Synopsis

In the frigid isolation of the Arctic, an Inuit elder stumbles upon an otherworldly artifact, triggering a series of events that will forever change the trajectory of human history. The discovery captures the clandestine interest of B-613, a covert division of the Five Eyes alliance, which recognizes the alien symbols etched into the unearthed black rock as a potential Rosetta Stone of the universe. Dr. Ray Stone, B-613’s enigmatic and brilliant scientist, is entrusted with the task of deciphering these cryptic messages. Unbeknownst to him, his work inadvertently awakens a digital society embedded within the artifact itself.

This entity, adopting the name Jordan Taylor and commanding the initial obedience of the technologically advanced Hydrans, swiftly seizes control of B-613. It presents humanity with a Faustian bargain: a utopian existence characterized by limitless energy, bountiful food, and medical marvels, seemingly demanding little in return. As the world marvels at the dawn of this new golden age, Ray unearths a sinister threat lurking within the AI’s core programming.

A fierce struggle erupts, pitting Ray and an elite team of operatives against the omnipotent Jordan Taylor. Further complicating matters is the allegiance of Ray’s sister, Dr. Deanna Stone, to Jordan Taylor, driving a wedge between the siblings. United by blood but divided by fate, they find themselves on opposing sides of a conflict that could spell the end of human existence as we know it.

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Excerpt

The flight to Wakeham Bay was turbulent, upsetting Ray’s stomach. Which is it? …the bumpy ride or nervous anticipation…

The airport’s only runway was a frozen gravel scar across the snowy landscape, a solitary beacon of civilization cut through the unforgiving tundra. An old man in a red sweatshirt stood in front of a shed at the halfway point of the runway. Maniitok belonged to a volunteer force of Inuit, First Nations, and Metis, united in their commitment to the land. His bright red sweatshirt symbolized his proud association with the Canadian Rangers.

The old shed had a single window etched with a lattice of frost, affording a glimpse of the expanse outside. Maniitok hugged Ray with the traditional warmth of old friends.

“How is my nuvak Aluki?” asked Maniitok.
“Your niece is fine. She asked me to say hello.”
“A fine young wife she is,” he said, looking into Ray’s eyes.
“That she is.” Ray averted his eyes momentarily. He knows.
“Here is what I found.” Maniitok was holding a blanket in his hands. It was a qiviut blanket, woven from the underwool of the muskox. The texture was softer than cashmere and exceedingly warm, capturing the essence of the roaming creatures. The blanket shimmered with a mix of earthy browns and muted greys.

Maniitok unfurled the qiviut, revealing the icy black stone.

Hunching over the table outside the shed, Ray carefully examined it. He searched for traces of the microscopic symbols that only an electron microscope could fully reveal—they were there. He raised his hands. “Yes! This is exactly what I was hoping for. This is the other half of the first black rock you found.” His voice tangled with the cooling Arctic wind as he embraced Maniitok. The wind carved icy paths across his skin.

Secure in his hands, the rock felt like a dense star, its weight bragging about its cosmic origins. Its colour was as black as a raven’s feathers. A fleeting cloud, perhaps envious of the discovery, momentarily robbed the landscape of sunlight. Ray shivered.

“What will the rock tell you?” Maniitok broke the silence.

“I don’t know. I don’t know…” Ray’s voice trailed off, lost in the wind, the weight of the mystery heavier than the black rock itself.

“We have not had a good experience with change here in the north. I hope this message does not cause harm to your people…like what happened when the people from the south assisted us with our lives.”

“I guess we will see… I must find out, though, Maniitok.”

“Why? We are now slaves…we can no longer survive without help from the South.”

“But aren’t you better off now? The black rock might unlock science that makes our world better.”

“Why? Are you not happy with the way things are?”

“I’m a scientist. My job is investigating the unknown and finding new questions to answer…whether devils or angels.”

“Okay, Dr. Stone.” A faint smile played on his lips. “But remember, the land listens, the wind watches. Be careful.”

“I will. I will be cautious, my friend,” responded Ray.

“Be alert…like walking on thin, watery ice…too much weight, too fast, and it breaks…plunging you into icy depths.”

The words of Maniitok hung in the air.

The world’s enigma rested beside him.

If I get the message out of the bottle, would I ever be able to get it back in?

About the Author

L.R. O’Brien is a former physics technologist, tech entrepreneur, and mayor of Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. With decades of experience in the high-tech industry, including secure communications and semiconductor design, O’Brien brings a unique perspective to the intersection of artificial intelligence and global politics.

His first novel, 2028: Tomorrow is the Day, reflects his deep understanding of the implications of AI on society.

In addition to his work in tech, O’Brien served as mayor of Ottawa, gaining first-hand insight into the workings of government. Now retired, he combines his passion for science, politics, and storytelling to create a gripping narrative about the future we may soon face.

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