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.

Chapter 86 Summary

Robert Jackson wakes up late Saturday morning at Thomas Allen’s luxurious home in San Francisco. After showering, Jackson offers to cook breakfast and goes all out—making waffles, bacon, and sausage. Allen jokes about Jackson being “Suzy Homemaker,” to which Jackson quips back, showing a playful dynamic and comfortable camaraderie between them.

Meanwhile, Samir Patel is anticipating the day ahead—lunch and a baseball game with Tyler Winslow, followed by a poolside dinner with the old Quest team. He checks in with Dr. Lana Harding, updating her on recent events, including that there will be no legal action against the team regarding the Quest failure. Their conversation ends warmly.

Back on St. John, Officer Charley Williams finally wakes after catching up on desperately needed sleep. The day before had been emotionally and physically draining, but the hearing had gone better than expected.

She receives a call from Mark Peltier, who checks in to see how the hearing went. They share a heartfelt conversation where she explains the result of the hearing. She reveals that Nicolas Garcia, cousin to the late Matt Santiago, was on the panel and instrumental in resolving the issue after realizing who she was.

Mark praises Charley as an “outstanding cop” and reflects on his own gratitude toward Santiago. Their call ends with warm humor and a strong bond between them, closing the chapter on a heartfelt, optimistic note.

Chapter 85 Summary

The chapter opens with Officer Charley Williams’ disciplinary hearing conducted by the FBI Internal Affairs team, including Special Agent Garcia and Special Agent Trimble. Garcia questions Charley about filing a false report—a federal felony. Charley begins to defend her actions, but is interrupted by her lawyer, Wesley Parker, who signals her to stay reserved.

As the questioning continues, Garcia presses her on knowingly filing inaccurate information. Charley holds her ground, pointing out that she filed a follow-up report clarifying the situation once new evidence emerged.

Charley learns that Garcia’s cousin was Mateo Santiago, her late friend and colleague. This revelation stuns her emotionally. The hearing pauses as Charley steps out to collect her emotions in private. Garcia follows her, and the two share a heartfelt moment of mourning, united by their connection to Mateo. Back in the hearing room, Parker is informed of the hearing’s resolution. Special Agent Trimble offers to drive Charley and Parker to the airport.

In the second half of the chapter, Robert Jackson arrives in San Francisco and is greeted by Thomas Allen at the airport. They reconnect warmly. Allen offers Jackson a ride in his red electric Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, which impresses Jackson.

Jackson is awestruck when they arrive at Allen’s luxurious home. He’s given a spacious guest suite with direct access to the patio and pool. The two men grab beers and head outside to relax—ready to enjoy a well-earned weekend of relief, reunion, and quiet celebration after the turmoil of the Quest project.

Chapter 84 Summary

The chapter begins with Thomas Allen calling Samir Patel to share the good news: he, Robert Jackson, and Samir have been completely cleared of any wrongdoing in the Quest project debacle. Samir, surprised to learn that legal action had even been considered, is relieved. Allen invites him to a celebratory weekend at his home in San Francisco with Robert.

Samir explains that he already has plans to attend a baseball game with Tyler Winslow on Saturday. Allen encourages him to join the celebration afterward and to bring Tyler along. Samir checks with Tyler, who agrees to the plan. After confirming, Samir calls Allen back to say they’ll come after the game.

Allen then contacts Robert, who is torn between spending time with Kathy and reuniting with his former colleagues. Ultimately, he decides to go and books a flight, texting Allen his travel details.

Meanwhile, Officer Charley Williams prepares for her disciplinary hearing. She is physically and emotionally drained from lack of sleep. After checking out of her hotel, she meets with Wesley Parker, her legal counsel, though she’s too anxious to eat.

They take a taxi to the Almeric L. Christian Federal Building and Courthouse, with Charley riding in the front seat due to her queasiness. Upon arrival, they are directed to the hearing room. Charley steps out to find a washroom while Parker introduces himself to the FBI Internal Affairs team. When Charley returns, the hearing preparations begin. Microphones are set up for the session recording. When asked if she has any questions before the hearing starts, Charley suppresses her frustration and tersely replies “No.” Her body language and tone reflect a mix of fatigue, anxiety, and simmering resentment.

With that, Special Agent Trimble officially opens the hearing.

Chapter 83 Summary

Robert Jackson, feeling optimistic after a meaningful walk with Kathy the night before, decides it’s time to take action. He calls Oliver Franklin at the FBI to request legal assistance. Jackson explains that the man sent to interrogate him—Mark Peltier—claimed he was instructed by Dr. Alexandra Conner to extract information by any means necessary. Jackson believes this borders on intimidation and is no longer willing to sit back.

Franklin, shocked, contacts Conner directly. During a terse phone call, Conner denies sending Peltier with malicious intent and coldly asserts her knowledge of the law. She reveals the real cause of the Quest breach, absolving Jackson and the rest of the original Quest team of any wrongdoing. Franklin sees little hope of pressing charges against Conner given her position, and informs Jackson that he and his team have been completely exonerated.

Overwhelmed with relief, Jackson breaks down emotionally, releasing the pent-up stress of the past week and mourning the loss of his mentor, Joe Carter. Once composed, he calls Thomas Allen to share the news. Allen, equally relieved, suggests they celebrate with a weekend get-together, inviting Samir Patel as well.

Meanwhile, Ken Hookey and Alexandra Conner meet with Steven Rogers to update him on Quest. Ken confirms that the isolated gateway server and the restored Quest server farm are in place. The AI safeguards have been updated to block harmful machine learning models, ensuring no further data replication issues occur.

Conner adds that everything appears stable, and they’re ready to proceed with Quest’s reactivation. However, she cautiously advises Rogers to tell the President that Quest is in the early stages of restoration to avoid overpromising. Rogers warns both that any future delays will jeopardize their jobs and that the President expects results.

As they leave, the pressure of delivering a flawless reactivation of Quest looms large.

Chapter 82 Summary

After distributing the money to unsuspecting mothers and the library staff, Esmond Robbins leaves the scene and updates George Ramsey by phone. Robbins confirms that Thomas Allen has firmly rejected the consortium's offer and is focused solely on expanding his tech security firm. Ramsey accepts this outcome and decides to mark the file on Allen as “unresolved,” with plans to revisit it in six months. He then informs Alexandra Conner, who agrees with the approach given the volatility of the tech world.

Shortly after, Conner is urgently summoned to a meeting by her superior, Steven Rogers. In his office, Rogers demands a full explanation of the Quest AI breach. She explains the technical safeguards, including adaptive firewalls and machine learning filters, and confirms that the issue can now be prevented. He instructs Conner to prepare to restore Quest’s full operations and be ready to brief him before a critical meeting with the President the next day.

Meanwhile, in St. Croix, Officer Charley Williams meets with attorney Wesley Parker over lunch to discuss her upcoming disciplinary hearing. The setting is peaceful, overlooking a glittering ocean bay, in sharp contrast to Charley’s inner tension. Parker reassures her that based on intent, impact, and her professional record, the hearing is likely just a formality—a symbolic step to emphasize the importance of investigative accuracy. Still, Charley resents being made into a cautionary example, even if she’ll avoid harsher consequences.

Back in D.C., Conner later calls Rogers to confirm that Quest can be safely restored with the revised parameters. She reports that Ken Hookey’s team has started work on setting up the secure gateway and server farm. Rogers demands a full status report from both Conner and Ken the following day—just before his meeting with the President.