Page 99 of Undercover Savior

“What am I missing?” Fallon asked.

“Keep in mind what I’d about to suggest is considered science fiction presently and I doubt very much it’s reached the stage of more advanced development.” Sullivan took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “What if Tower-Meridian is trafficking AI weaponry or rather, AI weapons systems?”

My eyes met Con’s, and he nodded.

“Good Lord,” Fallon said, leaning against her chair like Con had. “Do you truly think it’s possible?”

“It is,” Con responded. “Terrifyingly so.”

“You mentioned Labyrinth as a possible project code name,” said Sullivan.

Fallon raised her head. “Are you suggesting Weber is using tunnel systems for transport?”

“A logical assumption,” Con commented.

“What exactly are AI weapons systems?” Fallon asked.

Sullivan looked at Con. “You’d be better able to explain than I would.”

He nodded. “Think about the technology in the same way you would drones. The difference being that there isn’t a need for a person to be sitting in a bunker, making decisions about what the drone should do. Instead, neural weapon controls—self-learning combat systems, if you will—would be employed.”

“With no oversight?” Fallon asked.

“Not necessarily. However, AI systems could adapt and employ battlefield strategies instantaneously, among many, many other things.”

His somber tone was indicative of the mood in the room.

Fallon’s eyes widened. “Are you suggesting military organizations are already employing these technologies?”

“No, not extensively anyway. To put it in perspective, it took what was then the USSR four years to establish nuclear weapons after the US first developed the capabilities.”

“But you believe Weber is already selling it to Russia and China,” Fallon pressed.

“Possessing the technology to put a man on the moon is quite different than successfully launching a rocket,” Con countered.

“But it’s only a matter of time.”

It was like watching a tennis ball being volleyed between the two. However, if Fallon hadn’t been the one to ask the questions, someone else would have.

“Yes, it’s only a matter of time. Which means, Weber must be stopped.” Con looked up at me. “This is bigger than us, Ash.”

I agreed. “I’ll alert Typhon.”

“Viper as well, and they’ll need to come to us,” said Gus.

“Roger that,” I responded.

Fallon stood. “I need to do something productive, or I’ll go mad.”

“I’d like to explore the tunnel idea more in depth,” Sullivan offered.

Fallon nodded.

I turned to Gus. “Regarding tunnel systems, Con alluded to you being an expert on them.”

Gus raised a brow and smirked. “He did no such thing, and you know it.”

“Who, then?”

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