Chapter 6 Test

Nathaniel leaned back in his office chair, the soft hum of computers and cooling systems surrounding him. The cyberattack he had just bounced back from Zara's team had been a success, but now came the moment of truth. Countermeasures alone wouldn't cut it-he needed to test Project Helix in the real world.

Project Helix wasn't just another AI program. It was a groundbreaking fusion of artificial intelligence and bioengineering, capable of manipulating genetic code. Its potential was vast-from curing diseases to creating enhanced human abilities. But so far, it had only existed in theory and tightly controlled simulations.

Now, with threats closing in from all sides, Nathaniel knew it was time to put Helix to the ultimate test.

He tapped a few keys, pulling up a deeply hidden system within S.A.T.F.A.R.'s internal servers. The Trial Model of Helix, the AI that not only defended but adapted, evolved, and could predict future attacks based on real-time data, flickered onto the screen.

The scope of Helix's capabilities went far beyond anything his father or the S.A.T.F.A.R. board knew. Edward Cole may have been the company's figurehead, but Nathaniel was the true architect of its most dangerous project.

Sitting forward in his chair, Nathaniel initiated the system with a simple command: "Run Test Protocol 5."

The screens came to life, displaying a series of complex scenarios. Simulated cyberattacks, biological threats, and physical security breaches unfolded in rapid succession. The system tested Helix's defenses, but more than that-it pushed its offensive potential. Helix didn't just block threats; it adapted, learning from every attack, countering before they could even land.

Nathaniel watched closely as Helix's neural networks evolved with each passing moment. It wasn't merely a defense mechanism-it was a living system, designed to rewrite the rules of the game, manipulating everything from computer code to genetic sequences.

Satisfied with the results so far, Nathaniel leaned back and initiated the next phase of the test: "Bioengineering Response Mode."

A new set of data appeared, this time focusing on genetic manipulation-one of Helix's most revolutionary features. Helix had the potential to decode and alter the DNA of living organisms, offering solutions to diseases that had plagued humanity for centuries. But more than that, it could enhance human abilities-strength, speed, intelligence. All of it was within reach.

The AI processed a hypothetical scenario: targeting a cancer gene in a simulated DNA strand. Within seconds, Helix identified the mutation, rewrote the genetic code, and eliminated the faulty gene sequence. Nathaniel smiled. This was just a glimpse of what Helix could do-when it was ready, the entire world would change.

But the real test wouldn't be in controlled simulations. It would be in the real world, under pressure.

Nathaniel knew Zara wasn't done. She and her network had tasted defeat with the fake blueprint, but they would come back stronger, more desperate. They thought they were playing the game on their terms, but Zara and her associates had no idea they were about to become the unwitting test subjects for Helix's live trial.

Nathaniel typed a few more commands into his console, preparing to integrate Helix into the company's live security systems. Any attempt Zara made to infiltrate S.A.T.F.A.R. would trigger Helix's countermeasures. But this time, the AI wouldn't just defend-it would attack. It would track, trace, and dismantle every part of her network, even down to the personal devices of her team.

A notification flashed across one of his screens: "Live Test Ready."

Nathaniel smirked. He sent a message to his closest associate, someone he trusted to handle the most delicate parts of Helix's development.

"Activate Phase One. Let's see what Zara's team can handle."

As soon as the message was sent, Nathaniel's mind was already racing. The potential of Project Helix wasn't just in cybersecurity or genetic engineering-it was in power. Absolute, unstoppable power. Once Helix was fully operational, Nathaniel would control the most advanced technology on the planet, far beyond anything his father or S.A.T.F.A.R. could comprehend.

From the shadows, he would pull the strings-not just of the company, but of entire industries, governments, and anyone who dared stand in his way.

Nathaniel leaned back, feeling the tension ease from his shoulders. The real test was about to begin. Zara had no idea that she and her team were walking into a trap-one that could reshape the world's future. And Nathaniel was ready.

The monitors displayed a simple message: "Helix Test Initialized."

He smiled to himself as the AI ran its first live trial.

Zara thought she was the threat. But soon enough, she-and the world-would realize who the real danger was.

And when they did, it would be far too late.

---

The next day, Nathaniel was back in his office, reviewing the overnight data from Helix's first live trial. Everything had gone according to plan. The AI had not only neutralized the threat Zara's network posed but had also successfully infiltrated her company's systems. Now, S.A.T.F.A.R. had access to everything-financial records, research data, and confidential communications.

Just as Nathaniel was about to send a follow-up report to his trusted associate, his secretary buzzed in.

"Mr. Cole," she said, her voice tentative. "You have... visitors. It's Zara and her team."

Nathaniel smirked, expecting this moment. "Send them in."

Moments later, Zara entered the room, flanked by her two top associates. Their usual confidence was nowhere to be found-replaced by nervous, almost panicked expressions. They stood in front of Nathaniel's desk, clearly struggling to keep their composure.

Zara was the first to speak. "Nathaniel, we know what you did. You've taken control of our company. We can't access any of our systems, our networks are completely locked down, and our data is... gone."

Her voice was low, almost pleading. The powerful agent who had once threatened him was now reduced to begging.

Nathaniel didn't look up from his desk. "I warned you, Zara. You thought you could steal from me and walk away unscathed? Helix doesn't just defend-it destroys. And now, everything your company has belongs to me."

Zara's associate, visibly frustrated, stepped forward. "We're willing to negotiate, Nathaniel. Name your price. Just give us back our company."

Nathaniel finally lifted his eyes to meet theirs, his expression cold and calculating. "Negotiate? I don't need to negotiate. The only way I'll release your company is if I own it."

Zara's eyes widened in shock. "You can't be serious. You're already the head of S.A.T.F.A.R.-you don't need us."

Nathaniel leaned forward, his voice sharp. "You don't get it, do you? It's not about needing your company-it's about sending a message. Anyone who crosses me, anyone who tries to steal from me, pays the price. You should be grateful I'm offering you this deal."

Silence fell over the room. Zara and her team exchanged desperate glances, realizing they had no other choice.

"Fine," Zara muttered, her voice thick with defeat. "You win."

Nathaniel leaned back in his chair, satisfied. "Good. We'll finalize the paperwork tomorrow. Once it's done, your company will be mine."

Zara and her team turned to leave, their heads bowed. As they exited the room, Nathaniel couldn't help but smile.

Helix had passed its first test. And now, Nathaniel had just added another piece to his growing empire.

The real game had only just begun.