Then she outlined how messages of support had come in from the few remaining ROAS allies but little else. As expected, China and Russia condemned the US attack. So far, neither country offered direct aid, and if they did, she wouldn’t accept. Meanwhile, President Tower was bombarding social media with claims that Ortega’s acceptance of extradition was undeniable proof of guilt, justifying both the execution of Manuel and the attack on Mesquite.
In the last hour, she explained, the ROA diplomatic office had received word of the latest US demand, the repatriation of Nevada. SALI had predicted that threat, so it wasn’t a surprise.
“How much time are they giving us?” asked Basu.
“No timetable yet, but SALI expects the US will give us two days, give or take. A lot depends on how much pushback they get from China and Russia.”
“Not much time,” said Basu. He leaned back and stared at the ceiling as if guidance there would be forthcoming.
She waited for the man in deference. Truth was, even though she resented the oligarchs, she respected Basu’s personal wisdom and advice. Without his steady and brilliant mind, secession might not have occurred, and SALI wouldn’t exist. Still, he controlled the AI, not her. He’d kept SALI so well hidden, she hadn’t learned of the AI’s existence until a few months ago when the assassination crisis hit. It was then that Basu called her in and explained his secret—SALI had never been destroyed and the US, somehow, had come to learn of the deception. Since then, Ortega had decided it was best to let Basu take the lead while she determined how best to influence his decisions. Now, she was more determined than ever to see SALI properly deployed. But she’d have to play her cards carefully.
Basu shifted his gaze back to Ortega. “Today wasn’t a complete surprise. SALI gave us plenty of warnings. It now appears we know what they’re after, and we must decide upon a course of action. But first, where does General Story stand? Is he willing to weigh in on how effective or not he considers SALI’s plan?”
“He’s being briefed as we speak. I expect to hear from him within a few hours. Afterward, I can provide you with a full update,” answered Ortega.
“I’m tired, and you look exhausted. A terrible and difficult day. It’s one in the morning. Let’s get some rest and steel our resolve. Later today we can discuss further. Does noon work for you?”
Ortega, with fresh makeup and a quick comb, knew what she’d just seen in the mirror. Even with the cover-up, she was shot and her spirits flagging, but with SALI there was hope. She nodded in agreement.
Chapter Sixteen
SALI
May 9, 00:56 (PDT)
Ms. Grant led the way down a long, well-lit corridor, followed by Secretary James and General Story. As they walked, the general admired the many paintings, land and seascapes, adorning the white walls. There were no windows or rooms leading off the hallway, just a single simple door at the far end. Upon reaching it, Ms. Grant paused, waited for her guests, then turned and knocked.
“It’s open,” came a soft female response from the opposite side.
Ms. Grant turned a simple black doorknob and pushed open and held the door ajar. With a wave of a hand, she beckoned Secretary James and General Story to enter.
Secretary James led the way. The general followed and found himself on a platform with stairs leading down to a large well-lit room. Scattered about were sculptures made of various metals depicting different animals. Throughout, the furniture was plush, and the white walls were dotted with more land and seascapes. Floors of polished dark wood covered the expanse, and against a far wall stood a massive case filled with books. The entire room lacked windows, although the general noticed several exits leading to other areas.
Most interesting, the general’s eyes settled on the most dramatic feature of the room. A woman sat on a long, dark couch against the opposite wall. Seated behind a glass coffee table, her slender legs were barefoot, and she wore a revealing nightie. In her hand, she held a glass of red wine between elegant fingers. She was beautifuclass="underline" black, shoulder-length hair; skin alabaster white; full red lips. From his vantage point, the general couldn’t help but admire her low-cut garment and the exceptional cleavage it exposed. A little embarrassed, the general averted his gaze and tried to make sense of the scene.
Secretary James bounded down the stairs and went straight to the beautiful woman. As he approached, she put out her hand and James took it, bent, and planted a kiss. Just as quick, James nodded at the glass in her other hand. “Do you mind if we join you? It’s been a long day.”
The woman pulled back her hand, long fingernails painted red, and let out a light feminine laugh. “I’d love the company. But we need more glasses. Please, Jim, be a help and fetch two more.”
“On it,” replied James, and he hurried off, leaving the room using a nearby exit.
Standing next to the general, Ms. Grant watched the interaction then strode down the stairs. Not knowing what else to do, the general followed.
Upon reaching the living room, Ms. Grant swept her arm towards the beautiful woman and turned to the general. “Let me introduce SALI.”
SALI raised her glass in salute and replied, “Welcome, General Story. I’ve been expecting you.”
Perplexed, the general said, “I was expecting to meet a computer.”
SALI let out a full-fledged laugh and then put a graceful hand to her mouth where she giggled for a few seconds longer. After recovering, she took another sip of a wine and, with deep-blue eyes, peered over the tip of her glass. “And I didn’t realize you were so handsome.”
In a sudden rush, Ms. Grant turned towards the general and, wearing a frown, said, “I’ll be right back. Please wait.” Without another word, the woman in white strode away through a nearby corridor.
Just as Ms. Grant left the room, a cheery voice boomed, and Secretary James re-emerged. “Look what I have,” said James, holding a pair of wine glasses. After placing them on the coffee table, he lifted the bottle of open wine next to SALI and inspected it. Eyes raised, he glanced at the general and asked. “Looks like an excellent Napa Merlot. A small glass?”
Unsure of the dynamics, working against tiredness and the stress from an awful day, the general declined. “No, thank you.”
James shrugged, filled a full glass and, after returning the bottle, he plopped on the far end of the couch next to SALI. Glass in hand, James pointed to a large leather chair across the table. “General Story, please have a seat.”
“Yes, please do,” added SALI.
Before the general could move, SALI re-crossed her legs, nightie rising high, exposing an expansive length of smooth white skin. Once again, he shifted his gaze and felt himself turning a shade of red. A little angry at the distraction, he walked over and sat down in the proffered chair. To his relief, he spotted Ms. Grant returning with a robe.
“Here, put this on,” said Ms. Grant tossing the garment at SALI.
Adroit, the robe landing in her lap, SALI lifted her wine glass to keep it from spilling and shot a withering glance at the woman in white. In obvious defiance, she lifted her glass, took a long pull, and sat the glass back on the table. After a moment, blithe as a cat, she stood. Robe in hand, she stared at the general, her figure plain to see through the sheer nightie.
The general tried to avoid the show, but when SALI stood, he noticed her height and guessed she stood five feet ten with a perfect figure. After a few seconds, she slipped on the garment.
“Is that better?” asked SALI, cinching the pink fluffy robe around a slender waist.
“Much,” replied Ms. Grant.
“You’re late. I thought you weren’t coming,” said SALI, sitting down and looking at the secretary.