Interesting. The application gave me more information than I requested, another security gap I may be able to exploit.
Once outside, I lean toward the comm panel and try another experiment. “Hey bot, can I leave the premises?”
“Employees are not permitted beyond the compound. Belarus is not safe. Do not attempt to escape.”
Confused, I glance up at the buzzing noise. “Are those drones watching us?”
A long silence indicates my question taxed the CPU’s capacity, but now it catches up. “This research facility has many levels of advanced security.”
How can I use this intel to my advantage? Consumed by my thoughts, I stroll along the cobblestones until I reach the medieval fortress. The motion detectors must sense my movement, because all the floodlights come on.
Alone in the dining area, I sip a mug of joe and nibble on a stale cheese Danish. After the caffeine kicks in, I formulate a plan to capture the arms dealer. All I have to do is open the gate for my rescue squad and show myself before my hot-headed husband starts shooting everyone.
Popping another K-cup pod into the coffee maker, my idea takes shape. First, I must disable my laptop’s spyware. Next, I will turn my screen away from my office’s security camera. Free from scrutiny, I can reprogram my predecessor’s GPS spoofer. If I’m right, it will send my team a message while grounding Ledbetter’s drones.
Enthused, I grab a carafe, fill it with bitter brew, and trot back to my room. Before I know it, two hours have passed. Grinning at my progress, I high-five my inner Beyoncé.
“Hey, what’re you up to?” In my doorway, a long-bearded Gen-Zer crosses his arms, his eyes shaded by a black hoodie.
“Nothing!” Surprised by the nearness of the stranger’s voice, I snap my computer’s lid closed.
The dude tries to accuse me with his lengthy silence, but I shrug. “None of your damn business.”
Undaunted, he approaches my desk and whispers, “Those who have tried to escape, die.”
Shouting so the listening bot can hear, I exclaim, “Don’t be stupid. I came here of my own free will. Run along, now. The one adult in the room has work to do.”
His lips at my ear, he mutters, “Fine, if you don’t want my help, I’ll go.”
While he swivels on his heel, I stand so fast that liquid sloshes over the side of my Styrofoam cup. Grabbing pen and paper, I walk beyond the view of the overhead camera and write,Do you know how to access the front gate?
After glancing up and down the hall, he shuts the door, taps his phone, and blasts screaming rock music throughout the compound.
His move is both bold and cunning. There’s no way the AI can eavesdrop on our conversation.
More at ease, he shouts over the din. “Why bother? The Belarusians would hand you over to the Russians in a heartbeat. Take my word, this facility is far superior to a Siberian prison.”
To be heard above the screeching guitar solo, I match his volume. “What if I told you a team was coming to rescue us?”
“More likely pigs grow wings, da?” His disdainful dismissal of my offer of freedom makes me wonder if I made a huge mistake.
Regardless, I try again. “Listen, I’m not kidding.”
“Am I to trust these friends of yours would take me along?” When his brows raise, I bob my head.
As a second thought, I add, “On the condition you help us capture Ledbetter.”
“Fine. The food truck comes daily.” He swipes his handheld device, the music stops, and yet my ears continue to ring.
“That’s it?” I don’t know what I expected, but this wasn't it.
“You’re the one who earned three doctorates. Surely, you can think of something.” Smirking, he swivels on his heel.
Before he walks out the door, I shout, “Wait. What’s your name?”
“They call me Ghost.” Once his footsteps disappear, I glance at the time and groan. The bakery truck is scheduled to arrive in three hours, and I still have much work to do.
Time passes quickly and I’m almost done when Ledbetter steps into my office.
