December 2070. The outskirts of Los Angeles, California. United Nations of America.
“So this is it?” Liam’s tone must not have held the appropriate amount of awe because his sister immediately bristled.
“What do you mean this is it?” She snarled and gestured at the high-tech manufacturing facility that surrounded them. “This is the pinnacle of industrial technology in the entire country.”
Liam had to admit it was an impressive display of human science and engineering. The air hummed with the rhythm of automated machinery, bathed in the bright glow of overhead LEDs. A series of robotic arms moved with fluid grace, picking up spools of specialized composite materials and feeding them into extrusion machines and 3D printers.
The extruders whirred to life, releasing molten material in precise quantities, guided by one of Apex’s subroutines. It wasn’t quite another AI, but it was close in its complexity. Nozzle heads with intricate microcontrollers flowed over a vast platform, depositing layer upon layer of material so that the skeletal framework of greenhouse components emerged in moments. What were once complex lattices and structural supports were quickly transformed into three-dimensional constructs.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like that,” Liam said sheepishly. He knew his sister took criticism very seriously. It was an eternal source of conflict between Kayla and their dad. “What exactly am I looking at?”
“The future,” his sister smiled, already forgiving her idiot brother. “Apex Industries has been working toward this since the beginning, but we had to refine our manufacturing processes to scale.”
Liam held out his palm, and the embedded holoemitter flared to life. He could’ve projected the image directly to his cyberoptic but wanted his sister to see what he reviewed. With a few gestures, he brought up his sister’s latest report.
“So this facility,” he began as he navigated to the crux of the data, “is producing two models of greenhouses?”
“Yeah,” Kayla pointed at the leftmost production line. “This one is producing a land-based vertical greenhouse that automates the production of agricultural goods.”
I helped design the program that calibrates the optimal growing conditions, Apex bragged in his head. The program receives feedback from the plants to simulate any climate on the planet.
Liam ignored his mental passenger and focused on his sister’s explanation. She moved her finger to point at the central line, unaware of the Apex’s input. “This one builds several models of autonomous robots and drones that grow, maintain, and harvest plants while protecting them from pests.”
“And the last one?” Liam asked, glancing between the hologram and the third production line. Kayla reached over and swiped through the data to pull up a wireframe diagram of their latest invention.
“It’s a sea-based agricultural platform.” his sister explained as she rotated the wireframe around to show off various angles. “We can’t stack them on top of one another like we can the other product line, but we can string them together to create floating platforms to serve local populations.”
“That’ll work for humanitarian missions,” Liam commented.
“And for places where land is at a premium,” Kayla nodded. “That isn’t an issue in most areas since the pandemic, but islands still have problems having enough arable land. These first models are destined for Puerto Rico and St. Thomas.”
Liam dismissed the hologram with a smile. “What you’ve accomplished is amazing little sis.”
She shrugged, uncomfortable with compliments. “I couldn’t have done it without Apex. His help is what allowed us to get the programming right. Otherwise, they’d only be slightly more advanced greenhouses—expensive to produce, and only a marginal increase in crop yields over traditional farming. You want to see where the real magic is?”
“More real than super-advanced greenhouses?” Liam cocked an eyebrow.
“Gotta have soil to grow the plants in,” Kayla chuckled and laced her arm through her brother’s. She led him out of the manufacturing facility and into a secluded corner of the industrial complex, hidden behind secure doors.
When the siblings passed through, Liam detected a heady blend of earthiness and the faint tang of chemicals. Rows of sleek cylinders lined the sides of the long room while mechanical mixers took center stage. Dense collections of tubing and industrial pipes crossed the ceiling like synthetic threads, weaving a sophisticated transportation network for organic matter, phosphorus compounds, and ammonia solutions.
As Liam studied the components, the mixers came to life, their rotating blades churning and folding the ingredients to give birth to nutrient-rich black soil.
Kayla led him to the nearest container and tapped the metal hull. “This is synthesized chernozem. Not only will it feed the plants in our greenhouses, but it’ll become our most valuable product. It’s practically black gold.”
“What makes it so valuable?” Liam didn’t realize that becoming a tech leader meant he’d need to learn more about agriculture than technology.
“It's valuable for two reasons,” Kayla pointed out. “First, the city is paying us to recycle their waste for them. That organic matter is filtered, sanitized, and repurposed into fertilizer for our soil. After that, we’re pumping it full of phosphorus, nitrogen, and ammonia to create a soil with better moisture storage capacity that can produce higher crop yields than anything else on the planet.”
“Why hasn’t anyone else done this?” The CEO could already imagine the profits this technology would bring to the company.
“Bureaucracy and cost,” Kayla shrugged. “We—”
In an instant, a cacophony of hisses and whooshes erupted overhead as multiple pipes gave way, their contents unleashed into the chamber, interrupting whatever Kayla was about to say.
Commander! I’m detecting high amounts of ammonia gas. You need to run, Apex shouted inside Liam’s skull.
Without hesitating, the older brother grabbed Kayla’s wrist and pulled her along at breakneck speed. “We need to get out of here, now!”
They weren’t quick enough. The ammonia gas, relentless and swift, had already begun to fill the room, obscuring their view and burning their skin. Liam was insulated from damage by his Priori implants, but his sister had no such protection. She stopped running as she coughed and gasped on the noxious clouds.
Heart pounding, Liam bodily lifted his sister and slung her across his broad shoulders. He sprinted for the heavy steel doors that separated them from the clean air. He barely slowed as he set a shoulder and heaved against the barrier, but he was repulsed, the pain in his shoulder adding to his burning skin.
Apex, what’s happening!?
Someone has backdoored our network, Commander. Regaining control and tracing the connection.
Just get this damn door open, Apex!
There was a mechanical thunk as the door engaged, and Liam burst through. He continued running to escape the cloud billowing through the doors behind him. When the brother was far enough away, he lowered Kayla from his shoulders to check on her. Liam winced as the movement rubbed his blistered skin but blocked out the pain.
Kayla was unconscious, her skin red and blistered from chemical burns. Liam checked her vitals on his HUD, the higher levels of CO2 and low VO2 indicating she had suffered significant lung damage.
Apex, call an ambulance, he ordered. Kayla needs to get to a hospital, and I want security in her room around the clock.
Making the appropriate calls, Commander. Do you need transportation as well? I’m detecting burns on your hands and face.
Liam shook his head. I’m fine. The burns will heal, and there’s not much a hospital will do besides keep them clean. It’s Kayla’s lungs I’m worried about.
Liam cradled his unconscious little sister in his arms before picking her up and carrying her to the nearest exit.
It took about five minutes for the fire department to arrive with an ambulance. Lian was torn. He wanted to go with his sister but knew they needed to find the culprit before the train went cold.
What’s the status of security? He asked Apex while the paramedics were loading Kayla into the back of the ambulance.
They’ve arrived at the hospital, Commander.
Liam nodded. He would figure out who did this to his sister, and then he would make them pay.
Call the executive team together. I want an emergency meeting at Apex HQ. Liam’s tone was murderous, and the AI quickly complied.
Less than thirty minutes later, Liam sat in a secure, custom-built boardroom that was a bastion of confidentiality and cutting-edge technology In the heart of Apex Industries’ corporate headquarters. The room could only be accessed through a sophisticated biometric scanner, ensuring only authorized personnel could enter its hallowed confines.
The protection wasn’t essential now that Apex, formally known as Voyager, had fully integrated with the company’s network, but after the assassination attempt on Liam and Kayla, the CEO was thankful for its presence. The network controlled all access through the entire building, and he wasn’t one to leave security measures to chance.
If the situation hadn’t been so severe, Liam would’ve been impressed by the seamless blend of modern aesthetics and state-of-the-art advancements. Many of which had been developed in pieces, in secret, across multiple departments of the company.
Liam and Kayla needed better technology to be more efficient in their communication with Apex and the company's management, but they didn’t want anyone to know about the level of sophistication their technology possessed.
The centerpiece of the boardroom was a massive, polished mahogany table that stretched the room length, accommodating the company's current executives with room to grow as needed. The table was not just a piece of furniture but a technological advancement in its own right.
Beneath its smooth surface, holo-emitters were cleverly embedded to project holographic images. A matching emitter in the ceiling allowed Apex to manifest a physical avatar for the rest of the team to interact with. While the room looked mundane when empty, it came alive as an interactive canvas for presentations and data visualization. Complex diagrams, architectural blueprints, and data charts could float three-dimensionally in mid-air with startling clarity during meetings.
A sophisticated system of concealed cameras and microphones monitored the room, recording every detail for archival and security purposes. Yet, these surveillance measures remained unobtrusive, allowing the boardroom’s occupants to focus solely on the matters at hand.
The chairs surrounding the table were ergonomically designed and even included a small sample of Priori adaption technology in their construction. The chairs weren’t just comfortable; they could adapt to the shape of their occupant for the most optimal dimensions.
Sensors were embedded to track the biological condition of those seated and subtly check for signs of deception or stress–a feature only known to Apex, Liam, and his sister. Liam was convinced there were moles within the company beyond those identified, and he wouldn’t take any chances in the heart of their sanctum.
In light of his fears, highly advanced soundproofing materials lined the walls, shielding the room from routine and electronic eavesdropping. It was his hope the level of security made the boardroom a haven for confidential discussions and strategic planning sessions.
A soft chime interrupted his review of Kayla’s condition as the only remaining executives entered the boardroom. With a gesture, he closed the holographic windows he had been perusing and waited for everyone to take their seats.
“How is she?” Kalonda Allen, their newly appointed head of the company’s Personnel Department, asked.
Liam appreciated her commanding and compassionate presence on the team. She was often the modulating force in their discussions and always knew the right thing to say to calm the room's energy.
“She’s in a bad spot,” Liam frowned. “The docs are putting her on oxygen to stabilize her, but I’m waiting on more information.”
“Shouldn’t you be in the hospital too?” The woman arched an eyebrow.
Liam shook his head. “She got the worst of it,” he explained, choosing not to reveal his Priori enhancements.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Do we know what happened?” Hassan Tara, the Chief Financial Officer, asked.
The CEO laid his hands flat on the table, and as he did so, Apex manifested an avatar into his own chair. His appearance didn’t even cause a stir in the room, as Hassan and Kalondra had become used to the synthetic intelligence during their meetings.
They didn’t know he was the product of alien technology, and the siblings didn’t think it was prudent for them to know about that aspect of their business yet. For all the executives knew, Apex was the same as he always was, just better due to Kayla's programming prowess.
“Industrial sabotage,” the AI answered. “Compressors in the ammonia lines were remotely overclocked to pump more gas through them than they were rated to handle. The connections burst and released the toxic gas into the room.”
Hassan looked aghast. “And you and your sister just happened to be touring the facility at the same time.”
“It was intentional,” Liam snarled. “The culprits also engaged the electronic locks to prevent us from escaping. Had Apex not intervened, we would’ve died, choking on our own blood.”
“Alhamdulilah,” Hassan breathed. “Will Kayla be alright?”
“She’ll probably be in the hospital for another couple of weeks,” Liam answered before glancing at Apex.
“Is our network secure?”
The AI nodded. “Yes, Commander. I apologize for not predicting this kind of attack. It won’t happen again.”
“What about our attackers?” Kalonda asked.
Apex glanced at the woman. “I traced their connection to its source and neutralized the threat. They were using an inferior copy of my programming. They could access our systems because it appeared as if I were conducting the attack.”
Liam frowned, realizing that Apex was referring to the illicit copies of Kayla’s AI. Now that the vulnerability had been discovered, the alien AI likely patched all their networks to ensure it wouldn’t happen again.
“Any insights into the organization behind the assassination attempt?” Liam asked. “And was it directed at me or my sister?”
“According to my longs, your sister visited that same facility multiple times leading up to the attack. If they had targeted Kayla, she could’ve been killed at any time. Logic dictates that you were the target.”
Liam sighed heavily. First was the hit squad at Edwards, and now an attempt on his life in Apex property. Whomever his adversary was, they were determined and well-funded. He couldn’t help the sour knot that twisted his stomach. Kayla was in the hospital because someone wanted to kill him.
“As for the organization,” Apex continued, “The rogue AI was under something called Project Augustine. There was no other valuable data, and I couldn’t find anything on the internet or other accessible networks that held more information about a project with that name.”
“So, a dead end,” Liam’s voice was flat.
“For now, Commander,” Apex regretfully nodded. “I’ll keep my eye on it—hopefully, we can find something.”
“Alright, do you guys have any recommendations in the meantime?” He looked over at Kalonda.
“I know you’re tired of hearing it, Liam, but we need to start hiring people to fill positions in the company. Once we’ve started deploying more greenhouses, we’ll need middle and executive management to account for all the variables.”
Liam was about to protest, but Kalonda gently interrupted him. “How many positions are you technically filling right now?”
The CEO frowned as he considered the question. “At least four. I’ve put myself in charge of intelligence gathering, security, and our logistics chain.”
“And your sister is holding just as many. Maybe this attack wouldn’t have succeeded with more eyes looking after things.”
“A dedicated head of security would’ve helped,” Liam sheepishly admitted.
“I’ve got a proposal for you,” the Chief Personnel Officer looked satisfied. She made a gesture, and the holoemitter before her flared to life. A file had been opened and transferred to Liam’s terminal with a few more waves of her hand.
The CEO's frown morphed into interest as he looked through the organizational structure Kalonda had developed. He noted a few things that seemed unusual.
“This structure looks almost quasi-military or quasi-governmental,” he said as he scanned the list of departments, divisions, and centers.
“Don’t think we don’t see the writing on the wall, Liam,” Hassan commented dryly.
When Liam glanced at him, the Chief Financial Officer continued. “You’re buying up as much real estate as possible in Puerto Rico using funds I can’t trace the source of. It isn’t in our public books, but you’ve left the information in the private network restricted to the executives.”
Hassan waved a hand toward Kalonda. “We’ve compared notes and discovered that you’re also going on a hiring binge for the security and technology departments–far more than our revenue models can account for.”
Kalonda took over the discussion. “It appears to us like you’re setting up a base of operations only notionally connected with the UNA. To administer such a territory, the company must transition into a quasi-nation state, including policy, commerce, and security departments.”
“I told you they were close to figuring it out,” Apex pithily told Liam.
The CEO glared at the AI, unwilling to joke around at a time like this. Instead of saying something he may regret later, he turned his attention to Kalonda. “You’re right. We have far more extensive plans than anything we’ve disclosed publicly. I also don’t need to tell you that we’re already subject to government scrutiny–a situation I hope to rectify by moving our headquarters.”
“Then you see the wisdom in my request,” Kalonda prompted him.
Liam sighed, hoping to delay the transition for a little longer. The sooner he made these moves, the sooner they would attract more attacks like the one at the manufacturing complex. He was caught in a catch-22.
He needed more people he trusted to advance the next phase of their plan, but sourcing and hiring those people would reveal more information than the CEO wanted and may collapse his strategy before he could fully implement it. However, he needed to trust the people he and his sister put in charge of these operations. If Kalonda said she needed to fill these positions, they needed to do it.
“Yes, I understand the reasoning,” Liam allowed. “And you’re approved to begin sourcing for these roles. However, my sister and I will be choosing the executives. We already have a short list of people to put in those roles.”
“Good,” Kalonda said with a smile. “Anyone I know?”
Liam shrugged. “I’m going to hire our dad to take over logistics.”
Kalonda winced. “Is Kayla okay with that?”
“No,” Liam sighed.”But we need our family close. I don’t know if Kayla told you about our mom, but she’s sick, and we think we can get her some experimental treatment. Plus, my dad is the best at what he does, and we need that kind of expertise.
“I’ve heard stories,” Kalonda didn’t elaborate on what kind.
“One more thing,” Liam noted. “I see entities as centers rather than divisions in this organizational structure. What is that for? It reminds me of how the CIA used to be structured.”
Yoland nodded. “In part, that’s their intention. We’re not a nation, we’re a company. We don’t need to separate our various functions to account for separate legal authorities. To us, a policing action is identical to military action in jurisdiction–if not in methods. With that in mind, I’ve termed any division that needs cross-departmental coordination as a center.”
“I see,” Liam said. “The Security Applications Center within the R&D Division needs to coordinate with the Technology and Security departments. We can do that in a company where in a government, that functionality would likely be split among multiple institutions working in conjunction or at cross purposes with each other.”
“Exactly,” Kalonda agreed.
“Well, it looks like the framework is sound. We can add departments, divisions, and centers as needed.” Liam signed the proposal on his holo screen. “I’ll approve this on behalf of my sister and I. I’m sure she’d agree with the wisdom.”
“Are you going to recruit your picks soon?” Kalonda pressed.
Liam nodded. “I need to before the holidays shut everything down. Thankfully, all of my recruits are in Virginia. I can visit them all in one trip and hopefully have everyone start in the new year.”
“What about your sister’s?” Kalonda asked.
Liam shrugged. “I don’t know much about her. She said something about a college friend in San Diego working on public policy.”
“Sounds expensive,” Hassan said dryly.
“We have enough resources to hire whomever you want,” Apex assured him.
“That’s supposed to be my line,” Hassan quipped. “Although, according to our books, we don’t have the funds to go on a hiring spree, so I guess I’ll defer to your judgment, Apex.”
Hassan paused and tapped a finger on his chin. “How much dark money do we have?”
The synthetic intelligence blinked before answering, “We have enough resources.”
“Noted,” the financial officer replied with a chuckle and continued. “For my part, things are looking up. We’re still underwater as a company, but if we keep to our current production schedule, we should be turning a tidy profit by the second quarter of next year.”
“That’s good news,” Liam said, finally starting to calm down. “Any progress on our little side project?”
“Of course,” Hassan nodded to the younger sibling. “We’ve identified and reached out to a handful of people still alive during the crypto boom of the 2030s. I have to admit, they’ve grown a little long in the tooth, but they’re more than willing to join our financial team. I should have a workable framework for a distributed ledger before we uproot our operations and move it to Puerto Rico.”
“And we’ll have the technology ready to introduce a more secure form of currency,” Apex cut in. “Although our dark money will dry up at that point–at least in our own market,” he said grimly.
“The UNA intentionally discarded those protections,” Hassan shrugged. “They claimed it was too high of a burden to maintain during Reconstruction, but we all know they wanted to leave room for their own corruption. As far as I’m concerned, they get what they deserve when we use their useless credits to purchase assets and services with actual worth.”
The conversation tapered off, and Liam looked around the room. “Anything else we need to discuss? If not, I need to get packed for my flight.”
The table remained silent, so Liam closed the meeting and rose. He exchanged small talk with Hassan before taking the elevator to the ground floor. He exited the building and walked into the bustling streets of Los Angeles.
The sheer amount of human bodies around the old contractor raised his hackles. His awareness was heightened as he constantly scanned the people around him for weapons or ill intentions. Despite surviving the recent assassination attempt, he couldn’t help seeing attackers in every corner.
Your cortisol levels are rising, Commander. Apex noted through the implant in the base of his skull.
It’s all the people, Liam explained. I’ve been on so many battlefields that I can’t help but be alert when there are so many potential threats. The Iranians would slip suicide bombers into crowded streets just like this. They didn’t care how many of their own citizens they killed so long as they could take out a team of infidels.
Don't worry, Commander. I have much experience with the tactic. I am blocking all forms of communication around you. You won’t even show up in the surveillance systems in the area. However, orbital platforms can still track your whereabouts since I can’t access their networks.
Liam was slightly relieved by the AI’s protection. However, he wondered how Apex had acquired that experience, and he asked as much.
Since Priori bodies are expendable, it’s a frequently used method of assassination. However, we would never commit such senseless killing among unarmed noncombatants.
Liam wasn’t sure whether he should be relieved by that frank admission from the alien intelligence. Thankfully, the residential tower that held his and his sister’s condos was less than a city block down the street.
Liam was greeted by sleek marble floors and contemporary art pieces adorning the walls when he entered the lavish lobby. The air carried a subtle scent of fresh flowers, courtesy of the exquisite arrangements that adorned the reception area.
A biometric scanner confirmed his identity, and he was allowed access to the elevator. He stepped inside and pressed the button for his floor. While the elevator ascended, he couldn’t help but think how different the atmosphere of the skyscraper differed from the high-tech corridors of Apex Industries. Everything here was beautiful but impractical, whereas everything at Apex was beautiful because it was practical.
When he reached the designated floor, he stepped out and traced his way down the private corridor to his luxurious condo. The hallway was softly lit, with recessed lighting highlighting the elegant simplicity of the design.
He approached his door, noting the security camera and fingerprint reader that secured it. He scanned a finger, and the door unlocked with a heavy mechanical sound.
An open and air living space greeted him. Large floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the condo in natural light, offering breathtaking views of the cityscape below. The interior design was a seamless blend of modern sophistication and warmth. It was almost a shame he spent so little time there. Often burning the midnight oil at Apex’s headquarters rather than at home.
He passed into his bedroom and took out his trusty black duffel.
You already schedule the transportation? He asked Apex.
Yes, Commander. Your flight leaves in approximately two hours. I’ve chartered a luxury flight from LAX to Reagan National Airport. A car from Apex will arrive in half an hour.
Thanks, Liam said before busying himself with packing. He didn’t need much, just a spare change of clothes in case his current ones were damaged, although it wasn’t likely.
The contractor also tossed his phone in the bag, even if it wasn’t strictly necessary. He had gotten used to communicating via his implant and could hold entire conversations without anyone the wiser. However, he didn’t like to do so unless he was safely ensconced within his condo or Apex HQ. He never knew when he could be under surveillance, and it was better to be safe than sorry.
Liam checked himself out in the mirror before he left his room. Despite being middle-aged, he stood tall and commanding with an athletic build that conveyed strength and athleticism. The only anomaly was the damaged skin on his face and hands—the aftermath of the ammonia clouds.
His cleanly shaven face highlighted chiseled features worn down by the inevitability of time. A strong jawline framed a confident smile, allowing him a touch of charm when needed. He knew his face had played well with the local media—wise warrior turned corporate leader. His bachelor status had only added to the mystique that surrounded him.
His raven-black hair, impeccably styled with a touch of silver in the wings, gave him an air of sophistication that matched the steely gray eyes below.
He was dressed in a sharp black business suit with a crisp white dress shirt without a restrictive tie. He preferred a more relaxed yet professional look and the open collar allowed him to breathe easier. Plus, it couldn’t be used as a weapon to strangle him.
A subtle shoulder harness, expertly fitted to securely hold his reliable Glock 19, was concealed beneath the sleek exterior of the suit. The holster was cleverly designed to keep the firearm hidden under his jacket, a discreet yet crucial reminder that no matter his corporate attire, he was still a warrior underneath.
In fact, the entire ensemble was well-suited to battle. Apex had insisted the siblings wear protective clothing and provided technological schematics close to humanity’s current level of sophistication. The fabrics were constructed from carbon nanotubes spun into fibers. They made him practically impervious to small arms fire and knife attacks unless someone aimed at his head.
A lot of thought had gone into his shoes as well. The over-the-ankle boots still looked like dress shoes but were as comfortable as running sneakers. The tread had been engineered to give him more than enough traction on standard surfaces. Further, the toebox was reinforced with carbon nanotubes to provide him with the equivalent of steel-toed boots without the weight and apparent tactical nature.
Although the clothing was far heavier than a standard civilian suit, it wasn’t any weightier than the combat load he was used to wearing. Overall, he reveled in the combination of sophistication and practicality the clothes afforded him. He could look like a company's CEO without sacrificing personal protection. Liam could feel comfortable in a boardroom or a battlefield.
After ensuring everything was in order, he quickly left his condo and returned to the lobby. It was time to play recruiter, and he knew exactly where his first stop would be–home.