Keeper of the algorithm.., p.9
Keeper of the Algorithm (The Keeper Saga Book 1), page 9
Miller glared at the enemy. "It's not just about the Algorithm. There's something bigger at play. You intended to instigate international conflict.”
Jonah felt a jolt run through him. The words rang in his ears.
Miller said, "We have enough to be concerned, not enough to be certain. But given what you were willing to do here, we take the threat very seriously."
Jonah stared at the spies, his thoughts swirling in confusion and anger. What he once considered an act of duty was now unfolding. It threatened to upend the very foundation of civilization. His long-standing beliefs about technology's role as a neutral tool were shattering.
"So, is it true?" Miller asked, staring at the spies. "Were you planning to plunge the Institute into chaos?"
One of them—a man with steely eyes—spoke up, "We're not the ones setting the world on fire. We're just following orders."
"By provoking strife? By risking lives?"
"By doing our duty," he shot back.
"Your duty to what? To whom? To a country that doesn’t understand the human cost of its actions, or to a cause that doesn’t consider the consequences?"
The spies remained silent, but their eyes spoke volumes.
Jonah thought of Mike and Amber, then returned to look at the spies behind the one-way glass.
◆◆◆
The next day, Johan stood outside the facility, watching black SUVs roll through the gates. Their windows were tinted to conceal the identities of those inside. The captured Chinese agents were being transferred into the custody of federal authorities. Their faces were grim and unreadable as they were led away.
However, the investigation into Paul Wilson's death had come to an end. Mike was officially cleared because the actual murderers confessed.
The evening news carried a story about the thwarting of an international incident.
Chapter 21
Healing
The ambulance drove Amber and Mike to the hospital after the car crash. In the emergency clinic, a nurse greeted them and signed them in. They were led to separate treatment rooms and immediately given CAT scans and blood tests.
The nurse bustled about the rooms, prepping them for treatment with an antiseptic spray and draping them in a sterile cloth. Then, she administered an analgesic and set out the tools for the doctor’s treatment. One doctor examined Mike's injured arm and shoulder, while another treated Amber’s internal injuries.
“Tsk, tsk, you need significant care,” she said, shaking her head in disgust as she stitched Mike’s injuries. “This is a serious wound, although the onsite treatment looks quite competent.”
Mike nodded as the doctor began looking over the wounds. With his injuries numbed, he watched as the surgeon peeled away the damaged skin with the help of AI-directed auto-surgery. Then, she grafted on collagen and a new skin based on his stem cells.
After an hour, the nurse bandaged the repairs, the doctor smiled. “A perfect job if I do say so myself. Though if you had had genetic enhancements, your stem cells would have produced a cleaner match.”
“Do you see many genetically enhanced people?” asked Mike.
“Well, that’s a complicated question." The doctor paused.
“Are the genetic enhancements pretty much the same for everyone?” asked Mike.
“Oh, no,” said the doctor. “Everyone’s DNA is unique, except for twins, of course. So, each DNA enhancement is a custom job. The doctor takes the DNA from the father—the sperm donor—and fertilizes an egg from his female partner. The DNA of the resulting embryo is then extracted and chemically altered by removing diseased or disadvantaged genes. Then, favorable enzyme and hormone production genes are turned on. The fertilized embryo is then implanted in the mother’s womb, and she carries the baby to term. The results are often good, but not perfect.”
The doctor concluded, “You can remove the bandages in three weeks. You should have virtually no scars. The results will be invisible to the eye.”
Once he was feeling better and able to walk, Mike went to see Amber. Instead of a sterile hospital room full of tubes and instruments, her room looked like it might have been transplanted from her home. It was complete with holographs of personal items and photos of her family. Soothing music played quietly in the background. Unobtrusive monitors under her bed informed the nursing station of her condition.
Mike was relieved to find her sitting up in bed. She was still groggy from the medications and took a few minutes to recognize him, but when she did, she reached out a hand toward him and said, “Michael! You’re all right!”
“Fine. How are you?”
“Much better. They tell me it’ll take time, but I’ll make a full recovery.”
Amber's eyes hinted at a depth of pain and weariness. Mike could see the faint trace of blue around her lips. There was an almost imperceptible flinch when she shifted in bed. These were telltale signs that her injuries were more than skin deep.
Dr. Johnson, with a holographic tablet in hand, approached Mike. "Amber's situation is a bit complex," he began, his tone measured but reassuring. "While the external injuries will heal well, we've identified internal trauma—a splenic rupture, to be precise. It's causing internal bleeding, and we need to address it immediately.
Mike's heart sank. "What does the procedure entail?"
Dr. Jensen tapped on his tablet, and a 3D model of Amber's spleen appeared, with the damaged areas highlighted. "Fortunately, we have the latest AI-assisted medical technology at our disposal. Traditionally, this would require open surgery. But our AI-assisted nanobots can be introduced into her bloodstream. These nanobots are designed to locate the rupture and release clotting agents. They would stem the bleeding while mending the damaged tissue."
Mike looked at the detailed projection, amazed at how far medical technology had advanced. "How long will this take?"
"The procedure takes only an hour," Dr. Johnson explained. "But complete recovery will take several weeks. The nanobots will remain in her system for a few days to ensure everything is healing correctly. Afterward, they'll biodegrade harmlessly."
Mike's brow furrowed with worry. "And after? What's the recovery plan?"
The doctor's eyes softened, understanding the depth of Mike's concern. "Post-procedure, Amber will need physiotherapy. The trauma from the accident, combined with the internal injuries, means her body will need to retrain certain movements. Our AI will customize a rehabilitation program for her. It will use virtual reality to simulate everyday activities, helping her regain strength and confidence."
The doctor continued, "But physical healing is just one aspect. Car accidents can leave emotional scars, often deeper and more persistent than physical ones. Our hospital offers a unique form of therapy using augmented reality. Patients are immersed in a calm and familiar environment. It helps reduce anxiety and PTSD symptoms."
Mike nodded, absorbing the information. "I want the best for her. Whatever it takes."
Dr. Johnson smiled warmly. "She's in good hands. Our AI system has a success rate of 99.99% in similar cases. And with the combined efforts of our dedicated medical team, Amber has every chance of making a full recovery within a few weeks."
◆◆◆
During the next few days, Mike witnessed the marvel of medical science. Every day, Amber made progress. The nanobots worked wonders, mending her internal injuries with precision. The VR-assisted physiotherapy sessions, although challenging, gradually improved her mobility. Amber often pushed past her limits with her indomitable spirit, determined to get back on her feet.
Mike often joined her during the AR therapy sessions. The system created serene environments—lush green meadows, tranquil beaches, majestic mountains—places that held meaning for Amber. They would sit, talk, and sometimes enjoy the simulated sunset, finding comfort in each other's company.
However, the healing process was long and tedious. One afternoon, when Amber was looking particularly melancholy, Mike realized she needed a little cheer.
So, with a great big grin, he volunteered, “Yesterday, I asked DeepMind, ‘Why aliens haven’t visited our planet?’”
“I’ll bite,” Amber replied with a smirk. “What was his answer?”
“Terrible ratings. One star.”
They laughed hysterically, pretending it was the funniest thing they had ever heard.
Chapter 22
◆◆◆
A month had passed since the car crash, and amid the elegant steel and glass façade of the Turing Institute, urgent chimes sounded once more. It was the frantic alert of a full-blown cyber crisis.
Mike sat before a sprawling array of monitors in the Digital Command Center. His eyes, usually lost in thought, now flashed with grim determination. By his side was Amber. She had only recently returned to work, and now she was attempting to decipher the root of the problem.
“Amber, they've done it again. It's another worm variant. But it's not just any worm—it’s multiplying exponentially, sending copies of itself, and burrowing deeper into the country’s financial networks,” Mike declared.
Amber's face was pale as she analyzed the code. "It’s a polymorphic worm, Michael. Every time it replicates, it alters its signature. Standard firewalls can't detect it. This is sophisticated stuff. And this time, it’s not just Turing that’s infected. This is nationwide."
The Institute buzzed with frantic energy, echoing the digital chaos it had battled before. As Mike scrolled through the anomaly reports, he noted the breach points. Wall Street servers, federal reserves, and even cryptocurrency networks were being hit. The financial backbone of North America was under siege.
"Amber, our biggest vulnerability is the interconnectedness of it all. The worm can hop from a small-scale broker in Vancouver, feed on its data, then tunnel its way to a banking giant in New York."
She nodded. "And with the increasing push for digital currencies, the danger is even more acute. Without tangible assets to back trades, an advanced worm could create artificial inflation, or worse, hyperinflation."
Mike said, “This virus AI is optimizing viral cryptocurrency mining operations across infected hosts.”
Amber paused, an idea forming. "But, Mike, if it replicates, it must leave a trace—a breadcrumb of its path. What if we develop a counter AI algorithm? Track its replication patterns, predict its next move, and corner it."
Mike’s gaze sharpened. “Yes, a digital snare. Force it to reveal itself. But to execute it, we'd need vast computational resources.”
A thought occurred to him . . . the Algorithm.
Could it be the key? Could they harness their immense power to save the financial network?
“Amber,” he whispered, “we need to employ the Algorithm. It’s the most advanced machine learning model on the planet. It is directly connected to all types of financial transactions, from credit cards, loans, stock, and transferring money. If anything can predict and corner this financial worm, it's the Algorithm."
Amber hesitated. “The Algorithm, with all its power, is also unpredictable. Michael, we don't fully understand it. What if we unleash something even more uncontrollable?"
Mike looked into Amber’s concerned eyes, understanding her hesitation. "I know the risks but look at the stakes. The very foundation of our economy is crumbling. Trillions of dollars could be lost."
With a deep breath, Amber nodded. "Let's go to Gault and get authorization."
“We should go directly to Winters.”
“Gault will be furious if we bypass him.”
“There’s no time to waste. We can send him a message on our way to see Winters.”
Amber knew there would be repercussions but nodded anyway.
They went to Winters and began explaining their plan. Soon, the office overflowed with specialists and Associate Keepers all offering their opinion. Gault was the most obstreperous.
Gault said, “We resolved the WormAI without using the Algorithm.”
“The WormAI was restricted to the Turing Institute. This is a nationwide attack that is morphing into a broader threat,” said Amber.
“The Algorithm is the perfect antivirus software tool to deal with this. It is nearly universally distributed, extremely fast, and accurate,” said Mike.
Gault said, “Alterations to the Algorithm must be strictly controlled. The type of changes you propose will unleash untold consequences. We wouldn’t know what the results would be over time.”
Mike said, “Nevertheless, the damage being done will reach catastrophic dimensions in mere hours.”
It took more than two hours before a small change to the Algorithm was authorized. Mike hoped it would be enough.
The Turing Institute became the epicenter of a silent battle. Mike, Amber, and the team funneled the worm's data into the Algorithm, feeding it patterns, vulnerabilities, and behaviors.
The Algorithm created its own cybersecurity subroutine aptly named Sentinel. The Sentinel scanned billions of files per second and processed them faster than ever. It emitted money solutions, strategies, and countermeasures. It suggested isolating financial databases, rerouting stock trades, and even freezing certain assets momentarily.
The Sentinel operated as a guardian, detecting each new instance of the worm, and before it could further replicate, it would trap and erase it. In parallel, a series of firebreaks were established. A digital partitioning of North America's financial networks prevented further penetration.
After a full day, Mike watched in silent awe as the last traces of the worm were found, captured, and destroyed by the Algorithm’s tool, Sentinel.
The immediate financial crisis had been averted, but the implications were clear. The financial systems had vulnerabilities.
“The world was on the brink, Amber. And it was technology that both imperiled and saved it,” said Mike.
She leaned into him, seeking comfort in their shared ordeal. "Michael, it's not technology but how it is used. We need to be prepared. This is just the beginning."
◆◆◆
Mike leaned against the bar counter, watching Amber walk through the entrance. She looked fine. A gentle melody played in the background, creating a cozy ambiance in the otherwise lively restaurant.
Amber’s eyes met Mike's. She smiled and made her way toward him.
"You look amazing," Mike said.
"You're not so bad yourself," she replied, her eyes shining with genuine warmth.
They went to a quiet corner table tucked away from the bustle. Mike held out the chair for her, and she sat down gracefully. Once seated, he reached across the table to take her hand. She looked at him, her eyes softening.
"I’ve been looking forward to tonight," he said. “I need a break after the last few days.”
"Me too," she replied. "This should be a nice change."
Mike said, "You know, all this work—it’s so easy to lose ourselves. It's moments like this, sitting across from you, that make it worthwhile.”
Amber smiled, her eyes softening. "I feel the same way, Michael.
The waiter came by to take their dinner orders, and as he walked away, Mike felt his phone buzz. A message from Jonah. "Team meeting tomorrow. Urgent."
He frowned.
A few minutes later, his phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen—it was Gault. "Come to headquarters. Now. Urgent matter."
His frown turned into a scowl. "I’m sorry, Amber. I must go. Something’s up."
Her eyes met his. "It’s okay, Michael. I understand."
Amber looked at her half-eaten meal, then back at Mike. "I guess our lives are too complicated for a normal date night, huh?"
Mike chuckled, "In our line of work, what's normal anyway?"
He leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss.
They got up, and he helped her into her coat. His lips brushing against hers, a simple yet intimate gesture.
"I promise we'll finish this date properly next time," he said.
"I’ll hold you to that," she replied.
◆◆◆
Gault was sitting at his desk when Mike rushed into the Turing team's headquarters. His eyes were on his laptop screen.
"Is everything alright?" Mike asked.
Gault sat behind his desk his eyes fixed on his computer screen. On it was a dossier—Mike’s history, or at least what he could find. Several pieces didn’t add up, loose threads in an otherwise ordinary record.
Gault’s eyes narrowed. "Sit down. We have a situation that requires immediate attention. The rest can wait."
Mike listened to Gault detail the cyber threat information they had recently intercepted. But after several minutes of discussion, it seemed unimportant. Mike couldn't shake the feeling that this sudden meeting was Gault's way of asserting control, of reminding him that he was still a subordinate.
After Mike left, Gault opened a secure line. He ordered his security chief, "Dig deeper into Stewart’s background . . . college years, work history, everything. Something doesn't feel right. I want to know what he’s hiding."
"Understood," came the terse reply before the line went dead.
Gault leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. Mike had been too unusual, too talented. It was as if he’d been groomed for this assignment, which didn’t sit well with him.
There were ripples in the data stream. They were minor but noticeable, and Gault was keen on finding the stone that caused them.
Chapter 23
Silk Road
General Li sat rigidly in his chair, staring at the encrypted message flashing on his computer screen. The corners of his lips tightened.
"Send in the team," he ordered into the intercom.
Three officers filed into the office. Its sterile atmosphere was intensified by large computer screens displaying maps detailing American vulnerabilities.
The officers stood at attention, awaiting his direction.
"High command has issued new orders," began General Li. “In light of China’s digital Silk Road, we intend to rewire the world and reshape the world order. Our mission is to become the world’s chief network operator and reap a commercial and strategic windfall. We will retool the global data flows, finance, and communications using Huawei’s chips.”
