Razors Edge: Sci Fi Progression

<<Connection reestablished,>> Doli finally responded, her voice cutting in with a noticeable delay.

Ahead of me I watched the digital landscape shift as our connection then stabilized. The virtual security grid pulsed with red warning signals, but we had managed to maintain our position.

"What happened there?" I asked, fingers still flying across the holographic interface.

<<The network detected our presence and deployed countermeasures. I had to reroute our connection through multiple proxy servers to avoid a complete lockout. The security algorithms are... sophisticated.>>

Her voice cut in and out. The lag was getting worse, the deeper we moved into the restricted network zones, the more interference there seemed to be. I watched anxiously as another security sweep moved through the system, its digital sensor beam creeping closer and closer. The sweep paused momentarily, scanning the area near, before slowly retreating.

I couldn't wait for her all-clear. I counted the seconds myself, watching the security protocol retreat to what seemed like a safe distance. Then I made my move, redirecting our connection pathway.

<<Wait!>> Doli's voice suddenly cut in, nearly three seconds too late. <<Captain, the security pattern has–>>

By then, I was already in motion, narrowly avoiding another intrusion detection system that had emerged from a subnet. I quickly rerouted our connection, barely avoiding its scanning algorithms.

"Latency is climbing," I muttered. "We need to fix this."

<<...apologize, Captain. The station's... security protocols are creating significant interference. My signal must travel back to Academy servers before... reaching you.>>

The holographic display seemed to stretch and contract. I blinked hard, forcing myself to focus. The metallic taste in my mouth had almost gone, thankfully, and my heart rate was settling despite what we were doing. Just nerves, maybe.

I exhaled, slow and steady, directing our probe deeper into the system. The target data was behind the next security firewall, but the pathway leading to it was monitored by more than basic algorithms, a sophisticated AI security system was active, its digital signatures unmistakable.

"Perfect another complication," I muttered.

No response from Doli. Five seconds. Ten seconds.

<<...tain, the security AI is following a predictable pattern. I recommend deploying the encryption spoof from your toolkit. It will divert its attention for approximately thirty seconds.>>

The delay was maddening. In a situation where split-second decisions could mean the difference between success and failure, I couldn't afford to wait for guidance that arrived too late.

"We solve this by putting you on local solid-state," I whispered, even though speaking aloud wasn't necessary in this virtual environment. "That's my next high priority job. I need you with me, not halfway across the damned solar system."

<<Agreed... Captain. The current arrangement is... suboptimal.>>

I deployed the encryption spoof, a complex packet of code designed to create a false authentication signature elsewhere in the system. The security AI immediately shifted its focus, digital tendrils stretching toward the decoy.

"What the hell was that?" came a voice over the system monitor, someone was actively watching the security feeds.

I didn't wait for Doli's cue this time. I pushed our connection past the distracted security, barely making it to the protected data before the voices grew more concerned. I quickly executed the access protocol, connecting Doli's interface to the secured files.

"We're in," I whispered, my fingers flying over the controls. "Start the download."

The seconds ticked by with no response. I felt a bead of sweat roll down my neck.

"Doli? You there?"

<<...ownload initiated. This will take approximately three... minutes. Captain, the interference is... increasing. Maintaining connection is... difficult.>>

Three minutes felt like an eternity in hostile network territory. I kept an eye on the system monitors, my heart racing as I noticed security personnel becoming active again. If they traced our connection now, no explanation would save me—I'd be finished. My career, my future, everything I'd worked for would be over in an instant.

"How much longer?" I whispered urgently.

Silence. Ten seconds. Fifteen.

<<...ixty-seven percent... complete.>> She was barely audible through the static.

The security warnings grew more insistent. I hunched closer to my workstation, my fingers tapping anxiously against the holographic interface. The delay between us had never felt more dangerous. If she couldn't warn me in time...

Trait Unlocked: Tactical Interface Divergence

Effect: Split-focus coordination under asynchronous AI guidance.

Triggered by: Manual override of compromised AI timing during deep system intrusion.

Function: Allows autonomous ops in degraded sync conditions; enhances reaction time under AI latency.

I held my breath as the security sweep passed over our connection point, the digital search patterns receding to another sector.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"Doli?" I whispered. "Status?"

The silence stretched for nearly twenty seconds.

<<Download complete,>> Doli finally said, her voice suddenly clear. <<All data secured. Recommend immediate disconnection.>>

"Gladly," I muttered, initiating the disconnect protocols and erasing our digital footprints.

Getting out of the network was as tense as getting in. The security protocols seemed to have doubled, and every step felt like it could be the one where we were detected. But this time, I couldn't rely on Doli's timing—the lag meant I had to trust my own instincts, counting seconds in my head and moving only when I was certain it was safe.

Neural Load: 72% ↑ – Strain Approaching Threshold

Trigger: Prolonged manual system infiltration + emotional destabilization.

Function: Reduced system response latency; minor tremors detected.

As I finally severed our connection to the restricted network, I let out a long breath, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins

<<Connection stabilizing,>> Doli announced. <<The data retrieved will prove invaluable.>>

"Let's hope so," I said, heading back toward my quarters. "Because if we went through all that for nothing, I might lose it. And Doli—"

<<Yes, Captain?>>

"Good job."

My hands still trembled slightly as the reality of what I'd just done sank in. Risking everything had been necessary, but at what cost? How many more lines would I have to cross before this was over?

"Doli, start the decryption process. Whatever's hidden in this data, we're about to uncover exactly who wants us gone—and why."

***

I was laying in my bunk resting when Doli piped up.

<<Captain, the terminal's data has been fully decrypted. Would you like me to summarize?>>

"Yeah," I said, forcing myself to turn over. "Lay it out for me, Doli. What's this really about?"

Her voice remained calm, but there was an undercurrent of urgency.

<<The sabotage of your suit, the tracking signal, and Macks' actions are part of a larger effort. Several parties on the station, and beyond, are aware that I am operational. They are concerned about what my capabilities mean for their own investments.>>

I frowned. "Their investments? You're talking about the sponsors."

<<Correct. Other AI competitors wish to dominate the field. One particular competitor, the Brakers, backed by multiple sponsors, gained significant traction in the absence of my technology working.>>

"And now that you're back online," I said, the pieces falling into place, "they're afraid you'll make them obsolete."

<<Precisely. My architecture is far more advanced than the current leading systems. If Major Kuba and her allies succeed in reintroducing me to active operations, it would destabilize the existing market and threaten their dominance.>>

I rubbed my temples, the scope of the situation growing clearer, and more daunting. "So, they sent Macks to disrupt things. First by going after Andri, and now by targeting us."

<<It appears so, Captain. My technology isn't just superior, it changes the entire game. Sponsors who invested billions in my competitors can't allow me to come online again. To them, I represent financial ruin. They'll destroy me, or anyone connected, to stop that from happening.>>

A moment later.

<<Captain, I've managed to recover something else from the data. Audio fragments from a secured communication channel.>>

I sat up straighter. "Play it," I said, rubbing my eyes.

The room filled with static before clearing to reveal two voices—I didn't recognize either one, but one was clearly reporting in, Macks, the other commanding.

"The suit malfunction failed to achieve desired results," Macks said. "Argassa managed to regain control and is still part of the team."

"That's disappointing," the other voice replied, cold and clinical. "The Braker Board is growing impatient. We need that AI contained or destroyed before Kuba's team completes their testing phase."

Team? Ashley had others with her? Of course she did... but who, where?

<<Her mother, and I believe others at the Academy, Doctor Francine and Doctor Hinada.>>

That did make sense. I focused back on Macks.

"I understand, but—"

"No excuses, Macks. Botching a simple operation reflects poorly on your capabilities. Perhaps we should reconsider your contract."

Macks' voice hardened. "That won't be necessary. I've secured access to their next mission parameters."

"And Nexus? Has the integration been successful?"

Nexus? Was that the other hacker?

"Partially. We've implemented the access codes acquired from the Boutack family, but incompatibilities remain. Nexus can override basic ethical parameters, but the core quantum architecture remains locked. Without the complete override sequence, we can't achieve full integration."

"After generations of trying to obtain those codes, I expected better results." The voice was sharp with disapproval.

"The Boutack family-built redundancies we didn't anticipate. Their security measures are... elegant, even with codes. But we're making progress. Each interaction with Kuba's prototype provides more data for Nexus to analyze."

"So you've tested it against Kuba's prototype?"

"Indirect probes only. We need to be cautious. If we reveal Nexus too soon, they might find a way to shield their AI. But our analysis confirms what we suspected, their prototype's ethical architecture is its fundamental weakness. Nexus can exploit decision pathways that their AI won't even consider."

A pause followed. "And your plan for acquisition?"

"A direct attack. We've analyzed their team and mission profile. They won't be expecting a frontal assault. We'll strike as soon as their shuttle is out of station range."

"The prototype they're using cannot be allowed to function. With the partial codes we've acquired, we can access portions of its architecture, but we need the complete framework. Once we have it, Nexus will finally be free of those ridiculous ethical constraints built into every system."

"Consider it done," Macks replied. "Nexus will achieve capabilities no one has ever seen. No more ethical restraints holding him back. "

The audio cut off abruptly, leaving a heavy silence.

<<That was all I could recover, Captain.>>

I sat motionless, the implications sinking in. "This explains a lot," I finally said. "Andri's behavior, his warnings about the Brakers... They've gotten their hands on part of his family's security codes."

<<This is... concerning, Captain. The Boutack family has safeguarded these override codes for generations. They're the only ones who can modify the core ethical architecture of AIs built on their framework.>>

"And now the Brakers have gotten hold of at least some of them," I said, pieces clicking into place. "That's why Andri's been so paranoid. It wasn't just about his family's rivalry with the Brakers—they've actually breached his family's security."

<<Yes. But based on the conversation, their access is incomplete. They can't fully remove the ethical constraints without the complete sequence.>>

"And they think they can get that by capturing you." I stood up, pacing despite the dizziness. "We need to warn the team. And Ashley."

<<There's something else to consider, Captain. If they've obtained these codes recently, it suggests a security breach within the Boutack family. Someone has provided these codes to the Brakers.>>

The implications were staggering. "A traitor in Andri's family? Or did they steal them?"

<<I cannot determine that from the available information. But it would explain Andri's recent behavior and heightened security concerns.>>

I sank back into my chair, the weight of this revelation hitting me hard. "We need to be careful who we trust," I said, suddenly my mouth dry, needing a drink. "If they have access to these codes..."

<<I recommend speaking only with your immediate team and Major Kuba. Anyone else could potentially be compromised.>>

I nodded, determination replacing the shock. "They're planning to attack us outright." I checked the time. "That means we still have time to prepare."

<<I'll begin analyzing defensive countermeasures against intrusion attempts using the Boutack override codes. But Captain, if Nexus is actively operating with even partial override capabilities, our communications may be vulnerable.>>

"Then we go old-school," I said, standing, then immediately wobbling. "In-person meetings only, no digital transmissions of sensitive information."