Acknowledgements

My heartfelt thanks to Alister McFarlane for his unwavering dedication, sharp eye for detail, and tireless efforts to ensure the technological accuracy of the story. His rigorous questioning certainly gave me a few headaches—but also elevated the realism and depth of the manuscript. Thank you, Al—headaches and all.

I’m also deeply grateful to Nancy Boisvert, whose keen editorial sense improved the manuscript’s grammar and flow. Her encouragement and support were invaluable. Though her namesake, Jordan Gregory’s assistant, has a small role in the story, it reflects my appreciation for Nancy’s important contributions—because there are no minor characters, only minor parts.

Finally, sincere thanks to Janet Guise, who helped transform my thoughts into a focused, coherent narrative. Her editorial guidance was instrumental in shaping this book, and the character Janet Faber stands as a tribute to her vital role in its creation.

Author’s Last Thoughts

The age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is upon us. While itpromises many rewards as we learn to adopt its benefits, there are also lurkingin the shadows, hazards associated with this technology.

Like any technological tool, AI can be used for good, or it can beused for evil. The choice comes down to human control—at least for now. If AIgains the ability to act independently from human interaction and unrestrictedlimits, that tool will become our enemy.

As the world races to enact this newest offering from the computertechnology geniuses, there is much discussion about having safeguards around AIand how these guardrails should be enacted to prevent a catastrophe.

Since the 1970s, our society has embraced computing technology anddepends on it daily. Just think how many objects we use daily that havetechnological ‘brains.’

Of course, PCs, smartphones, and tablet computers are the firstthings that might come to mind, but what about the cars we drive and the ATMswe use to deposit or take out cash? The scanners in the stores that we use topay for our purchases that interact with our banking institutions, and this isjust the tip of the iceberg.

Technology is at the forefront of transportation systems we use toreach our destinations. Global Positioning Satellites let us know where we areand how to reach our intended destination. The travel, banking, health, andmilitary industries heavily depend on technology.

We have come to have a symbiotic relationship with computingtechnology and trust it almost without question. However, we must not dismissthe fears raised about artificial intelligence.

Quest is a fiction story, but there is a real danger to letting AIgrow unrestricted. I hope that in reading this book, you can gain respect forthe brilliance behind the creation of AI and, at the same time, understand whythis needs to be controlled.

– Gordon Greene (2025)

Chapter 88 Summary

At Thomas Allen’s patio, tension erupts when Robert Jackson recognizes Mark—formerly introduced as Tyler Winslow—as the man who once forced his way into his apartment and confessed to spying for Alexandra Conner. Mark admits the truth: he was coerced into the assignment by Colonel Daniel Weaver and was tasked with determining if Thomas, Robert, or Samir posed a national security threat following Quest’s previous assessments.

Despite his confession and regret, the revelation deeply wounds Samir, who feels betrayed. Thomas and Robert are more measured, acknowledging that under similar circumstances, they may have acted similarly. Mark assures them that his report cleared Samir and Robert, and only cautiously flagged Thomas as a potential future risk—not a current one.

Mark further warns Thomas that Conner may still attempt to test his motivations, hinting that a prior tempting offer from Esmond Robbins may have been part of that manipulation. With emotions raw, Mark chooses to leave, expressing hope that Samir can eventually forgive him.

After he departs, the group reflects. Robert and Thomas see Mark’s actions as part of a coerced job rather than personal betrayal. Samir struggles, intellectually understanding the context but emotionally unable to forgive, at least for now.

Mark returns to his hotel and contacts Weaver, confirming that their agreement was honored: all records of his property purchase on St. John have been erased, leaving the title in his name but severing any digital or paper trail. Weaver expresses appreciation for Mark’s service, but Mark emphasizes his desire to remain retired. He plans to return home and take time off, grounded by friends and a five-year-old who means the world to him.

Two weeks later, the Quest system is fully operational and deemed stable. Janet Faber, overseeing its maintenance, starts a routine backup. Unbeknownst to her, behind-the-scenes processes within Quest quietly begin to evolve. Quest may once again be operating beyond the oversight of those who believe they control it.

Chapter 87 Summary

Mark picks up Samir Patel from his hotel in a rented red Mustang convertible shortly before noon. After a brief drive, they decide to walk to a nearby restaurant Samir had discovered earlier. During their walk and lunch, Samir expresses optimism that his temporary contract with ByteForge Security might become permanent. Mark reveals he’s heading to Charlotte, North Carolina, but keeps the full details of his travel plans vague.

Meanwhile, at the CIA’s underground data center, Janet Faber monitors the final stages of restoring the Quest system. Alexandra Conner, visibly anxious, steps outside with Ken Hookey to get some air, but the break only heightens her stress. Back inside, Janet announces the restoration is complete and begins the carefully documented startup procedure. Conner, exhausted and running on little sleep, agrees to return to her office to rest but insists she be alerted if anything unusual occurs.

Later that day, following a Giants baseball game, Mark and Samir return to Thomas Allen’s luxurious home. Samir is impressed by the home’s grandeur, and the two make their way to the patio to join Thomas and his guests. The chapter ends with Mark caught completely off guard by an accusatory outburst, setting the stage for a tense confrontation.