The Genesis Code 1: Lambda by Robert E. Parkin Page A

stormed out of the lab without making eye contact. No one made an effort to stop her as the metal door leading to the lab swooshed open and shut behind her swiftly.
    Richard looked up at Charles within the monitor. “I hope you know what you’re doing. You’re dealing with forces that are outside our control,” he warned.
    Charles smirked, finding humor in Richard’s words. “My dear friend,” he said with a chuckle. “That ship has long since sailed the moment the Cyber Network was born.”
     
    *        *        *
     
    [January 6th - Undisclosed Location - Day]
    Corson watched intently as he noted Laura’s team was now Diving and racing to their respective positions for the mission. Everything was set. All they needed now was for the main heroine to take the stage.
    “Incoming transmission from Commander Richter,” stated the computer before Corson.
    “Patch her through.”
    Laura ’s image quickly flooded the screen before Corson.
    “We are set and in position. Has the target left the private server?”
    Corson shook his head. “No, and it would appear that that two new signatures entered the private channel not too long ago. I’m left to believe that the boy has predicted our move.” Corson mused to himself. He had underestimated the kid. This was now turning into a brilliant game of chess.
    “Should we try to crack the channel? If we strike now we could-”
    “No,” Corson said firmly. “It would only alert the Network security and kill our chances of getting close to the target. We need to try and hack Zack’s sister’s account as discreetly as possible. The last thing I need is World Moderators chasing us now.”
    “What if they cancel the concert and the target leaves the Network?”
    Corson folded his arms. “Then we will just have to seek alternative means to get ahold of her, but rest assured,” Corson hummed confidently. “I’m already prepared to compensate.”
    “I see,” Laura said proudly. “Then we shall hold position until your order. Commander Richter, out.” Laura’s image vanished and was replaced by the grid layout of the concert location in the Network. Corson eyed the layout carefully.
    What is your next move, boy?
    “Alert, incoming transmission. Transmission encrypted, no video log,” came the monotone voice of the computer once more.
    Corson stared at the screen intently. “Put it through.” His words were harsh.
    The screen turned to static as an altered voice sounded.
    “I overestimated Stigma’s abilities. Your little gang is clearly unreliable.”
    Corson’s eyes thinned. “You have some gall contacting me only to say that. You didn’t honor our agreement. Lambda was to obey us.”
    There was silence. Only the image of static could be seen by Corson’s dark eyes.
    “Lambda was reset as you requested. It was you who failed to get there in time. I’m not responsible for every little variable. That was your job to consider and account for.” The voice was plain-spoken, which infuriated Corson.
    “What do you mean? We arrived promptly to the scene where Lambda appeared. So answer me—why was a simple, normal boy able to control Lambda?” Corson’s voice carried with a unsettling fury.
    “You fail to grasp the situation. Lambda was only able to be reprogrammed where the first person it sees is to be recognized as its Master Control. Its AI intelligence functions like an infant child as it imprints on the first biological human it scans optically. Since its programming was altered and reset, this also reset its master. You failing to get there when it appeared is not my-”
    Corson slammed his fist on the terminal. “You never once stated this! How were we to know this was going to happen when you said it would simply obey us when we retrieved it?!” he fumed. It boiled his blood not being able to know who he was talking to.
    Corson quickly regained his composure. “So, you mean to tell me Lambda will now obey this Zack Knight