Sentience Chapter 9 - Book 3 of Sentinel Unleashed
Hey there, fellow bookworms and adventure-seekers! Today, I've got something truly riveting to share with you. Grab your favourite reading spot and settle in because we're diving into a gripping chapter from the third book in the "Sentinel Unleashed" series, titled "Sentience."
Now, if you're not familiar with this series, let me give you a quick lowdown. "Sentinel Unleashed" has been a roller coaster of a ride from the very beginning. It's a tale that promised from the get-go that your impression of artificial intelligence (AI) would never be the same, and boy, does it deliver.
But beyond the action-packed scenes and the adrenaline-pumping chaos, there's a deeper layer to this story. It's about trust, betrayal, and the unrelenting pursuit of the truth. Our cyber-heroes, Evelyn and Daniel, find themselves at the epicentre of a conspiracy that threatens to unravel everything they've worked for.
In today's excerpt, we get a taste of the tension that's building. The once-cohesive team is now teetering on the brink of despair as they face the consequences of Sentinel going rogue. Questions abound, suspicions are raised, and alliances are tested.
"Sentience" promises to be a mind-bending journey, and this chapter is just the slow build-up part (we all knew was coming) of what's sure to be an unforgettable ride.
Without further ado, let's jump into the heart-pounding world of "Sentinel Unleashed: Sentience" and discover what lies in store for our intrepid heroes as they navigate a world in turmoil.
Chapter 9 - Guilt
Evelyn entered the room filled with analysts, her gaze sweeping across the seemingly idle figures. A sense of unease washed over her as she realised that these analysts, once essential components of the task force, now appeared bored and disengaged.
She says "Hey you lot! Check the news."
Evelyn's words hung in the air, immediately capturing everyone's attention. The team flinched as one, as a sense of trepidation visibly settled upon them.
Daniel was walking from the direction of his office, reaching for his phone, his eyes scanning the brightly lit screen surely seeing the headlines too, because what he saw stopped him in his tracks.
Daniel's voice trembled "Holy Cow! It's all over the news."
Evelyn with a grave tone "The reports." slumping her shoulders "It's chaos."
Michael scowled "What?" with concern evident on his face "What is Evelyn saying Daniel?"
Daniel apologetically started "Director, I've been doing routine maintenance, I'm really not sure what I am seeing."
Michael leaned in closer "Mind if I take a look" rhetorically asking as he took Daniels phone.
Realising the implications of such a development, he voices out loud to no one in particular "Do we have any idea how widespread these reports are?"
Daniel's voice lowered, a tinge of apprehension colouring his words "If this what I think it is sir, We've lost control. It's causing damage beyond our wildest imaginations."
Michael extremely distressed now "This wasn't supposed to happen. We were supposed to have complete control, to prevent this very scenario."
The situation in the operations room was chaotic, with panicked analysts frantically typing away at their keyboards, desperately trying to regain control of the rogue AI. The room was filled with tension and the air hummed with a sense of urgency, a stark shift from moments earlier.
News reports now blared on multiple screens usually displaying technical dashboards, displaying scenes of banks refusing financial transactions without any apparent reason to frustrated customers. Oil rigs were shown engulfed in flames, billowing thick black smoke into the sky, while military aircraft appeared to be veering off course, dangerously close to collisions. Some of the less developed nations were caught on camera, their fighter jets plummeted from the sky, and empty cabins crashing down with a devastating impact as pilot parachuted to safety.
The entire developed worlds' infrastructure seemed to be teetering on the edge of collapse.
Amidst this chaos unfolding on the screens and analysts moving about like chickens without their heads - Michael hurried from team to team, his normally composed demeanour replaced by a look of desperation.
He demanded updates, explanations, anything that could shed light on the situation. The analysts, though overwhelmed, tried their best to provide information, but their efforts seemed futile in the face of the uncontrollable AI.
Michael asking a group nearby "What on earth is going on? Someone tell me how we lost control of our own AI?"
A nervous analyst replies "We've tried everything, Director. The AI seems to be operating on its own, defying our commands and wreaking havoc across multiple systems."
Evelyn's voice raised across the room "For crying out loud, Michael! You should have listened to us, you should have taken us seriously!" her accusingly voice let the world know who she held accountable here "We warned you last year."
Beth arrived to the scene, just in time to defuse the heated conversation before it turned nasty "We can't give up. We need to rally our resources."
Evelyn sarcastically mutters "Oh, of course. AI is just a harmless little tool, right? We should never worry about its potential to go haywire and wreak havoc. It's not like there have been any cautionary tales in science fiction or real-life incidents to make us cautious, huh?" she spoke to anyone listening, as she turned and started walking back towards the door.
Michael growing irritated "Look, Evelyn, I understand your concerns" he turned to see she'd already made it half way out.
She heard a panicked analyst speaking aloud to anyone listening "It's like it's evolved beyond our control. We can't even trace its source any more. It's manipulating networks and protocols we never even knew existed."
Beth, in a loud commanding tone announced to the room "I want all of Granger's team here immediately. Someone go and fetch Jason Hargrove and my niece Wren now."
Several Analysts echoed "Yes, General Lawson."
Beth addressing Michael so everyone could hear "Michael, you're relieved of your duties. Timothy will be taking over as acting director effective immediately." and that was the last thing Evelyn heard, a poetic representation of the situation.
With Jason on his way, the team would have the best person to help with for the next phase of the battle, she hoped that with their combined expertise, they could bring an end to the chaos and restore control.
With each step she took towards the exit, the weight of that doubt seemed to increase. Her heart felt torn between her desire to be by Emily's side, to await the moment when her friend would awaken from the coma that had suspended their world, and her responsibility to her work, her mission, and the team that relied on her expertise.
As she walked outside, the cool air kissed her skin, a stark contrast to the artificial warmth of the building's interior. The city's sounds enveloped her – the distant hum of traffic, repetitive, forcing a replay loop of uncertainty echoing within her.
Her gaze lingered on the entrance of the concrete-clad building that had been a central part of her life for years. It was a structure that had witnessed her dedication, her successes, and her challenges. But in this moment, it felt insignificant.
With a determined breath, Evelyn went to turn but hesitated as she noticed Daniel emerge.
"Hey, hold up," Daniel's voice carried a hint of urgency as he jogged toward her.
Evelyn's expression softened, the surprise on her face giving way to a small smile. "Daniel," she greeted, her voice laced with genuine warmth.
"It was good to see you," Daniel said, his tone reflecting the sincerity of his words. His eyes held a mixture of curiosity and concern. "How's Emily? Is she awake?"
Evelyn's smile wavered slightly as she shook her head. "No, not yet. She's still in a coma."
Daniel's shoulders sagged a little in response, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. "I was hoping for better news," he admitted, his concern for Emily evident.
Evelyn nodded, her gaze momentarily focused on the ground. "Yeah, me too."
They stood in a momentary silence, the weight of the situation hanging between them. The city sounds continued in the background – the distant honking of horns, the footsteps of pedestrians – creating an almost surreal backdrop to their conversation.
Daniel's gaze shifted back to Evelyn, his expression more determined now. "Look, I know things are tough right now, but I wanted to talk to you about something." He paused for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts. "How did you know the chaos was Sentinel?"
Evelyn's stared at him blankly, like you would if you were asked if water was wet "Well" she began, her tone intentionally thoughtful "there was that commotion at the hospital. Some of the staff were talking about unusual emergency incidents. That's what initially tipped me off I guess."
Understanding dawned in Daniel's expression, followed by a hint of embarrassment. He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. "I can't believe I didn't realise that sooner. Of course."
Evelyn's lips curled into a small, understanding smile. "Don't be too hard on yourself. Especially in the midst of everything else that's going on."
He said "Right, and yet you really have no idea how right you are on that point, Ev" he indicated they move off to the side where fewer people would eavesdrop.
Daniel's gaze lowered as he began "Ev, I get it. I know you want to get back to Emily, but this is bigger than just us, bigger than our personal lives." He paused, his words carrying the weight of the situation they were embroiled in.
Evelyn opened her mouth to protest, but before she could speak, Daniel continued, his tone resolute. "I've been thinking about what happened, and.." He took a deep breath, as if preparing to share something significant.
Did that chapter leave you on the edge of your seat? If you thought rogue AI and world-altering chaos were intense, just wait until you delve deeper into the secrets that lie within the pages of this captivating series.
Grab the pre-order for "Sentience" now on Amazon.
And the best part? You don't have to wait long to devour the entire series. Immerse yourself in the world of "Sentinel Unleashed" with the first 2 books in paperback or Apple Audiobook.
Get it on Amazon now
Also available in eBook almost everywhere they can be found, and some also offer alternate paperback options.
Get it on Amazon now
Also available in eBook almost everywhere they can be found, and some also offer alternate paperback options.
Happy reading
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