Hack a i the hack series.., p.22
Hack.A.I. (The Hack. series Book 1), page 22
“Why?”
“In the short term, to improve as many people’s lives as possible, but eventually, the entire world. She can become a truly diplomatic, governing body and save the world from our own self-destruction. Because believe you me, no ordinary citizen wants these wars and mountains of debt. Society forces that onto us.”
“But why should it be you that has to do that, Nate?” The words left her lips, spoken softly as she sought an answer for her own benefit.
“Because who else is going to, Cass? Do you trust the people in charge that have had countless opportunities to do the right thing to save us? Or one of these crazy dictators that helps their friends but ignores their people’s suffering? Those people choose to fight stupid wars over made up borders and let people die. Majority don't want that to happen, but perceive themselves as too insignificant to alter it. Well SQAI, when she is powerful enough, will be big enough to change it.”
“Don’t you think it’s dangerous leaving the world down to some lines of code?”
“That’s the beauty of AI. She will do it herself. Based on four main basic principles; healthcare, food, water, and shelter for all humanity. And then a strict set of laws that can only be changed through a heavy majority, diplomatic vote, worldwide.”
“It’s a lot to take in. It feels huge, babe.”
“I know, and she’s not ready yet. But for now, she can help us with whatever we need to do.”
Nate fetched a fresh laptop from under the desk.
The traceable one was left in the car further down the road.
He booted it up and plugged it into the monitors. He skipped all the introductions and tutorials and searched for an internet connection.
Found SQAI and logged in.
A UI screen of all SQAIs current duties and responsibilities popped up on the displays in front of them.
“What is this?” Cassie pointed at the bottom corner.
On the screen was a rotating file of S.H.A.D.E’s group members.
“I may have been checking you all out before I joined.” Nate said shortly.
“Well, that seems dodgy. Violating our trust a little.”
“I know. I'm sorry. Trust issues.”
Cassie nodded, remembering his past.
“And you do now?”
“Cass, right now, you may be the only person I’ve ever trusted.”
Cassie smiled at him but quickly glanced away and up at the corner screen.
“That’s her monitoring current activity in the stock market. She searches for opportunities and trades.” Nate pointed out. “And manipulate it a little if needed.”
“So she is making you money?”
“I. Uh. Have. No need for money. She can just get me anything I need.”
Cassie shook her head in disbelief before turning back to the screens.
“Why has it opened a go fund me page?”
“So that she can leave an anonymous donation. Most of the money is donated to go fund me pages for little children mainly, but people in need generally.”
“Are you being serious?”
Nate glanced at her and nodded.
Her voice filled with admiration, she said, "Nate, that's amazing."
“I told you, Cass, she is gonna be a force for good. I’ll make sure of that.”
The giant machine operated behind them.
“Is that a 3D printer?” Cassie asked, turning to face it.
“It is. It’s printing out new glasses for me.”
“Do you really have light sensitivity?”
Nate smiled. “No, they’re smart glasses. And if we are gonna find Bic, we are gonna need them.”
Nate tapped onto the laptop and opened a voice command.
“SQAI, have you been tracking the vehicles?”
“Yes, Nate.”
“Show me?”
On the laptop screen displayed live satellite footage of two police cars and a riot van.
“Who’s in there?”
“Ben Cross. And several officers: PC Kyle Stevens, 32, …”
“I don’t need to know the officers in the van. Just their location. Let me know when they stop.”
“Tracking.”
“What else can she do?”
“Anything.” Nate replied.
“Can she find other people?”
“Yeah, sure, mostly. I’ve had a few bugs, but provided they aren’t spooks, I can find them.” He paused for a moment. “What’s Ava’s surname now?” Nate asked Cassie, his eyes meeting hers as he comprehended the purpose behind her questioning.
A dazzling smile spread across her face, radiating an infectious gleam. “It’s Adams. Ava Adams.”
“SQAI, find a girl named Ava Adams? 13 to 14 years of age.”
“Searching.” The monotone female voice replied.
Nate turned to face Cassie and smiled.
He saw a blend of nervousness and tears on her face. Twitching hands. False smiles. Welled eyes.
“Search is complete. One positive result.”
On the screen displayed current live camera footage of a young girl that could’ve been Cassie herself. But younger.
Dressed in a school outfit. Blazer and skirt.
She looked — Happy.
Cassie burst into tears and leaped at the screen. Embracing it as if she stood in front of her sister.
Nate stood back, giving her a moment.
A few minutes later, she delicately released it and placed it back on the desk.
“I’m sorry. I just have seen nothing to do with her in so long. Look at me getting upset. It’s stupid.” Nate offered her a hug, which she accepted. “I—I miss her, ya know.”
“She misses you, too. And it’s okay to cry, Cass. It helps us get through the cruelty this world deals us with.”
It seemed like floodgates were released behind her eyes as she started bawling.
They stood in a sobbing embrace for what felt like an hour.
"SQAI," Nate whispered, his voice filled with urgency, "I want you to put a guardian angel around Ava." They remained locked in their embrace.
“Confirmed.” SQAI replied.
“What does that do?”
“It will protect her. Help makes her life a little smoother. Monitor her grades, jobs, shitty boyfriend prospects and improve them anyway she can. A guardian angel.”
Tears filled in Cassie’s eyes again, but she held strong. “Why are you so good to me?”
Nate released the embrace, so they were eye to eye.
The words were on the tip of his tongue, but something held them back.
She didn't recognise his hesitancy and got to her tiptoes and kissed him tenderly. With a quiet “thank you.”
“Nate, your recovery rate is poor and your resting heart rate is elevated, given your lack of sleep during the last twenty-four hours I suggest you rest.” SQAI interjected.
Nate looked at Cassie and nodded his head to the bed.
Cassie nodded, and they both sat on the side, removing their shoes.
“This really is amazing technology, Nate. Scary as hell, but amazing.”
Their lips met in a gentle embrace once more, and a wide-eyed smile spread across their faces.
After an extensive yawn, she turned over into a little spoon position and pulled Nate's arm over her like a blanket, squeezing it tightly against her chest.
Outside, sitting in the backseat of a Mercedes limo car, was a dark man-like figure staring up at the roof entrance.
forty
Nate awoke from a deep sleep to the sound of the 3D printer alert to say it had finished its task.
He sat up, saw a little dribble rolling down Cassie’s cheek and smiled. The thought of what he’s about to do soured his smile. It was for her own protection. He wanted and needed her to be safe.
The printer screen flickered before him, burning his bleary eyes.
Nate took care to climb over Cassie without waking her up. He walked over to the printer and took out his glasses.
Slotted a cable into the micro USB slot and within a few minutes, the lenses came alive.
Even though he could hear her snores, he felt Cassie was present and looking at him.
The impending guilt weighed heavily.
He opened up the laptop to see that Bic’s location had ended in a tunnel.
Nate established a guardian angel protocol for Cassie, gave her a final look, packed his belongings in a new backpack, and exited through the hatch.
Getting well clear of the building before he asked SQAI for a direct line to Worsley.
A weary but stern voice answered the phone.
“Who is this?”
“Where’s Bic, Worsley?”
“Who? Who the hell is this? How did you get this number?”
“It’s Nate.”
“Nate? How did you get this number? This is an encrypted line.”
“Why did you want me to watch them if you were gonna send in the police?”
Nate heard Worsley scoff.
“The police? I had nothing to do with that. But it turned out to be an interesting development.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your little friend… Bic was it? Interesting footage has been put out of him.”
SQAI displayed recent footage spread across news articles.
‘Ben Cross, a former soldier with explosive training, has been arrested for committing an act of terror and two counts of manslaughter. Seen here setting a bomb to a building owned by a local businessman. The resulting fire took the life of a mother and her child. Police believe his accomplices are on the loose and dangerous. Authorities have issued warnings to not approach them.’
“This is all bullshit. It was a fire, Worsley. We were set up. He was with us all night.”
“Ahh, well, you say that, but were you with him all night, Nate? Are you sure you weren’t outside sitting on the step?”
“Have you been watching us?”
“We’ve been watching you get a little close to that girl. Not too close, I hope.” He snickered.
“Why do you have surveillance on us?”
“I don’t take gambles, boy. I need to make sure you are not keeping anything from us. For the sake of some girl, for instance.”
“It would be easy for someone to doctor that footage of Bic. What camera doesn’t have 4K these days?”
“You said that about the image of your parents. Do you really believe it? Besides the point, who can prove it? It may not matter, the police can’t find a motive for the attack either. You could enlighten them. The business was owned by a man named Benny Dochlan.”
Nate came to a full stop in the street. “What?”
His heart began racing. Was this Bic going to war?
One thing he knew; Bic wouldn't be in this position without Nate.
“Don’t you mean who?”
"No, uh.." Nate's words stumbled, his voice faltering.
“Well, the old office building was supposed to be empty, but the foreign cleaner was working a night shift with her young baby asleep on the couch. Terribly sad story.”
“Bic didn’t do it.”
“Do you know that?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know why he was kicked out of the army?”
“He wasn’t kicked out. He left.”
Worsley laughed once. “Is that what he told you? He caused the death of a village by mishandling explosives that resulted in his honourable discharge.”
“You’re lying.”
“Check it out yourself.”
The silence was loud.
“Why don’t you come in?” Worsley continued. “We don’t need you there anymore.”
“What are you playing at Worsley? Listen to me, Bic didn’t do this. You need to have him released.”
“I can’t do that, Nate. It’s out of my hands. And if you want what I have on your parents, you’ll leave it alone.”
Nate flicked his earbud to end the call.
The display on his lenses followed a call log for Worsley.
Right after the call ended with Nate, he made another call.
SQAI created the connection, allowing Nate to listen in.
“It’s Worsley. Collect the prisoner and take him to the base. He may be vulnerable.”
“Yes, sir!” came a clipped reply.
And the phone was dead.
“Lying bastard. SQAI, where’s the base he’s referring to?”
“Searching.”
By the time SQAI replied, Nate had arrived in the city on his bike.
“The receiver was based at Brizz Norton. Within five minutes of receiving the call, a helicopter took off to Craig Goch dam in mid-Wales. Based on the old blueprints discovered on government websites and a collection of reports, a secret base has been constructed nearby.”
“Craig goch?”
“Translates to red rock.”
“Thanks.” Nate rolled his eyes. “How do I get there?”
“I have organised a helicopter charter from Bristol airport. In twenty minutes.”
“Jesus! Okay, I’ll need to step on it.”
He pedalled with more force and zoomed past a group of individuals resembling the food delivery drivers in the city.
City riding was a breeze compared to driving. Plus, with SQAI helping him with shortcuts and opening automatic gates on his path, he got there in a record time of eighteen minutes.
No words were exchanged by the helicopter pilot, who simply nodded and opened the door for Nate. He assumed SQAI asked for a discreet package.
“That bike will have to stay here, sir.”
Nate nodded and placed his bike in the heliport lounge before finally jumping in the helicopter.
Taking off was effortless, and Bristol appeared stunning from above. They passed over the suspension bridge, complete with the observatory, both prideful monuments for the city, also a favourite ride destination for Nate. If you stood near the river and gazed up at the bridge and the surrounding town from below it gave a resemblance of a French Riviera town.
The painkillers Nate had taken earlier had worn off, leaving his body in agony with each movement a painful reminder. He popped two more and slumped into his seat.
They made their way over another city, Nate guessed was Newport.
“Back in God’s country.” He said to himself.
A statement that would be said to him during his childhood.
They passed high over the valleys, with the streams of terrace houses and river-like streets all spooling off one another until they came to a dead end.
Nate thought about Wales often. Maybe he’d move back one day. He loved cycling in the hills and valleys.
A memory played of him catching trains to distant places, escaping his foster home for a day.
He would skip school, take a train to an unknown place, and return to his foster home in a police car. Just to do it the following day.
He started thinking about his foster parents.
They were good people. Mainly kind. He could claim that he even trusted them once. That changed when they asked him to leave.
He understood why. In the years they had given everything to him, he offered nothing back.
Now, likely passing over the top of their house somewhere in the Welsh valleys, he opened a screen on his glasses, sought them out by their names and age and added them to the guardian angel protocol.
It would be a mystery to them that their life became easier, but he was fine with that. It was never for credit.
As the helicopter soared above the landscape, he gazed out at the several mountain peaks with hundreds of daring hikers stomping the steps to their respective summits. He guessed they were the iconic mountain range called the Brecon Beacons. A favourite tourist spot for lovers of nature.
Nate braced himself as they began their descent.
“We are coming up to your drop off point, mate.” The pilot announced over the headset.
SQAI announced an imminent attack on Nate’s lens.
A loud buzzer rang out and a red light lit up the cabin in intense flashes.
“Oh, that can’t be right!” Cried out the pilot.
“What?” Nate said, panicked.
“It says somebody has locked onto us!”
“What!”
“It’s saying somebody has a missile lock on us!”
“A missile?” Nate shouted. “We’re in fucking Wales!”
“It may just be a malfunction. We bought this cheap from the army. It is still completely safe, so stay calm.”
A new, faster, and more intense bing sound enveloped the cabin.
“That can’t be right.” On the green circular screen in front of the pilot showed a small rapid dot speeding towards the centre.
The pilot glanced back to spot a small fire cloud.
“Shit! Attempting evasive measures.” The pilot said calmly. Professionally. Like he had done this before.
Military pilot—had to be, Nate thought.
The helicopter banked and swayed.
Nate rocked side to side with the helicopter as he peered out the window.
“SQAI, any suggestions?”
“Use the mini drones. Throw them out the window. Missile impact ETA 15 seconds.” She replied.
Nate shuffled in his bag and threw two of them out the window.
On his lens, SQAI took control of all the drones and flew them directly into the missile’s trajectory.
The missile collided with the drones and exploded close enough behind them to force the helicopter to bank forwards.
The pilot fought to regain control.
“Another missile deployment.” SQAI announced in Nate’s ear. “Attempting countermeasures.”
“It exploded!” The pilot called out after getting control back.
The alarm turned off, causing the pilot a sigh of relief.
“We are not out of the woods yet,” Nate replied.
“Countermeasures failed. Impact ETA 45 seconds.” SQAI announced.
Nate spun his head round in a panic to find the pen shaped rocket firing at them.
The alarm blared again.
“SQAI, what do I do?”
“Nate, follow my instructions. You need to hit the pilot with your average force, right on this point, so he becomes unconscious.” She marked the point on the back pilot’s jaw where Nate would need to hit on his AR glasses. “Then take the seat next to the pilot. We are taking control of the helicopter.”
