“At an air show in Florida.The Petrovs were going to deploy a smallpox toxin.That’s where I met Fraser Marshall.”
“On the princess’s detail?”
“Yeah.He worked for Ham Jones’s outfit before he was injured in a security op gone south in Nigeria.He leveled up with his new gig.Then again, it’s his brother Creed who really got the long stick.Although I’d guess that God has a good plan for everyone.Oh, it looks like it’s showtime.”
Stein nearly didn’t hear his last words, stuck on“God has a good plan for everyone.”
Maybe that was the struggle.Stein had thought he’d landed on a plan.And Emberly had blown that up.“This is what I do, Stein.”
He should have paid attention instead of dreaming up some happily ever after for them, walking away into the sunshine.
“Come with me if you want to live.”Yeah, right.His gut tightened.He threw away his cup as Colt left him to take a position opposite the room.Tate had moved away also, watching the back of the growing crowd.
Spectators had come from around the globe—Russia, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey.Stein’s gaze ran over all of them, searching for trouble.
Declan walked out from behind the exhibit, followed by a handful of staffers.
“You guys in position?”Logan’s voice thrummed in Steinbeck’s earpiece.
“Aye,” said Steinbeck quietly.
“Roger,” added Tate and Colt.
At the front of the room, Declan took the stage to thunderous applause.The man seemed on fire today, imbued with a sort of energy that probably came with seeing a dream birth to life.
Steinbeck nearly pressed against the ache in his chest.
Declan raised his hands to quiet the room.
“Good morning, distinguished delegates and fellow innovators.My name is Declan Stone, and I am the CEO of Spectra Cybernetics, where we are committed to advancing the frontier of artificial intelligence not just to meet the future but to build it.”
Steinbeck kept scanning the room.
“He was right there in the lobby and I...I didn’t want to lose the opportunity to...Did you hear me?I got his phone!”
Aw,Emberly needed to get out of his head.
“At Spectra, we believe that AI is more than just technology.It is the key to unlocking solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.From improving disaster response to cleaning up some of our most war-torn countries, AI has the potential to transform lives across the globe.”
“Good job, Phoenix.Clearly you’re the thief we all thought you were.”
Wow,he was a jerk.
“Imagine a world where AI can predict natural disasters with incredible accuracy, giving us vital hours to evacuate, save lives, and reduce damage.Our bomb sweepers can detect and neutralize explosive threats with precision and speed that far exceeds human capabilities.This technology not only saves lives but also ensures that post-trauma zones can be rehabilitated more quickly and safely.”
“I was really hoping you meant it when you said you’d quit the Swans.”
Maybe that had been unfair of him.Even if she had suggested it.Maybe she’d been trying to fit into his world.His dreams.Or at least what she thought they might be.
“Our AI applications are designed with the philosophy of ‘AI for Good.’But the power of AI also comes with great responsibility.At Spectra, we are dedicated to developing AI that is not only powerful and efficient but also safe, transparent, and accountable.”
“What am I going to do with you?”In his memory, he was pulling her close, her voice in his ear.
“Maybe...don’t let go?”
Except he’d done exactly that, hadn’t he?
So much for keeping promises.
