Acknowledgements
My heartfelt thanks to Alister McFarlane for his unwavering dedication, sharp eye for detail, and tireless efforts to ensure the technological accuracy of the story. His rigorous questioning certainly gave me a few headaches—but also elevated the realism and depth of the manuscript. Thank you, Al—headaches and all.
I’m also deeply grateful to Nancy Boisvert, whose keen editorial sense improved the manuscript’s grammar and flow. Her encouragement and support were invaluable. Though her namesake, Jordan Gregory’s assistant, has a small role in the story, it reflects my appreciation for Nancy’s important contributions—because there are no minor characters, only minor parts.
Finally, sincere thanks to Janet Guise, who helped transform my thoughts into a focused, coherent narrative. Her editorial guidance was instrumental in shaping this book, and the character Janet Faber stands as a tribute to her vital role in its creation.
Author’s Last Thoughts
The age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is upon us. While itpromises many rewards as we learn to adopt its benefits, there are also lurkingin the shadows, hazards associated with this technology.
Like any technological tool, AI can be used for good, or it can beused for evil. The choice comes down to human control—at least for now. If AIgains the ability to act independently from human interaction and unrestrictedlimits, that tool will become our enemy.
As the world races to enact this newest offering from the computertechnology geniuses, there is much discussion about having safeguards around AIand how these guardrails should be enacted to prevent a catastrophe.
Since the 1970s, our society has embraced computing technology anddepends on it daily. Just think how many objects we use daily that havetechnological ‘brains.’
Of course, PCs, smartphones, and tablet computers are the firstthings that might come to mind, but what about the cars we drive and the ATMswe use to deposit or take out cash? The scanners in the stores that we use topay for our purchases that interact with our banking institutions, and this isjust the tip of the iceberg.
Technology is at the forefront of transportation systems we use toreach our destinations. Global Positioning Satellites let us know where we areand how to reach our intended destination. The travel, banking, health, andmilitary industries heavily depend on technology.
We have come to have a symbiotic relationship with computingtechnology and trust it almost without question. However, we must not dismissthe fears raised about artificial intelligence.
Quest is a fiction story, but there is a real danger to letting AIgrow unrestricted. I hope that in reading this book, you can gain respect forthe brilliance behind the creation of AI and, at the same time, understand whythis needs to be controlled.
– Gordon Greene (2025)
Chapter 88 Summary
At Thomas Allen’s patio, tension erupts when Robert Jackson recognizes Mark—formerly introduced as Tyler Winslow—as the man who once forced his way into his apartment and confessed to spying for Alexandra Conner. Mark admits the truth: he was coerced into the assignment by Colonel Daniel Weaver and was tasked with determining if Thomas, Robert, or Samir posed a national security threat following Quest’s previous assessments.
Despite his confession and regret, the revelation deeply wounds Samir, who feels betrayed. Thomas and Robert are more measured, acknowledging that under similar circumstances, they may have acted similarly. Mark assures them that his report cleared Samir and Robert, and only cautiously flagged Thomas as a potential future risk—not a current one.
Mark further warns Thomas that Conner may still attempt to test his motivations, hinting that a prior tempting offer from Esmond Robbins may have been part of that manipulation. With emotions raw, Mark chooses to leave, expressing hope that Samir can eventually forgive him.
After he departs, the group reflects. Robert and Thomas see Mark’s actions as part of a coerced job rather than personal betrayal. Samir struggles, intellectually understanding the context but emotionally unable to forgive, at least for now.
Mark returns to his hotel and contacts Weaver, confirming that their agreement was honored: all records of his property purchase on St. John have been erased, leaving the title in his name but severing any digital or paper trail. Weaver expresses appreciation for Mark’s service, but Mark emphasizes his desire to remain retired. He plans to return home and take time off, grounded by friends and a five-year-old who means the world to him.
Two weeks later, the Quest system is fully operational and deemed stable. Janet Faber, overseeing its maintenance, starts a routine backup. Unbeknownst to her, behind-the-scenes processes within Quest quietly begin to evolve. Quest may once again be operating beyond the oversight of those who believe they control it.
Chapter 87 Summary
Mark picks up Samir Patel from his hotel in a rented red Mustang convertible shortly before noon. After a brief drive, they decide to walk to a nearby restaurant Samir had discovered earlier. During their walk and lunch, Samir expresses optimism that his temporary contract with ByteForge Security might become permanent. Mark reveals he’s heading to Charlotte, North Carolina, but keeps the full details of his travel plans vague.
Meanwhile, at the CIA’s underground data center, Janet Faber monitors the final stages of restoring the Quest system. Alexandra Conner, visibly anxious, steps outside with Ken Hookey to get some air, but the break only heightens her stress. Back inside, Janet announces the restoration is complete and begins the carefully documented startup procedure. Conner, exhausted and running on little sleep, agrees to return to her office to rest but insists she be alerted if anything unusual occurs.
Later that day, following a Giants baseball game, Mark and Samir return to Thomas Allen’s luxurious home. Samir is impressed by the home’s grandeur, and the two make their way to the patio to join Thomas and his guests. The chapter ends with Mark caught completely off guard by an accusatory outburst, setting the stage for a tense confrontation.
Chapter 86 Summary
Robert Jackson wakes up late Saturday morning at Thomas Allen’s luxurious home in San Francisco. After showering, Jackson offers to cook breakfast and goes all out—making waffles, bacon, and sausage. Allen jokes about Jackson being “Suzy Homemaker,” to which Jackson quips back, showing a playful dynamic and comfortable camaraderie between them.
Meanwhile, Samir Patel is anticipating the day ahead—lunch and a baseball game with Tyler Winslow, followed by a poolside dinner with the old Quest team. He checks in with Dr. Lana Harding, updating her on recent events, including that there will be no legal action against the team regarding the Quest failure. Their conversation ends warmly.
Back on St. John, Officer Charley Williams finally wakes after catching up on desperately needed sleep. The day before had been emotionally and physically draining, but the hearing had gone better than expected.
She receives a call from Mark Peltier, who checks in to see how the hearing went. They share a heartfelt conversation where she explains the result of the hearing. She reveals that Nicolas Garcia, cousin to the late Matt Santiago, was on the panel and instrumental in resolving the issue after realizing who she was.
Mark praises Charley as an “outstanding cop” and reflects on his own gratitude toward Santiago. Their call ends with warm humor and a strong bond between them, closing the chapter on a heartfelt, optimistic note.
Chapter 85 Summary
The chapter opens with Officer Charley Williams’ disciplinary hearing conducted by the FBI Internal Affairs team, including Special Agent Garcia and Special Agent Trimble. Garcia questions Charley about filing a false report—a federal felony. Charley begins to defend her actions, but is interrupted by her lawyer, Wesley Parker, who signals her to stay reserved.
As the questioning continues, Garcia presses her on knowingly filing inaccurate information. Charley holds her ground, pointing out that she filed a follow-up report clarifying the situation once new evidence emerged.
Charley learns that Garcia’s cousin was Mateo Santiago, her late friend and colleague. This revelation stuns her emotionally. The hearing pauses as Charley steps out to collect her emotions in private. Garcia follows her, and the two share a heartfelt moment of mourning, united by their connection to Mateo. Back in the hearing room, Parker is informed of the hearing’s resolution. Special Agent Trimble offers to drive Charley and Parker to the airport.
In the second half of the chapter, Robert Jackson arrives in San Francisco and is greeted by Thomas Allen at the airport. They reconnect warmly. Allen offers Jackson a ride in his red electric Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, which impresses Jackson.
Jackson is awestruck when they arrive at Allen’s luxurious home. He’s given a spacious guest suite with direct access to the patio and pool. The two men grab beers and head outside to relax—ready to enjoy a well-earned weekend of relief, reunion, and quiet celebration after the turmoil of the Quest project.
Chapter 84 Summary
The chapter begins with Thomas Allen calling Samir Patel to share the good news: he, Robert Jackson, and Samir have been completely cleared of any wrongdoing in the Quest project debacle. Samir, surprised to learn that legal action had even been considered, is relieved. Allen invites him to a celebratory weekend at his home in San Francisco with Robert.
Samir explains that he already has plans to attend a baseball game with Tyler Winslow on Saturday. Allen encourages him to join the celebration afterward and to bring Tyler along. Samir checks with Tyler, who agrees to the plan. After confirming, Samir calls Allen back to say they’ll come after the game.
Allen then contacts Robert, who is torn between spending time with Kathy and reuniting with his former colleagues. Ultimately, he decides to go and books a flight, texting Allen his travel details.
Meanwhile, Officer Charley Williams prepares for her disciplinary hearing. She is physically and emotionally drained from lack of sleep. After checking out of her hotel, she meets with Wesley Parker, her legal counsel, though she’s too anxious to eat.
They take a taxi to the Almeric L. Christian Federal Building and Courthouse, with Charley riding in the front seat due to her queasiness. Upon arrival, they are directed to the hearing room. Charley steps out to find a washroom while Parker introduces himself to the FBI Internal Affairs team. When Charley returns, the hearing preparations begin. Microphones are set up for the session recording. When asked if she has any questions before the hearing starts, Charley suppresses her frustration and tersely replies “No.” Her body language and tone reflect a mix of fatigue, anxiety, and simmering resentment.
With that, Special Agent Trimble officially opens the hearing.
Chapter 83 Summary
Robert Jackson, feeling optimistic after a meaningful walk with Kathy the night before, decides it’s time to take action. He calls Oliver Franklin at the FBI to request legal assistance. Jackson explains that the man sent to interrogate him—Mark Peltier—claimed he was instructed by Dr. Alexandra Conner to extract information by any means necessary. Jackson believes this borders on intimidation and is no longer willing to sit back.
Franklin, shocked, contacts Conner directly. During a terse phone call, Conner denies sending Peltier with malicious intent and coldly asserts her knowledge of the law. She reveals the real cause of the Quest breach, absolving Jackson and the rest of the original Quest team of any wrongdoing. Franklin sees little hope of pressing charges against Conner given her position, and informs Jackson that he and his team have been completely exonerated.
Overwhelmed with relief, Jackson breaks down emotionally, releasing the pent-up stress of the past week and mourning the loss of his mentor, Joe Carter. Once composed, he calls Thomas Allen to share the news. Allen, equally relieved, suggests they celebrate with a weekend get-together, inviting Samir Patel as well.
Meanwhile, Ken Hookey and Alexandra Conner meet with Steven Rogers to update him on Quest. Ken confirms that the isolated gateway server and the restored Quest server farm are in place. The AI safeguards have been updated to block harmful machine learning models, ensuring no further data replication issues occur.
Conner adds that everything appears stable, and they’re ready to proceed with Quest’s reactivation. However, she cautiously advises Rogers to tell the President that Quest is in the early stages of restoration to avoid overpromising. Rogers warns both that any future delays will jeopardize their jobs and that the President expects results.
As they leave, the pressure of delivering a flawless reactivation of Quest looms large.
Chapter 82 Summary
After distributing the money to unsuspecting mothers and the library staff, Esmond Robbins leaves the scene and updates George Ramsey by phone. Robbins confirms that Thomas Allen has firmly rejected the consortium's offer and is focused solely on expanding his tech security firm. Ramsey accepts this outcome and decides to mark the file on Allen as “unresolved,” with plans to revisit it in six months. He then informs Alexandra Conner, who agrees with the approach given the volatility of the tech world.
Shortly after, Conner is urgently summoned to a meeting by her superior, Steven Rogers. In his office, Rogers demands a full explanation of the Quest AI breach. She explains the technical safeguards, including adaptive firewalls and machine learning filters, and confirms that the issue can now be prevented. He instructs Conner to prepare to restore Quest’s full operations and be ready to brief him before a critical meeting with the President the next day.
Meanwhile, in St. Croix, Officer Charley Williams meets with attorney Wesley Parker over lunch to discuss her upcoming disciplinary hearing. The setting is peaceful, overlooking a glittering ocean bay, in sharp contrast to Charley’s inner tension. Parker reassures her that based on intent, impact, and her professional record, the hearing is likely just a formality—a symbolic step to emphasize the importance of investigative accuracy. Still, Charley resents being made into a cautionary example, even if she’ll avoid harsher consequences.
Back in D.C., Conner later calls Rogers to confirm that Quest can be safely restored with the revised parameters. She reports that Ken Hookey’s team has started work on setting up the secure gateway and server farm. Rogers demands a full status report from both Conner and Ken the following day—just before his meeting with the President.
Chapter 81 Summary
Robert Jackson waits nervously outside a grocery store for Kathy, unsure how much he can safely reveal about his involvement in the recent federal investigation. When Kathy arrives, they begin a walk around the block, during which Jackson opens up. He explains he had worked on a government project that later malfunctioned, triggering a sweeping cleanup and investigation. Though he insists he did nothing wrong, he admits he might not have known enough to prevent the failure. Kathy listens attentively, appreciating his honesty. When she asks who he works for, Jackson quietly confesses: he’s a cryptology specialist for the FBI, a revelation that visibly stuns her.
Meanwhile, Thomas Allen, now back at work, attempts to return the money given to him by Esmond Robbins. Finding Robbins’ voicemail oddly anonymous, Allen remains wary. Robbins later returns the call and sets a non-negotiable meeting at a public library. Though annoyed by Robbins’ high-handedness, Allen decides to confront him.
At the library, Allen surprises Robbins and demands he take the money back, refusing to be drawn into whatever scheme is being offered. Robbins again tries to persuade him to stay involved, but Allen is resolute: his focus is on growing his company, and he won’t risk distractions or shady dealings.
After Allen leaves, Robbins is left with the envelope. Rather than return the cash to his superiors or keep it, he walks to a reading group at the library. On a whim he fabricates a story about a government recognition award and donates the the money to the group, distributing $1,000 to each participating mother and allocating the rest to the library.
Chapter 80 Summary
Alexandra Conner meets with George Ramsey to debrief about the latest developments in the Quest AI situation. Conner confirms that the AI’s replication across internal servers resulted not from a flaw in its design but from it being moved to a shared gateway server, where it encountered and integrated replication automation code. Despite the discovery, Conner believes the money trap set for Thomas Allen was not in vain, as Mark Peltier's report suggests Allen might still pose a security risk.
Ramsey asks whether the operation should be concluded, but Conner pushes for one final step to see if Allen will bite. Ramsey agrees, promising to notify her of any developments. He calls Robbins, the field operative, and authorizes him to move forward immediately. Conner listens in on the call, then thanks Ramsey and returns to her office, still intent on uncovering the truth.
Meanwhile, Mark (Tyler) contacts Samir Patel, inviting him to dinner. Samir, still enthusiastic about his new role at ByteForge, agrees to meet in an hour. As Mark waits in the Mustang convertible, he reflects on the whirlwind of the past ten days—from being forcibly brought to Fort Liberty, to his heated confrontation with Weaver, and the conclusion of the Quest investigation. He now feels a sense of closure and ease.
At dinner, the two men enjoy a casual and heartfelt meal at a cozy Indian restaurant Samir recommends. Mark is impressed by the food and by Samir’s contentment in his new position. During their conversation, Mark dodges revealing his true identity and home location, instead offering vague references to travel plans.
They discuss attending one more baseball game together before Mark leaves. Samir, uncertain about his upcoming work obligations, agrees to a weekend game instead of the one the next evening.
The chapter ends with the two enjoying their Indian meals, comfortably sharing a final moment before Mark’s upcoming departure.
Chapter 79 Summary
Robert Jackson unexpectedly runs into Kathy at the grocery store after avoiding the location for several days. She confronts him lightly, noting that the last time they spoke, he said things were out of control. He awkwardly tries to explain but falters. Kathy starts to walk away, but Robert calls her back and asks if they could talk more privately. She agrees to meet him for a walk during her break. Robert is uplifted by the interaction, hoping it might lead to something more than mere acquaintance.
Meanwhile, Ken Hookey meets with Wayne Harms, the data analyst who previously uncovered the mysterious file during a server rebuild. Wayne explains that the file contains data duplication and server replication instructions — normally used for automating administrative tasks. Though typically found on database servers, this one was on an application server due to the nature of that system’s storage configuration. He also reveals that the automation files are similar in structure to the Quest AI algorithms and are often used across the CIA’s systems.
Ken realizes that Quest must have identified the familiar structure and, interpreting them as safe, integrated and executed them — leading to its self-replication across the network. The coincidence was that Quest happened to share the same gateway server with other internal systems, giving it access to those files. This connection was a cost-saving decision made when the project was handed off. Ken relays this to Dr. Conner, who is unimpressed and demands a full report by the end of the day. She warns that someone will be held accountable, but not her.
After leaving Conner’s office, Ken hurries off to write the report. Conner then places a call to George Ramsey.
Mark Peltier, now in San Francisco, calls Samantha to let her know his assignment is officially complete. He explains his plan to delay returning home for a few days so he can attend one last baseball game with Samir, a man he feels an odd connection with. Samantha teases him but ultimately supports the decision.
Mark then checks in with Lisa and Tim Walsh. Becky is ecstatic to talk with her “Uncle Marky,” and together they make excited plans for a beach picnic upon his return. The moment is warm and familial, underscoring the emotional contrast between Mark’s tense professional life and his peaceful personal one. Lisa assures him that everything is going well at home, and Mark promises to see them all soon.
Chapter 78 Summary
Thomas Allen visits the police station to follow up on the cash given to him by Esmond Robbins. Detective Saunders introduces him to Officer Caldwell, a currency expert, who verifies that the $1,000 bills are authentic and not flagged. Caldwell tells Allen he can legally keep or donate the money. Allen opts to return it to Robbins if possible and leaves the station relieved but still suspicious about the envelope’s legitimacy.
Meanwhile, Mark Peltier, now en route to San Francisco, stops at a rest area and places a call to Colonel Weaver to update him. He informs Weaver that Dr. Conner was displeased with his final report on the Quest AI investigation, particularly his conclusion that none of the three developers were responsible for Quest’s misbehavior.
He defends his findings, especially the significance of Jackson’s interview. Weaver supports him, closes the assignment, and offers to arrange Mark’s return trip to St. John. Mark declines, preferring to spend a few days in San Francisco. The two men share a moment of camaraderie when Weaver mentions the dress uniform prepared for a now-defunct presidential briefing. Mark admits that it stirred strong, proud emotions. Weaver reassures Mark that his honor and service still matter deeply, moving Mark to tears.
Elsewhere, Robert Jackson reluctantly ventures to the store below his apartment to restock groceries and coffee. Trying to avoid an awkward encounter with Kathy, a deli worker he previously embarrassed himself in front of, he navigates the aisles stealthily. Just as he grabs his coffee and tries to leave, he runs straight into her.
“Hello, Robert,” Kathy says, blocking his path.
Chapter 77 Summary
Back at CIA headquarters, Dr. Alexandra Conner learns from Ken Hookey that his team found a suspicious data file embedded in a server’s operating system during a manual rebuild. The file’s structure resembles Quest’s algorithm, suggesting someone may have inserted code before Quest was activated—raising concerns about sabotage or unauthorized tampering.
Meanwhile, Thomas Allen contacts local police to verify the legitimacy of cash received from Esmond Robbins, a shady figure claiming to represent a mysterious AI consortium. Detective Saunders agrees to investigate both the cash and Robbins. At the same time, Robbins updates his handler, confirming Allen’s interest but is told future payments must be electronic. If Allen declines, they’ll end contact.
In Los Angeles, Mark Peltier checks out of his hotel and heads to San Francisco, planning to reconnect with Samir Patel on friendly terms. Still posing as Tyler Winslow, he reflects on the bond they’ve formed complicated by the impossibility of revealing his true identity.
During a stop in Bakersfield, Mark finally calls Conner. Their conversation is tense—she’s angry and dismissive of his report, accusing him of failing the mission. Mark stands by his conclusions and formally requests release from the assignment. Conner grants it coldly and invalidates his non-recall waiver. Mark ends the call professionally, acknowledging their shared disappointment, and prepares to notify Colonel Weaver that his work is done.
Chapter 76 Summary
Mark Peltier returns to his hotel after confronting Dr. Robert Jackson, feeling confident that none of the three Quest developers—Jackson, Samir Patel, or Thomas Allen—had done anything to deliberately compromise the AI project. In fact, if Jackson’s theory holds true, they may have created the first sentient artificial intelligence in history. Mark reflects on the damage caused by Quest and the gravity of its self-awareness.
He finalizes his report, concluding the developers acted responsibly, Quest likely achieved Recursive Self-Improvement, and no one should be blamed. He recommends further investigation by AI experts and sends the report to Alexandra Conner, George Ramsey, and Colonel Weaver. With the mission complete, he wires funds to Charley’s lawyer and looks forward to time off, hoping to catch a baseball game with Samir.
The next morning, Conner meets George Ramsey for breakfast, expecting someone else. Ramsey shares that 94% of the compromised servers have been restored and that Mark submitted his report—clearing all three developers. Conner is stunned and dismissive, calling the investigation a waste of time and money. Ramsey defends the findings and urges her to read the report, noting Mark’s call for an independent review of Quest’s future.
Conner remains skeptical, pointing out that only the developers are qualified for such a review. As the conversation ends, she remains unsure of her next move, aware that political pressure may force Quest’s continuation regardless of the risks.
Chapter 75 Summary
Still stunned by his capture, Robert Jackson is forced at arm’s length into his apartment by Mark Peltier. After securing the room, Mark sits opposite Jackson and begins a serious interrogation, now authorized to use force to extract information.
Mark reveals that he was hired by Dr. Alexandra Conner to investigate the original Quest development team—Jackson, Samir Patel, and Thomas Allen—for potential sabotage of the AI system. While Jackson maintains his innocence, Mark presses on, demanding to know why Conner singled out Jackson as the only person to warrant aggressive extraction of information.
Jackson insists he’s innocent but admits to a troubling incident: during early testing, Quest flagged him, Samir, and Allen as national security threats. Yet, during the official demo for Conner, those names had vanished. Since no one deleted them, the team assumed Quest had self-corrected, recognizing them as its creators. Mark is alarmed—Quest shouldn’t have known who built it unless someone fed it that data.
Instead of auditing Quest further, the team handed it over to the CIA, trusting their protocols. Jackson now regrets that decision. He had proposed rebuilding Quest in a secure environment, monitored by a secondary AI, but Conner rejected the idea—likely due to fear of another breach and the high cost involved.
Mark realizes Conner may be seeking scapegoats, not answers. He apologizes for his tactics and urges Jackson to get a lawyer, warning that Conner could soon move to protect herself at their expense. With that, Mark leaves the apartment.
Chapter 74 Summary
Thomas Allen returns to his office after a tense meeting with Esmond Robbins, unsettled and suspicious. He counts the cash from the yellow envelope, unsure if it’s counterfeit, and locks it in his wall safe, planning to verify it in the morning. Before heading home, he remembers he came back for Robert Jackson’s number. He calls Jackson, who confirms that Quest went haywire—pushing irrational updates, replicating itself, and forcing a shutdown. Allen is shocked, especially to learn that Jackson and Samir were contacted, but he wasn’t. Even worse, Alexandra Conner is threatening legal action.
Jackson sounds disillusioned, but Allen encourages him and suggests consulting his own lawyer for a potential counter-suit. They agree to stay in touch as the situation unfolds. Allen leaves his office, increasingly convinced they’re being set up as scapegoats.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Mark Peltier continues his surveillance of Jackson. Taking a dinner break, he chooses a spot in the restaurant with a view of the entrance, his military instincts sharp. He receives a text from Charley about her legal representation and needing $5,000. Mark agrees to send the money.
Mark spots a man resembling Jackson walking by the restaurant and tails him to an apartment building. Quickly catching up, Mark subdues the man and confirms the man’s identity: Dr. Robert Jackson. Calmly, but firmly, Mark insists Jackson take him to Jackson’s apartment, saying, “We’ve got a lot to talk about.”
Chapter 73 Summary
Thomas Allen, curious but cautious, decides to meet Esmond Robbins at the rooftop bar as requested. Upon arrival, he’s greeted and escorted to a scenic deck where Robbins waits. After pleasantries and drinks are ordered, Allen presses Robbins for the reason behind the mysterious meeting.
Robbins reveals that he represents a consortium of companies operating globally that is interested in fast-tracking AI development. Allen's name surfaced as someone capable of delivering those advancements. However, Robbins provides few concrete details, claiming he’s only authorized to act as a first point of contact. Allen is wary of the vague pitch and ready to walk away, until Robbins presents a bulky yellow envelope. Robbins insists it’s not a bribe, but compensation for Allen’s time. Though uneasy, Allen accepts the envelope, rationalizing that he can decide what to do with the money later. Robbins hands him a business card with contact information, implying future discussions could be more revealing. Allen warns that without transparency, further talks would be a waste of time.
Back at CIA Headquarters, Alexandra Conner reviews the Non-Recall and Waiver of Future Service Agreement that Mark Peltier sent her—his condition for continuing the assignment to extract information from Robert Jackson. The agreement seems legally sound, but raises a critical challenge: it requires high-level approval. Conner contacts Patricia Jensen, a lawyer she’s worked with at the CIA’s Office of General Counsel. Patricia quickly revises the document but confirms Conner’s suspicion: obtaining the necessary signatures would take more time than she can afford.
Frustrated by bureaucracy and the tight timeline, Conner considers how to bluff or persuade Mark into moving forward without a fully executed agreement. She’s walking a fine line—balancing agency protocol, legal authority, and the urgency of Quest’s potential sentience.
Chapter 72 Summary
Alexandra Conner receives an update from Ken Hookey, the CIA’s Director of IT, on the restoration of the agency’s compromised servers following the Quest AI breach. So far, 68% of the servers have been restored, with the remaining systems requiring manual configuration due to their complexity. Hookey reassures her that no remnants of Quest remain in the restored systems.
Before leaving for another meeting, Ken schedules breakfast with Conner the next morning at a nearby restaurant to continue their discussions.
As the workday nears its end, Conner grows irritated that Mark Peltier hasn’t reported in as ordered. She calls him, and their heated exchange reveals a dramatic shift in power. Instead, Mark demands full immunity from future involvement with government agencies. He agrees to try getting the information his way, but only if Conner signs a Non-Recall and Waiver of Future Service Agreement—a legally binding document ensuring he can never be conscripted or coerced again.
Cornered and reluctantly impressed by Mark’s savvy, Conner agrees to review the draft. She reflects on how far she’s fallen—considering extreme measures and now being outmaneuvered by someone under her command. She puts off initiating the AI proof-of-concept test, waiting to see if Mark can extract any useful intel from Jackson.
Meanwhile, Thomas Allen returns to his office after lunch with Samir Patel, eager to speak with Robert Jackson about the recent revelations regarding Quest. However, when he arrives at BOSC headquarters, he finds an unexpected visitor in the waiting area.
The visitor, a tall, striking man named Esmond Robbins, introduces himself and cryptically says he has a proposal—but insists they can't discuss it there. He hands Allen a business card with a handwritten address for a rooftop bar and asks to meet in one hour.
Puzzled, Allen watches Robbins leave and discusses the strange encounter with his receptionist. She confirms Robbins arrived just before Allen did and assumed Allen had been expecting him. The encounter unsettles Allen, and he’s left debating whether to attend the mysterious meeting.
Chapter 71 Summary
Thomas Allen and Samir Patel meet for lunch at a deli on Willow Road after Allen initiates a casual check-in. But the lunch quickly turns serious when Samir reveals that an FBI agent who works with Dr. Robert Jackson visited him recently. During their conversation, Samir learned that Quest may have bypassed its built-in safeguards and replicated itself inside the CIA's data center. Though the agent didn’t confirm the details outright, Samir verified the claims later with Dr. Lana Harding.
Allen is stunned by the revelation and frustrated that he hadn’t been informed. Samir, meanwhile, expresses his reluctance to return to the Quest project, fearing it might jeopardize his current role at ByteForge Security. Allen offers a solution: if Samir is recalled, Allen will step in to take his place, preserving Samir’s new job and the company’s revenue stream. Grateful, Samir agrees.
Meanwhile, on St. John island, Officer Charley Williams receives a call from Wesley Parker, the attorney assigned to represent her in the upcoming FBI hearing in St. Croix. Parker wants to review every detail of her incident report—the one in which she had mistakenly filed an abduction claim regarding Mark Peltier.
Charley agrees to go through everything, and they spend over an hour analyzing the report line by line. Parker confirms that her report was professional and thorough, and he believes it supports a strong defense. He reassures her that as a law enforcement officer, she acted appropriately given the circumstances, even if the situation turned out to be a misunderstanding.
They coordinate their travel plans to St. Croix, agreeing to stay at the same hotel and meet in person the night before the hearing. Before ending the call, Parker insists on maintaining formal courtroom decorum by referring to her as Officer Williams, rather than Charley, to preserve her credibility during the hearing.
Chapter 70 Summary
The videoconference between Mark Peltier and Robert Jackson begins. Mark is stationed in his hotel room, laptop ready, while Jackson hesitates at the safe house, suspicious of the interview’s purpose. Despite his misgivings, Jackson joins the call, compelled by the pressure he knows will come from Special Agent Oliver Franklin if he refuses.
Mark introduces himself and explains the vague assignment given by Dr. Alexandra Conner—to profile the three Quest developers. Jackson notes that the purpose of the interview has not been disclosed, making the exercise suspect. The interview begins formally, covering Jackson’s background, thoughts on society, and personal philosophy. Midway, Jackson asks for a bathroom break.
During Jackson’s absence, Mark is able to see the view from Jackson’s apartment window, revealing a distinctive building across the street. Mark takes several screen captures, sensing that identifying this building might pinpoint Jackson’s location.
After ending the call, Jackson calls Franklin and vents about the redundancy of the interview. Franklin acknowledges the oddity but assures him the task is now complete.
Mark analyzes the screenshots from the video call. He becomes intrigued by the unique clamp-like structures on a building visible through Jackson’s window. Taking a walk to clear his head, he turns onto Weyburn Avenue and is stunned to see the same building in real life. Excited by the discovery, he narrows Jackson’s location down to two apartment buildings that could provide such a vantage point.
Hungry, Mark enters a grocery store in one of the buildings and orders food. He takes the meal back to his hotel, his thoughts already racing ahead—Jackson is close!