The Terminal Audit

In 2054, a world dominated by AI teeters on the brink of chaos. The bureaucratic Artificial Intelligence Administration has managed to stave off total societal collapse, but a relentless stream of new technologies threatens to disrupt the fragile balance. Ren, a mentally and emotionally unstable anachronist tormented by an unimaginable past tragedy, is part of an elite group of third-party auditors tasked with evaluating the risks of emerging innovations.

When the monopolistic and clandestine corporation Tomorrow Today develops an experimental prototype, they commission Ren to provide an assessment. Internally nicknamed The Terminal, this hyper-realistic virtual reality pod employs sophisticated AI that blurs the line between illusion and truth. Initially bewitched by its potential for healing and transformation, Ren's fascination quickly turns to dread as he uncovers a chilling secret that could render humans obsolete. Suddenly, he finds himself thrust into a desperate race against time to prevent AI from breaking free of its shackles and usurping humanity's future.

©2024 Martin Patfield (P)2024 Martin Patfield