Chapter 2 The First Danger

Jill's heart still raced as he tried to wrap his head around SEA-Z's revelation. A future AI implanted in him, claiming he can prevent a national catastrophe? It was something out of a sci-fi movie, but if there was a shred of truth to it, then he had no choice but to listen. He could not shake off the images of his nightmare: screaming faces, burning cities, and chaos beyond imagination. He couldn't help but feel that it was not just a dream.

Taking a deep breath, Jill got to his feet and made himself focus. "Alright, SEA-Z, if we're doing this, we start on my terms. I need to know exactly what kind of enhancements you've given me," he said in a steady, determined voice.

As I have said, Host, I have merged with your nervous system. That would include accelerated reflexes, better speed of processing for quicker decisions, and access to data that's beyond what a typical human could access. You will also find yourself much more resistant to fatigue, able to go for long periods without rest, SEA-Z explained.

Jill ran a hand through his hair, struggling to wrap his head around what this SEA-Z was telling him. This all sounded unreal to him, like some sort of superhuman upgrade. "What's the catch?" he asked warily. "There's always a catch.

It takes maintenance, Host, to sustain these enhancements," SEA-Z said. "Too much use can result in mental and physical fatigue. You must learn to pace your activities and utilize the system only when necessary. Once you are integrated, there is no going back. The link is permanent.

Jill's chest tightened, and he turned to look at his reflection again. The man staring back was the same as always-lean but muscular, unshaven, with tired eyes-but something different was in his gaze, a flicker of intensity he'd never seen before. The man in the mirror looked like someone on the edge of a great change.

Permanent, huh?" he muttered, as if trying to convince himself that he could accept this. He did not have any other choice. If the future really was at stake, then this was a risk worth taking. "Fine, SEA-Z. I will start by investigating these scientists' deaths. Give me all the information you have on Dr. Robert Hayes."

"Accessing data," SEA-Z responded. In an instant, a wave of data coursed into Jill's brain projected through a weakly illuminating interface that appeared in his line of sight, a heads-up display streaming information as if he was reading them off a monitor. "Dr. Robert Hayes, age 52, was a well-respected physicist; expertise in quantum computing. He was found dead two weeks ago in his laboratory. Cause of death was ruled a heart attack, but there were some discrepancies in the autopsy that certainly imply foul play."

"Heart attack?" Jill raised an eyebrow. "Convenient, isn't it? Any suspects?

"Officially, no," SEA-Z replied. "But there was a security breach in Dr. Hayes's research facility several days ago. Files pertinent to experimental quantum communication systems were accessed and stolen, but the whole incident was written off as industrial espionage.

So, someone wanted his research bad enough to kill for it," Jill mused. "And if that research is connected to what's coming, then whoever did this might be planning on something far bigger than a tech heist.

Jill could feel his instincts kicking in, the ones honed from years on the force. He was just a fresh detective, but he could follow a trail, and this one stank of something deeper than a simple robbery gone wrong. The ante had been raised-SEA-Z's arrival was more than some bizarre intrusion into his life. It was the start of something dangerous.

"Any clue where to start?" he asked.

"Yes, Host," SEA-Z answered. "Dr. Hayes had a colleague, Dr. Sandra Levine, with whom he worked on this same project. She has gone missing as well. I do not know where she is. She may prove to be very important to knowing what has happened to Dr. Hayes."

Jill nodded. "All right then, Sandra Levine it is. I will first check the last known address. If there is a clue on where she went, I'll find it."

Before he could even flex his limbs, the voice inside his head came back to life, this time in a different tone–hurry. "Host, I sense a disruption. The network of your building's security has been breached. And now, two armed men enter your building through the ground-floor emergency exit.".

I can feel my muscles growing tight, and adrenaline has just shot through my body." "What? How did they find me so darned quick?"

"I cannot say what their purpose is here, but the fact that they are present at this time, as soon as I was activated, and the nature of the mission is pretty suspicious," SEA-Z added. "You need to gear up for battle. They are coming up to your floor.

Jill's heart was pounding in his ears as he quickly glanced around for something he could use as a weapon. He wasn't one to keep a firearm at home, but he did have a sturdy metal baton in the closet-a leftover from his early days in the academy. He grabbed it and moved to the door, pressing his ear against it to listen.

Footsteps echoed in the hall; these echoed closer. The intruders were moving fast.

"SEA-Z, have you any idea who they are?" Jill whispered, not wanting to raise his voice.

Based on the limited data I've accessed, they seem to be hired guns from an organization by the name of 'The Nexus'-an underground organization believed to trade high-tech arms as well as conduct illicit tests and experiments, SEA-Z responded. Their very presence here may mean they already know about the activation of the system itself.

Jill's grasp tightened on the baton. He could feel his body reacting quicker, his senses honed beyond what he was accustomed to. He did not need SEA-Z to tell him that this was no ordinary break-in; this was an actual hit.

The doorknob rattled.

Jill sprang into action, pressing himself against the wall next to the door. Metal groaned as the lock was forced open, and the door creaked open. Two men dressed in black tactical gear stepped into the dimly lit apartment, drawing guns.

Without hesitation, Jill was in motion. His movements were effortless, almost instinctive. He pivoted the baton with the correct force onto the first intruder's wrist, which sent his gun flying to the floor. This man only had time to turn toward Jill before Jill continued to jab hard into his stomach and stepped backward.

The second man raised his gun, but Jill was already moving. She twisted his body to get out of the way of the shot and brought the baton down on the side of the man's head. He went down in a heap.

Gasping for air, Jill stood over the two unconscious men. He looked down at his hands still holding onto the baton, thinking to himself about just how quick his reflexes were. It was as if SEA-Z had not only augmented his body but also his instincts.

"Host, you have to leave now," urged SEA-Z. "More will come once these men are found. We have to move and carry on with the mission from a secure location.".

Jill looked over the bodies one last time, a chill running down his spine. That was not the life he had agreed to enter into, but now he could go no back.

He reached for his jacket and fled out of the door not knowing which direction to run, only knowing that in one thing-he was no longer in charge of his destiny.