with natural light, buzzing with young, energeti

e watched the researchers argue, gesture, and laugh. This had been her world. She had understood th

If it isn't M

gner pumps clicked to a

She pulled out a chair, sat down, and crossed he

o our humble research bunker?" Kara asked, taking a del

all talk, Kara. I want to see Professor Abbott. I want my

brittle laugh that drew g

e been playing house for three years. The AI landscape transforms every three months. Large language models and pr

e architecture this lab uses for DARPA bids," Finley countered col

lice. "That was the past, darling. And besides, why on earth would the Pr

h dropped. "Wha

MIT-graduated cousin. She joined our advanced predictive analytics group last month. Charming gir

to give Kara the satisfaction of seeing her break. "That is be

ar institutional investment from Apex Ventures. That funding determines whether our next-generation cognitive arch

om her pocket, scribbled something with a

ivate terminal. Pick him up. Be his driver, carry his bags, stroke his ego, and deliver him to his Georgetown hotel in a good mood. If

ked down a

r 77. Arriving Dulles S

a triumphant smirk

the yellow note, and fold

e clearance pass,"

ter lack of hesitation. She tossed a magnetic parking tag onto

r Arthur Abbott stood by the window, his weathered hands clasped behind his back. He w

usted his glasses. "Professor... Kara is setting her up

impassive, but his gray eyes hel

the old man said softly. "If she broke under three yea