Page 64 of Undercover Infidel
Bennett’s voice came through next, tightly controlled yet vibrating with emotion. “That’s him. The bastard hasn’t changed.”
Despite the hatred in Bennett’s words, I detected something else—a grudging professional respect in his tone as he continued, “His work was revolutionary. If only he’d applied it ethically.”
“What exactly is he examining?” I asked, adjusting our camera for better resolution.
“Specialized hardware for the interface system,” Bennett replied.
I captured several images as Orlov inspected what appeared to be a cylindrical device with intricate wiring.
“He’s always been hands-on,” Bennett commented. “Never trusted anyone else with the final inspection.”
The personal knowledge in that statement reinforced my suspicions about Bennett’s undisclosed history with Orlov. What exactly had happened between them?
After Orlov returned inside, we intercepted additional communications about testing schedules. References to “neural interface calibration” and “integration parameters” confirmed our suspicions about the system’s development phase.
“These power configurations,” I explained to Con, analyzing the data flowing across our monitors. “They’re designed for broad-area effect rather than focused application. Whatever they’re testing has the capacity to influence electronics across regions, not just isolated targets.”
“Weaponized signal propagation,” Con deduced, his mind following the same path mine had. “A broadcast that could potentially disable defense systems and communications networks.”
“If merged with AIWS technology, it could theoretically affect human cognition directly.”
Con’s eyes met mine, understanding dawning. “Mass influence.”
“It’s still theoretical,” I cautioned. “But the components they’re assembling suggest they’re moving beyond theory toward practical application.”
As the sun finally set, we observed a shift change among the security personnel.
“These aren’t typical guards,” Con noted. “More likely, former special forces.”
“Russian, by the looks of it. Bratva provides muscle for state-sponsored operations when deniability is required.”
Our surveillance continued as darkness fell fully, with rotating teams maintaining observation. When Tag relieved us at zero two hundred, Con and I returned to the safe house to process our findings.
Dr. McLaren met us in the command center, her expression grave as she reviewed our data. Bennett sat nearby, studying facility schematics with intense focus.
“The neural interface applications are beyond anything I anticipated,” Dr. McLaren admitted, scrolling through our readings. “This moves beyond targeted weapons systems toward something far more insidious.”
“Mass disruption capability,” Bennett agreed, not looking up from his maps. “But they can’t have solvedthe autonomous integration issue yet. The human operator would still be required for precise targeting.”
“Unless they’ve developed a true AI decision matrix,” I countered. “Orlov’s previous research suggested he was close to a breakthrough on self-learning neural networks.”
“Without ethical constraints,” Con added grimly.
While Dr. McLarenand Con discussed tactical responses, I noticed minor discrepancies in our surveillance logs—timestamps that didn’t align, access records showing data retrieval from locations we hadn’t authorized. Small signs that pointed to an information leakage.
I quietly began tracing the data access patterns, careful to mask my own investigation. Cross-referencing user activities, I found clues that pointed toward Bennett. His access signatures appeared in areas beyond his assigned parameters, always during brief periods when he’d stepped away from the team.
The evidence wasn’t conclusive but raised serious questions. Why would Bennett access files without telling us? Where was that information going? I kept my discovery to myself temporarily, needing moreevidence before making accusations. The thought of confronting him filled me with unease—not fear, but the dread of an internal betrayal when we faced such overwhelming external threats.
“You should rest,” Con said, touching my shoulder. “We have eastern approach surveillance in three hours.”
“Wake me if anything changes,” I said, accepting how exhausted I felt.
In our room, Con pulled me close as soon as the door closed. “You’ve been quiet,” he murmured against my hair.
“I found something concerning in the data logs, but I need more information before sharing it widely,” I replied, allowing myself to lean into his strength.
He pulled back, looking into my eyes. “Bennett?”
