There was a kind of half-warrior, half-pacifist hermeneutics in play, during which we spent our time reacting to what philosopher Michel Serres called "the signal fires and foghorns" of the adversary.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Russia is brazen, Europe weak

After an anxious, phone-buzzing-filled offsite meeting, Serres is caught off-guard by the influx of interest and tells his assistant, Sam Burkett, to clear appointments for the week and schedule investor meetings.

FORBES: $8M In Two Weeks: The Inside Story Of The Largest, Crowdfunded Series A Round Of All Time

Serres responds to the e-mail four minutes later.

FORBES: $8M In Two Weeks: The Inside Story Of The Largest, Crowdfunded Series A Round Of All Time