Page 3 of Blazing Joysticks

Amelia nodded, her usual joviality tempered by the seriousness of the situation. “I know, Keir. It’s one of the things that makes Sharpe Drakon Games so successful. Your integrity is unmatched in the industry.”

Keir’s grip tightened on the armrest. “This technology... it’s more than just a game. It’s about protecting people and keeping them safe even in virtual worlds. If someone on my team can’t understand that, can’t respect that, then they have no place in this company.”

“Hey,” Amelia said softly, placing a hand on his arm. “Whatever happens, you’ll handle it. You always do. And you’ve got me and the rest of the family backing you up.”

Keir managed a small smile, feeling some of the tension ease from his shoulders. “Thanks, sis. I appreciate that more than you know.”

As they pulled up to the convention center, the buzz of excitement was palpable. Crowds of gaming enthusiasts, tech journalists, and industry professionals swarmed the entrance, many sporting T-shirts emblazoned with the Sharpe Drakon Games logo.

Keir took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders as he stepped out of the car. This was his element - the culmination of years of hard work and innovation. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was ready to face them.

Inside, the expo floor was a cacophony of sights and sounds. Massive screens displayed footage of upcoming games while demo stations allowed attendees to test out the latest hardware. At the center of it all stood the Sharpe Drakon Games booth, a sleek, modern structure dominated by the Guardian AI logo.

As Keir approached, a group of reporters swarmed him, microphones thrust forward eagerly.

“Mr. Sharpe! Can you tell us more about the AI integration in Guardian?”

“Is it true that the system can predict user behavior?”

“How does Guardian differ from other VR safety protocols on the market?”

Keir raised a hand, his charismatic smile firmly in place despite the inner turmoil. “Ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate your enthusiasm. Rest assured, all your questions will be answered during our official presentation in just a few moments. What I can tell you is that Guardian AI represents a quantum leap forward in virtual reality technology. It’s not just a game - it’s a revolution in user safety and immersion.”

As he fielded more questions, Keir’s eyes scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of his missing lead engineer. The man’s absence was a glaring hole in what should have been a flawless operation.

Finally, it was time for the main event. Keir took his place on the stage, the sleek VR headset in his hands. As he began his presentation, his voice resonated with passion and conviction.

“Imagine a world where your virtual experiences are not just immersive, but truly safe. Where an AI, modeled after the protective instincts of the most formidable creatures in mythology, watches over you, anticipates dangers, and enhances your gameplay in ways you never thought possible. That world is no longer a dream - it’s Guardian AI.”

The crowd hung on his every word as Keir demonstrated the technology, showing how the AI adapted to user behavior, created dynamic environments, and intervened when it sensed potential harm or discomfort.

As the presentation reached its climax, Keir’s sharp eyes caught a flicker of movement in the wings of the stage. There, lurking in the shadows, was his lead engineer - engaged in a hushed, furtive conversation with two men Keir recognized as representatives from Obsidian Tech, Sharpe Drakon’s fiercest rival.

In that moment, everything clicked into place. The mysterious absence, the reluctance to communicate - it all pointed to one thing: betrayal.

Keir’s eyes narrowed, a low growl building in his chest. With a final flourish, he concluded his presentation to thunderous applause, his mind already formulating a plan to deal with this treachery.

As the crowd dispersed, buzzing with excitement about Guardian AI, Keir strode purposefully toward his lead engineer. The man’s face paled as he saw his boss approaching, the Obsidian Tech representatives quickly melting away into the crowd.

“Mr. Sharpe, I can explain-” the engineer began, but Keir cut him off with a raised hand.

“Save it,” Keir said, his voice low and dangerous. “You’re fired. Clear out your office by the end of the day. And if I find out you’ve shared any of our proprietary information with Obsidian Tech, you’ll be hearing from our legal team.”

The engineer sputtered, trying to form a defense, but Keir had already turned away, his mind racing with the implications of this betrayal and the urgent need to fill the now-vacant position.

As the day wound down and the expo hall emptied, Keir found himself in a quiet corner with Amelia, the adrenaline of the day finally starting to ebb.

“Well,” Amelia said, a hint of admiration in her voice, “you certainly know how to make an expo exciting. A groundbreaking tech reveal and a dramatic firing all in one day.”

Keir sighed, rubbing his temples. “Not exactly how I planned things to go. We’re going to need a new lead engineer, and fast. Someone we can trust, someone who understands the vision behind Guardian AI.”

Amelia nodded sympathetically. “You’ll find someone. You always do. Now come on, we’ve got a family dinner to get to. Maybe a good meal and some family banter will help clear your head.”

Later that evening as Keir sat around the expansive dining table in his parents’ penthouse, the events of the day still weighed heavily on his mind. The success of the Guardian AI reveal was tempered by the stark reality of the turncoat he’d uncovered.

“So, little brother,” Amelia’s voice cut through his thoughts, her tone teasing, “tell everyone about your exciting day at the office.”

Keir shot her a wry look. “I’m sure you’re dying to share the gossip yourself, Amelia.”

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