Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
I bite the end of my pencil, ignoring my racing heart. Exaggeration? Yeah, okay, but barely. The aftershocks of my second encounter with Damien have left me on-edge, but I was right when I told Luke that I couldn't return to his apartment.
If I were there, Damien would consume my thoughts. When I told Luke what happened, he looked ready to tear Damien apart with his bare hands.
Luke: Codebreaker sixty-nine. Are you okay, angel?
My phone illuminates beside my keyboard with his text. The time reads three PM. I haven't left my desk in hours. I've received other messages and calls too – from Ellie – but I've ignored those.
Sera: I think the key lies in rebuilding the human-AI interactive algorithm from scratch. I've been working on a prototype that uses the empathetic approach, meaning you could combine it with NeuroDrive's predictive modeling to not only anticipate what driving style the user would prefer... but what AI personality too. Oh, and remember when I said I rewrote a portion of it? Well, I had to scrap that. This is better.
Luke: That's incredible. And scrapping is part of the process. But I was asking about you.
Sera: I don't want to think about me. I'd much rather focus on work.
When he doesn't push, switching directly to work questions, I smile. He understands me. He knows exactly what I need. Other men might force the issue, but not my man.
Luke: Is the prototype showing any functionality?
Sera: I've run an early test, and yes, it is. But to make this work, you'd need to write the entire human-AI interaction algorithm in-house to avoid any issues like before. No TechGuard and no other contractors.
Luke: I've already told the shareholders they can try their luck with a coup if they think we're cutting those corners again.
I chew on my lip, contemplating whether to say what needs to be said next.
Sera: It means I'll have to pass this work onto somebody else. I'm not a NeuroDrive employee.
Luke: Sparkplug, even if I didn't need you near me, you're the most qualified person to work on this issue. This is your chance to apply your empathetic model to a multibillion-dollar company.
Excitement bubbles inside me as I read those words, the scope of my future suddenly expanding.
Sera: I don't want any special treatment.
Luke: I won't use your model if it doesn't work, beautiful. But even through text, I can feel your passion, your dedication. It's time you became an employee of NeuroDrive. It's time you lived here permanently.
Sera: Are you asking me to move in with you?
Luke: Does that seem fast, Sparkplug? Could anything possibly seem fast for us?
I stare at my computer screen. Truthfully, I can envision myself working here, spending weeks and months deeply immersed in this problem. I can imagine spending time with Luke after passionate encounters in the bedroom, dates, quiet moments when it's just us, and we don't even need to speak to make them special.
Luke: What's wrong?
Of course, he senses something's wrong without having to ask… even through text. And he's quick to follow up.
Luke: Is it Eleanor?
Sera: I wish I could flip a switch and stop caring about them after what they did. They betrayed me, and it hurts. They basically sent Damien after me. But when I think about losing her, it aches far more than it should.
Luke: I can't tell you what to do. But I know one thing. I need you, Sera. And I'll never hurt you.
Sera: Maybe I should try to talk with them again.
Luke: That's your decision to make. Have they tried to reach out?
Sera: Yes. Unlike my actual parents, Ellie has texted and called me almost twenty times. Graham has sent me loads of emails saying he wants to talk, that he's sorry. I guess they had a conversation recently, because they all arrived while I was working… giving me a convenient excuse to ignore them.
Luke: But you don't want to ignore them anymore.
He knew me better than I knew myself. I wanted to talk to them, but I felt foolish for wanting that.
Sera: I don't know. Am I being a naïve idiot, Luke? Do I want parental figures so badly, I'm willing to accept more than I should? But you have to understand, Graham and Ellie were GOOD people before all this. They helped me so much. Ellie made my teenage years bearable. Without her, I don't think I would've made it through.
Luke: I don’t want to see you taken advantage of. If you want to talk to them, I’m going to be there to hold your hand.
Sera: Are you sure?
Luke: It’s about time I spoke with Graham, anyway.
Sera: I could arrange a video call for tonight. If they care as much as they’re saying they do, then they shouldn’t mind waiting up for us.
Luke: Do it. And know, Sparkplug, I’m with you every step of the way. I just hate the fact Damien got to you again, and I didn’t do a damn thing.