Page 4 of Blazing Joysticks

Their mother, Vivianne, leaned forward, concern etching her ageless features. “What happened, dear? The expo went well, didn’t it?”

“The expo was a resounding success,” Keir assured her. “Guardian AI was very well received. However...” He paused, his jaw tightening. “I had to let go of our lead engineer. He was caught sharing company secrets with Obsidian Tech.”

A collective gasp went around the table. Harris, Keir’s father, frowned deeply. “That’s a serious breach of trust, son. How are you planning to handle the fallout?”

Keir sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We’ll need to do a full security audit, of course. And I’ll have to find a replacement quickly. Someone who not only has the technical skills but also understands the importance of what we’re doing.”

At that moment, Vivianne’s eyes lit up with an idea. “You know, I might have just the person for you, Keir.”

Keir raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite his skepticism. “Oh? And how would you know someone suitable for such a specialized position, Mother?”

Vivianne smiled mysteriously. “One of the women in my book club has a daughter who’s quite the tech genius. She just finished a big contract and is currently weighing her options. From what I’ve heard, she’d be perfect for your team.”

Keir’s interest was piqued. His mother’s social circles were vast and influential, and he’d learned long ago not to underestimate her connections. “Tell me more.”

“Her name is Catrina Reeves,” Vivianne continued. “She has multiple advanced degrees in relevant fields and a reputation for innovative thinking. If you want the best, Keir, she’s it. You should meet with her before someone else snaps her up.”

Amelia chimed in, a mischievous glint in her eye. “How pretty is this tech genius, Mom?”

Keir shot her a warning look, but Amelia pressed on, grinning. “Just remember, big bro, it wouldn’t be smart to get involved with an employee, especially with your infamous three-date rule.”

The table erupted in good-natured laughter and teasing, but Keir’s mind was already whirring with possibilities. “Can you send me her LinkedIn profile, Mother? I’d like to review her credentials.”

As Vivianne nodded and reached for her phone, Keir felt a strange sense of hope. Could his problem really be solved so quickly? He truly hoped Catrina Reeves was exactly what his company needed because he didn’t have the time to wait for the right candidate when he was on such a tight deadline.

When the profile loaded on his phone, Keir’s eyes widened slightly. Catrina’s list of qualifications was impressive, to say the least. Multiple advanced degrees, a string of successful projects, and glowing recommendations from industry leaders.

“Well?” Amelia prodded, trying to peek at his screen. “Is she as amazing as Mom claims?”

Keir nodded slowly, his mind already formulating plans. “She certainly seems more than qualified. I’ll need to meet with her, of course, but... Mom might be right.”

As the family continued to chat and joke around him, Keir found his thoughts drifting to the prospect of meeting Catrina Reeves. If she had all those qualifications and expertise, she might really be his saving grace.

TWO

Cat Reeves stood in awe, her brown eyes wide with wonder as she navigated the bustling expo hall. The air hummed with excitement, a palpable energy that resonated deep within her. Booths stretched as far as the eye could see, each one showcasing technological marvels that pushed the boundaries of what she thought possible.

“Oh my god,” she whispered, her fingers itching to touch every gadget and gizmo on display. A holographic display caught her attention, its vibrant colors dancing in midair. Cat stepped closer, fascinated by the intricate details of the 3D model rotating before her eyes.

“Pretty cool, huh?” A friendly voice startled her out of her reverie.

Cat turned to see a young man grinning at her, his nametag identifying him as one of the expo staff. She nodded, a shy smile tugging at her lips. “It’s incredible. The resolution is unlike anything I’ve seen.”

The staff member launched into an explanation of the technology, but Cat found herself only half-listening. Her mind was already racing, dissecting the possible algorithms and hardware configurations that could produce such a crisp image.

As she moved from booth to booth, Cat found herself relaxing. Here, surrounded by cutting-edge tech and fellow enthusiasts, she shed the social anxiety that often plagued her in crowded spaces. This was her element, a world where lines of code and circuitry spoke louder than small talk.

A commotion near the center stage drew her attention. The crowd surged forward, and Cat found herself being swept along. She caught snippets of excited chatter around her.

“It’s starting!” “Sharpe Drakon’s presentation!” “I can’t wait to see Guardian AI in action!”

Cat’s heart raced. She’d been looking forward to this presentation since the expo’s schedule had been announced. Keir Sharpe, the enigmatic CEO of Sharpe Drakon Games, was about to unveil his company’s latest innovation.

Unable to push her way to the front, Cat settled for a spot at the back of the crowd. She stood on her tiptoes, craning her neck to see over the sea of heads before her. The lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the audience.

A spotlight illuminated the stage, and there he was. Keir Sharpe strode confidently to the center, his presence commanding instant attention. Cat’s breath caught in her throat. She’d seen pictures of him before, of course – his face graced tech magazines and business journals alike. But seeing him in person was something else entirely.

Keir’s voice, rich and tinged with a hint of a Scottish accent, filled the hall. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Today, we’re not just showcasing a new product. We’re ushering in a new era of gaming – one where the line between virtual and reality blurs in the most extraordinary way.”

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