointing. Well because in the patents, you showed how Medipod was created but somehow, it's missing something."

"I intentionally left that one out, for security and proprietary reasons," Michael responded smoothly. "While the patents provide a framework, they don't encompass the entire depth of the technology, which includes some proprietary components that are crucial to maintaining our competitive edge."

Senator Valdez nodded, then shifted his focus, "I think when you are applying for a patent, you should disclose everything in exchange for protection from the state. Isn't it a risk to hold back information? What if your technology was stolen and patented by someone else? You could potentially lose everything."

Michael acknowledged the concern with a nod. "That's a valid point, Senator. However, every inventor has the right to protect sensitive aspects of their invention to a degree that doesn't compromise the full legal protection of their intellectual property.

We've structured our patents to disclose enough to establish ownership and protect the innovation while retaining some proprietary techniques that are critical for maintaining a competitive advantage. I assure you, there'd be no one on this planet who would be able to steal what's mine."

"That's quite a confident assertion, Mr. Reyes," Senator Valdez remarked with a slight smile. "Still, the risk remains. Intellectual property theft is a significant issue, especially with technologies as advanced as yours."

"Don't worry, I have it covered, Senator."

"Well if you say so, you are a tough nut to crack. Well, let's get on with another question."

With that, the Senator asked more questions about the Medipod and even the pill that he invented to cure Alzheimer's disease. Michael answered all of it professionally to the point it's becoming a lecture rather than a hearing. An hour later, the session began to wind down as the committee members ran out of questions. Senator Valdez, sensing the conclusion was near, prepared his final remarks.

"Mr. Reyes, I must commend you on your clear and thorough responses today. It's evident that your contributions to medical science are not only innovative but also conscientious," Senator Valdez stated.

He glanced around the room to ensure there were no further questions from his colleagues, then continued, "If there are no more questions, I believe we can conclude this session. I'd like to thank Mr. Reyes for his cooperation and the depth of information provided today."

With a final tap of the gavel, he announced, "This hearing is hereby adjourned."