Page 5 of Semantics

“We can’t keep relying on me,” Enya replied. “I want to do it all, but I can’t. We need something to help me out here, as much as it kills me to admit that. I’ll review everything, but it’ll make it go so much faster until we can hire more people like me.”

“There is no one like you,” Arlowe said.

“You know what I mean. Plus, having this software or something like it makes us more marketable. Right, Sarai?” Enya asked.

“She’s right. I know that we can hire translators, but not at the speed we need to get this done by, and even then, some of them are going to get things wrong anyway, and we’ll have to check their work no matter what,” Sarai replied. “We’ve been doing this for ten years, and we have no backup plan for Enya. It’s either her or bust. My thought is that we buy this software, use it at least temporarily to get us where we need to be, and then we either keep it or do something else. We’re struggling here and need to be able to go faster.”

“Agreed. And look, I understand the complexities and the many, many issues, but we have to compete. Hell, we have to be around to compete, and this could help us stay around. We’re burning Enya out, and we’re still only four employees. That’s not going to get any better the bigger we get. Assuming we’re still around to get bigger…” Violet added regretfully. “I reached out to a few companies who might be able to help.”

“You did? Already?” Arlowe asked. “Shouldn’t I be involved in that?”

“You can, but I don’t know if you should be right now. If you’re doing that, it means you’re not doing something else. Let me handle the initial stuff, and I will bring you in when I need you.”

“We’d still have to implement it, and you’ll need me for that,” Arlowe said.

“Then, let me hear back from the possible vendors, and we’ll see.”

“How much is that going to cost us?” Sarai asked.

“A lot,” she answered honestly. “Over a hundred grand at first if we went all-in based on the pricing models I’ve seen. Annually, it’ll be less since a lot of the one hundred thousand is the setup and implementation fees.”

“Jesus!” Sarai exclaimed. “And we really need this now? I thought we were going to find a real head of sales first so that I could focus on just brand building. Sales is not my area. I want to make content, Violet.”

“I know. And I want that for you, too, but we need to get the app in front of the right people, and you’re the best one we’ve got for that. Enya is busy translating and coming up with the learner portion. Arlowe has to code whatever is in Enya’s brain. I’m busy doing everything else, so that leaves you.”

“And we can’t get a salesperson, even if it’s not a head but someone entry-level, just to help out a little?”

“Not right now, Sarai. I’m sorry,” she replied. “And we need the hardware, too. I think if we market it right, it’s the best call to make it, but that’s a whole other thing that we’re not only not ready for, but we can’t afford it, either. I’m doing the best I can with my initial investment, what I’ve added on, and what I’ve gotten a few other, smaller investors – namely, my contacts – to contribute to this, but it’s getting harder the longer we go without making a profit. We might have to reconsider–”

“No way. Come on. Please don’t say it…” Arlowe interjected.

“Ads. We might have to consider adding ads,” she said, not thrilled with that idea, either. “It won’t make much, but it would be something to help offset costs.”

“We can’t. No ads, Violet. Our app shouldn’t have ads for stupid games.”

“And I completely agree with you, but it’s an easy way to make a few bucks, Arlowe.”

“Says you. I’d have to code where they go. You really want me to spend my time doing that?”

“No, but it could help in the long run,” Violet replied.

“Maybe we should talk about that when Arlowe isn’t two Red Bulls and a large coffee into her day,” Enya suggested.

“You really do drink way too much caffeine, Arlowe,” Sarai added.

“I’ve had two Red Bulls in, like, twelve hours. It’s fine. I was up until four.”

“That is also not healthy,” Sarai noted.

“I’m an engineer. It’s just how we are,” Arlowe argued. “You should be used to it by now. We’ve lived together for how long?”

“Too long,” Sarai stated.

“You’re right. You really should move out,” Arlowe replied.

“If anyone’s moving out, it’s you – your car is always leaking oil and is somehow in the way of mine whenever I want to leave.”

“It’s old because I’m not spending my money buying a new one, and I’m putting what I have from my other apps into this business.”