Keeper of the algorithm.., p.7
Keeper of the Algorithm (The Keeper Saga Book 1), page 7
"My keycard’s right here," Amber affirmed, pulling her wallet from her bag, and showing it to Jonah.
"So, what's the issue?"
Amber's face flushed a delicate pink. "He stayed in my room. He could have temporarily swiped it."
"In your room?" Jonah’s eyes widened.
Amber started to pace. "What am I going to do? Call him and accuse him directly?"
"This is cybercrime. What if it's tied to Paul’s death?”
“Michael’s smart. He could have managed it. But what would be his motive?”
“Could he be part of some wider conspiracy? You should inform the FBI."
"I can't just throw around accusations." Amber paced more frantically now, fingers clawing through her hair. "How could he be so irresponsible losing his jacket?"
"Are you going to cover for Michael?"
"That's not what this is about."
"So, what is it about?"
"He matters to me, okay?"
Jonah sighed. "Oh, great. That makes everything so much simpler, doesn't it?"
"I don't know, Jonah. I don't know." Uncertainty nibbled at the edges of Amber's self-control.
Could Michael be involved in cybercrime, or was someone else pulling the strings?
She pushed the troubling thoughts aside.
"I need time to think," Amber finally said. "Will you give me some time?"
"I won't say anything, but you need to decide."
She tried to dismiss thoughts of Michael, the jacket, and the FBI. The ridiculousness of her situation swamped her.
She didn't get any sleep that night.
◆◆◆
Manfred Gault perused the intricate details of Michael Stewart's Digital Twin on his holographic display. His eyes narrowed as they caught a slight but deliberate edit in Stewart’s timeline. Such a momentary blip that would’ve gone unnoticed by an untrained eye. But Gault was anything but untrained; his years in cyber-intelligence had honed his scrutiny to a keen edge.
The blip concerned a trivial period in Stewart's life, but even trivialities mattered in the Digital Twin landscape. The discrepancies in Stewart's history appeared concerning.
"Something isn’t adding up," Gault muttered to himself. His fingers drummed rhythmically on his desk—each tap was a punctuated note of growing suspicion. With a swift motion, he initiated a secure call.
"Stewart, come to my office. We need to talk.”
Minutes later, Mike walked in, his tall frame slightly hunched. His deep-set hazel eyes met Gault’s, but not without a flicker of what might have been hesitance—or was it caution?
"Take a seat," Gault gestured, his voice crisp.
"What’s this about?" Mike asked, easing into the chair.
Gault projected Stewart’s Digital Twin onto the translucent screen that separated them. "Care to explain these irregularities? Especially this little modification," he pointed to the edited moment, the cursor hovering like an accusation.
Mike leaned forward, his eyes squinting at the screen. "I don’t know what you're talking about," he replied, a touch of defiance in his tone.
"Let's not dance around, Stewart," Gault pressed. "Given the FBI’s ongoing investigation into Paul Wilson's death and your role in our cyber-operations, any discrepancy in your background is a matter of concern."
"You think I have something to do with Paul's death?" Mike’s eyes widened, but his voice remained steady, modulating between surprise and a tinge of indignation.
"I didn't say that." Gault’s gaze remained level. "But let’s be clear. Vague answers won't suffice. This is a crisis, and I need to know that I can trust everyone on my team."
Mike took a deep breath. "There are aspects of my life I'd rather keep private. As for trust, I've done nothing to break yours."
Gault frowned. "I hope you understand, Stewart, that a less than transparent history is a liability, not just for you, but for all of us."
"I understand," Mike said, rising from his chair. "Is there anything else?"
"No," Gault replied with evident dissatisfaction, his eyes still locked onto Mike’s retreating figure. "You can go."
◆◆◆
Mike returned home, his thoughts a swirl of anxiety and concern. He came face-to-face with Michael Stewart, his expression mirroring Mike's tension.
Stewart asked, "Is something wrong?"
"We have a situation," Mike began, signing back. "Gault is becoming suspicious. He noticed my minor edit in the Digital Twin and mentioned the FBI's investigation into Paul."
Stewart looked grim. "How much does he know?"
"Enough to ask questions but not enough to connect the dots. Still, it won't be long before he might," Mike said.
"What do you propose?"
Mike hesitated. "I don't know. I need to find a way to divert suspicion without exposing us. There are greater things at stake for them to be concerned about.
"Like the Algorithm," Stewart nodded. "They can't let that slip into the wrong hands. If it becomes compromised, the consequences are unimaginable."
"Exactly," Mike affirmed. "But we can't be reckless. As Gault said, this is a time of crisis, and trust is at a premium.” He paused and asked tentatively, “Perhaps we should consider running.”
Stewart maneuvered his wheelchair into the center of the room. He smirked as he said, “Running?!”
“Sorry. I lost my head for a moment,” said Mike, with a bleak smile. “Our identities are digitized to the point that there is no place on Earth where we can hide.”
Stewart sighed, "Then we'll have to find a way to keep the trust without revealing what we're doing. But tread carefully, Mike. We're walking a very fine line."
"I'm aware," Mike said. His thoughts were heavy with the gravity of the choices ahead. Trust, after all, was a two-way street—and it was becoming increasingly unclear whom he could trust.
As he pondered, his gaze fell upon his own reflection in the darkened screen.
Who am I? Really?
The man in the mirror stared back without an answer.
Chapter 16
Covert Ops
In a nondescript building tucked away in the labyrinthine streets of a city far from North America, a room buzzed with low conversations. Computer blueprints and schematics adorned the walls. A real-time feed of Turing's facility was displayed on a massive screen and a team of operatives huddled beneath its glow.
At the helm was General Li, a wiry man with piercing eyes that missed no details. Flanking him were operatives Zhang and Wang—cybersecurity and field operations specialists. They were a trio of exceptional skill, a scalpel where a hammer would not suffice. And while their faces were stoic, a fire kindled in their eyes, a testament to their unyielding commitment to the mission.
Recently, China’s Baidu unveiled a new generative artificial intelligence model that rivaled OpenAI’s. Its effort was intended to lead the race for AI development in the world. Known as Ernie it reflected improvements in understanding, generation, logic, and memory. It formed the basis for China’s newly developed Algorithm.
Li relished his work. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing at the screen. "Cyberattacks require a lot of time and effort to create and launch. However, as AI and machine learning evolve, we have found ways to use them to develop more successful methods.”
“Tell me how our efforts are paying off,” he demanded, his voice laced with authority.
Cybersecurity expert Captain Zhang said quietly, “Our attack using an AI variant of Storm Worm was thwarted.” He paused before adding, “But our new trojan is ready to masquerade as legitimate software to trick users into executing it. It’s an AI variant of Zeus. It can bypass centralized servers and create independent servers to exploit sensitive information. We will be able to access national defense accounts and steal access codes. Then we can corrupt their quantum supercomputer mainframes, crippling their Algorithm," Zhang reported.
Li nodded then turned to his field operator leader, Major Wang.
Wang leaned over the table, pointing to a 3D holographic layout of Turing's facility. "Our ground team is in position as well. They will physically sabotage the servers to ensure maximum disruption while the cyberattack is underway."
Li gathered his thoughts for a moment, his eyes lingering on the real-time feed. He thought of his family back home, the burgeoning society that thrived under the guidance of their own brand-new Algorithm. While the world might see their work as an act of aggression, Li knew it was one of preservation. They were the guardians of a delicate equilibrium, fueled not by malice but by an unyielding duty to their nation and the AI that guided it.
"Proceed with Phase II," Li spoke the words and Zhang's fingers hit the keyboard, deploying the virus into Turing's system.
On the screen, they watched a data stream report on the code cascade, lines of corruption that would eat away at the foundation of their rival's Algorithm.
Simultaneously, Wang keyed in a command on his communication device, signaling the ground team thousands of miles away.
While the cyber assault would unfold, the operative agents on the Turing grounds had their instructions. He was confident in their abilities.
Within seconds, they received a message.
“Initial sabotage successful.”
Chapter 17
Surgery
Inside the specialized surgical unit of Boston Medical Center, Michael Stewart lay face down on the operating table. He was covered in a sterile blue drape. The hum of machines, calibrated and powered by sophisticated AI systems, filled the room. Above him, a large holographic screen displayed a 3D image of his spine, highlighting the ruptured discs with contrasting colors.
Dr. Marylan Hayes, the lead surgeon, clad in her green surgical attire, reviewed the information on the screen. "AI System," she began, addressing the voice-activated interface. "Provide a comprehensive analysis of Mr. Stewart's spinal injuries."
The room's lighting dimmed slightly as the AI system, named AURA, projected a holographic diagnostic report into the air.
Patient: Michael Stewart.
Diagnosis: Two ruptured lumbar discs—L4 L5.
Recommended procedure: minimally invasive AI-assisted spinal fusion.
Michael tried to remain calm, his breaths slow and deliberate. He had researched the procedure, yet the thought of machines working inside him was still unnerving.
"Will I feel anything?" he asked, his voice shaky.
Dr. Hayes reassured him, "You'll be under local anesthesia. The procedure is minimally invasive, and AURA's precision is unparalleled. You won't feel anything other than pressure against your body."
A robotic arm, with a series of delicate instruments attached, positioned itself over Michael's lower back. Dr. Hayes began the operation.
"AURA, initiate lumbar access."
Guided by the AI's intricate algorithms, the robot made a tiny incision.
"Deploy nanobots," ordered Dr. Hayes.
The AI-assisted procedure utilized nanobots. They would minimize the surgical opening and potential muscle damage. Once inside, these microscopic robots provided real-time feedback to AURA. It aided in precision and minimized error.
The nanobots' primary function was to clear the area around the ruptured discs. They removed any debris or fragmented disc material. Their microscopic size allowed for unparalleled accuracy. As they worked, another set of nanobots synthesized a biocompatible material. Making it ready to replace the damaged disc segments.
"Preparing for spinal fusion," Dr. Hayes declared.
With the area cleared, AURA guided the robotic arm to introduce the synthesized material. This cushion between the vertebrae mimicked the natural disc's function while promoting bone growth, thus fusing the vertebrae over time.
Michael, conscious yet feeling no pain, heard the doctors' orders and AURA's periodic status updates. It was surreal knowing that machines and AI were reshaping his spine.
Once the fusion material was in place, the nanobots facilitated the final phase, initiating the healing process. They released a combination of growth factors and stem cells to expedite tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
"Procedure complete," announced AURA, its voice neutral yet somehow reassuring. The screen above displayed a before-and-after image of Michael's spine.
Dr. Hayes sighed in relief. "Everything went perfectly, Michael. Now for the recovery."
She added, “The recovery plan was powered by the same AI technology. For six weeks, you'll wear an exoskeleton during your waking hours. AURA will calibrate it to provide support while allowing limited movement. This promotes healing without putting strain on the fused area."
Michael looked intrigued. "And after?"
"Post the initial recovery, AURA will design a personalized physical therapy program. It'll use augmented reality to guide you through exercises, ensuring you regain strength and flexibility. This combination of traditional therapy and AI insights ensures optimal recovery."
The concept of melding technology and the human touch fascinated Michael. "So, I'm in the hands of machines?"
"Not just machines. A collaboration of human expertise and AI precision.” Hayes chuckled. “You're in good hands, Michael."
In the days that followed Michael's surgery, he experienced the marvels of modern medicine. Though a bit daunting at first, the exoskeleton soon became second nature. It provided support and stability. Yet, its AI-driven adaptability meant he could perform everyday tasks with minimal discomfort.
The augmented reality therapy sessions would require six weeks. They were equally groundbreaking. Michael would put on AR glasses, immersing him in a virtual world. He would perform exercises that mimicked real-world activities guided by AURA. It provided a safe environment to push boundaries without the risk of injury.
He waited patiently for Mike’s visit.
Chapter 18
Deus Ex Machina
Mike sat at his workstation in Turing's Digital Command Center, staring intently at the screen. His fingers twitched above the keyboard, hesitating. The programs running on the Turing servers were acting erratically. They were sending out alarm bells across various diagnostics tests—a breach.
Jonah sat across from Mike in the war room deep within the Turing facility. The room was dimly lit, the tension palpable as they stared at the myriad screens. Yet, Jonah's faith in his friend was uncertain.
Jonah asked, "Michael, what's happening? Systems are going haywire."
Mike sighed. "We're under attack. A trojan has infiltrated the mainframe masquerading as a legitimate microservice. An AI controller is coordinating botnet attacks and evading takedowns. The distributed botnet is robust and adaptive. It’s trying to disable the Algorithm through corrupting its routine microservices."
Jonah sounded an institution-wide alert.
Mike felt a tight knot form in his stomach. "It's not just disabling it. It's also downloading confidential files to an unknown server. This is beyond just messing with our Algorithm."
Jonah's eyes widened. "That's espionage, not mere hacking. Do you have any clue who's behind it?"
"No," Mike confessed, "but we need to stop it before it escalates."
Amber's face popped onto his screen. "Michael, I got your message. How bad is it?"
"Bad," he replied curtly. "If we can't contain this in time, we're looking at Algorithm design secrets being stolen."
Amber grimaced. "I've alerted security. But Michael, remember you still haven’t been cleared of Paul's death. Be careful how you handle this."
Mike clenched his fists, feeling cornered. Here he was, fighting off a cyber espionage attack while under suspicion for a crime he didn't commit. And Gault was nosing into his ID background as well. The irony wasn't lost on him. But how could he worry about clearing his name when so much was threatened?
Jonah sensed his concern. "Look, you’re the genius who scored high on the career exam. You've got to solve this puzzle and keep the Algorithm safe. That's your job as an Assistant Keeper."
Mike dived into lines of code, wrestling with the malicious virus that slithered through Turing's digital veins. Sweat trickled down his forehead as he navigated the intricate coding. He tried to isolate the virus and prevent the download of sensitive files.
He couldn't help but wonder who could engineer such a sophisticated attack. This was not the work of a criminal hacker organization. It was coordinated, calculated, and lethal. And it bore the fingerprints of a state-backed operation.
While part of his brain unraveled the intricate coding of the virus, another part sifted through the questions about Paul's death. Was it connected to this breach? And did the clues that seemed to point to him serve as a smokescreen for something far more nefarious?
Finally, he isolated a string of code that seemed to be the heart of the virus.
Mike said, "It seems they're employing an extremely complex and adaptive algorithm. They're not just looking to disrupt but to corrupt and decimate our system.”
His eyes widened as he realized the extent of its sophisticated, tight code. Whoever wrote this had an intimate knowledge of Turing's architecture and a deep understanding of AI systems.
He initiated a scan to find the trojan bots and put them into a caged sandbox. Sweat dripped onto his keyboard as the progress bar slowly inched forward.
80%.
90%.
98%.
A chime rang out, signaling that the virus had been contained. But Mike knew it was only temporary. He sat back, exhaling a breath he didn't know he was holding.
"The virus is contained," he informed Amber and Jonah.
Amber let out a sigh of relief. "Good job. But now, we must find out who did this—and if it’s connected to Paul's death."
Mike looked at their faces. Here he was, sandwiched between protecting the Algorithm and protecting his identity.
