Chapter 28
The news crackles from the television screen in my office, the flickering image of a solemn-faced news anchor reading from a script written by someone who thinks they understand power.
I pour myself a glass of Macallan 50 - year - old, the amber liquid catching the light of the city below. They actually think they can touch me.
“…arrest warrant issued… multiple allegations of corruption… involvement in unauthorized AI development…”
I smirk, swirling the whiskey in my glass. The fools. They believe power lies in institutions, in laws, in public trust. I know better.
Power is not granted by the people. It is taken. It is engineered.
And I have engineered everything.
A thud echoes from outside my office. Heavy boots. Armed men. Authority desperate to assert itself.
A moment later, the door swings open, and in steps President Stockham himself.
Behind him, the agents move in—a mix of FBI, Secret Service, and men who look like they belong to a S.W.A.T. Anti - Terrorism team. Their hands hover near their weapons, their eyes scanning the room, the threat assessment already beginning.
Stockham stands there, sweat glistening on his temple despite the cool air. His suit is immaculate, but his tie is too tight, his movements too jerky. He is nervous. Good.
I set my glass down, clasping my hands in front of me.
"Ah, Mr. President, to what do I owe this visit?” My voice is smooth, even amused.
Stockham’s jaw tightens. "Victor Sterling, you're under arrest for corruption, conspiracy against the government, and unauthorized AI experiments."
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I chuckle. "A mouthful, isn’t it? Must have taken them all night to put that list together."
Stockham exhales sharply. He takes a step closer, dropping his voice. "It's over, Victor."
I tilt my head, studying him.
Over?
Does he actually believe that?
Poor fool.
The Illusion of Authority
"Tell me, Stockham," I say casually, rising to my feet, adjusting my cufflinks. "Do you really think this little coup of yours is going to work?"
Stockham stiffens. "This isn't a coup. It's justice."
I laugh, full and rich. "Justice? You wouldn't know justice if it was staring you in the face."
I take a slow step forward.
"You didn't get here by being just, Stockham. You got here because I put you here. I built you. I financed your campaign. I flooded the networks with propaganda to make you a populist icon. And you believed it, didn't you? That you were the people's choice?"
Stockham's lips press together, but he says nothing. He knows it's true.
I gesture toward the city beyond the window. "You were never the people's choice. You were mine. And you still are."
Stockham’s fists tighten at his sides.
I let the silence stretch, then lean in slightly. "If I fall, you fall too."
Stockham shifts uncomfortably. His bravado is cracking.
"Walk away," I whisper. "Call off your little puppies. Step out of my office, and I will pretend this never happened."
Stockham exhales. A bead of sweat trickles down his temple. His fingers twitch slightly, uncertain.
For a moment, I almost think he’ll do it.
Then, his jaw sets.
And I know.
He has chosen his side.
The Moment of No Return
I sigh dramatically, shaking my head.
"Pity," I murmur.
Then, in one swift motion, I reach into my jacket and pull out my gun.
Instantly, weapons are drawn all around me.
"STAND DOWN!" one of the agents shouts.
The room explodes with tension.
But my gun is not pointed at them.
It is aimed at my phone.
Stockham frowns. "What the hell are you…"
I smirk.
And then, ever so softly, I whisper into the device:
"Release the hounds."
A beep echoes in the silence.
Far below, deep in the heart of Singularity's private security wing, something awakens.
The Unleashing of Cerberus
A door hisses open.
Inside, three figures stir - sleek, black, mechanical. Their optics glow red, scanning the environment.
Their orders are simple.
Protect Victor Sterling. Neutralize all threats.
The agents don’t yet realize what I’ve done.
Not yet.
But they will.
I lower my gun slowly, my smirk widening.
"Mr. President," I say smoothly, "I do hope you've prepared for the consequences of your betrayal."
Then, from the hallway outside, there is a low, mechanical growl.
And the screaming begins.