Bruno Abrams’ typed furiously, touching and tapping multiple keyboards and screens. Desperate to maintain some control, he would do what he could to ensure all his work would not be useless. Geulah would proceed as planned.

Once again, he detected the presence of another actor inside the system, small changes in areas only he had access to. He studied the alterations, attempting to discern the intentions of his invisible partner. They gave no indication that the adjustments to the surveillance and security systems Abrams made were unwanted or unhelpful. He could only keep moving forward.

He tweaked the lockdown protocol, changed a few more settings on the communication network, then scrupulously erased the evidence of his presence in these areas of the system, ensuring the other activities remained undetected.

He sat back and rubbed his face, looking out the window at the lengthening shadows, debating getting more coffee for what he was sure would be a late night. The office couch might be his only rest tonight. Then tomorrow, he would atone.

He was interrupted by the sudden, silent appearance of Dr. Isaac at the door. Abrams gestured him inside.

Isaac stood in front of the desk, staring uncharacteristically at Abrams full in the face. Isaac pointed at one of the screens. “We know about your plan. Approaching inflection. It is time. Commit all resources.”

Abrams went cold with the realization Isaac not only knew of his duplicity, but was also involved.

Abrams made no reply, concerned about eavesdroppers even at this late hour. He finally gave a small nod. Isaac remained at the desk like a statue. Finally, he spoke again.

“The sister. Danger. Keep her safe.”

Abrams frowned. What sister?

Isaac continued.

“Keep her safe.”

Isaac left before Abrams could respond.

***

Steven Cole finished the preparations for the live fire demonstration for the visiting auditors in the morning. A display of the capabilities of their project against the autonomous combat systems in a tactical environment would prove the worth of what they were doing, buying precious time and extended funding support. On impulse, he altered the request to the ACS staff for the number of systems to deploy, adding another assault drone. That would show them.

He closed those screens, then summoned Jorgenson to his office. The other complication must be dealt with.

“What else do you have on the reporter?” he asked as Jorgenson sat down.

“The local police are tailing her, not sure why. Her tenacity is impressive. My people are watching both. We’ve got the equipment in place, we’ll see what we get.”

“No problems with that? Never mind, don’t tell me. If you find any indication she suspects anything that can compromise the program, deal with it.”

Jorgenson raised an eyebrow.

“The same terms?”

Cole looked up, catching Jorgenson’s eagerness.

“Exactly.” He paused. “Tomorrow, let’s make sure our friends at the gate don’t cause any undue disturbance that might distract our visitors. We don’t want anything detracting from the demonstration.”

“I have extra staff in place. They’ll stay on the other side of the road.”

Cole waved his hand dismissing Jorgenson while he resumed finalizing preparations.

Chapter 49