CH7 Part 2: Soto saves lives

Written by Kavya and Concept by Sidhant First go to previous blogs if you have not already....

The trio hurried to the police van, racing against time. Miss Cloe kept a grim expression as she relayed the information to the team. "The head developer, Garry, resigned a week ago without explanation. No one has heard from him since. Something’s off."

Upon reaching Romeo Entertainment, they made their way swiftly to the general manager’s office. The computer at Garry’s desk was running, but there was no sign of Garry. Upon further investigation, they learned that Garry had left the company suddenly and had not returned home in days. Cloe sent Daniel and Absko to Garry’s last known address, while Soto took to the computer.

He found a folder titled “Ari” — the Finnish word for “light-bringer” — and inside, he found a series of encrypted files. The bureau’s hacking expert, Mr. Aake, managed to decrypt the folder, and Soto immediately sprang into action. He found several lines of code, similar to what he had seen in the robots’ software, and confirmed that the systems controlling the robots had been compromised by Garry.

However, one file in the folder caught Soto’s attention: it was titled “Dulney,” and it described a new robot — one that was not yet in use. This robot, a carrier designed to help people transport items around airports, was detailed in the file. Soto’s pulse quickened. If Dulney had been hacked, the damage could be catastrophic.

As they continued to investigate, Soto found a note indicating a planned attack at 4 pm that day. Time was running out.

With only thirty minutes left, Soto developed a plan to disable the Dulney robots. Using his deep knowledge of artificial intelligence and neural networks, he created a pattern that would cause the robots to misinterpret their surroundings. By tricking the robots into seeing a bear, which would prompt them to head to the power room, Soto managed to disable the security systems and prevent a major disaster. The poison could have killed everyone at the airport, but thanks to Soto’s quick thinking, they were able to avert the catastrophe.

Despite the success, Garry remained elusive.....

He was found later in a secluded treehouse, living in isolation and clearly disturbed. He confessed to the murders but seemed overwhelmed with guilt. He spoke of hearing the voice of his late wife, who had guided him through the killings. Garry had been consumed by grief, unable to cope with the loss of his wife. His mental state was fragile, and he had no desire to continue the killing spree.

With Garry arrested, Miss Cloe took Soto and Absko out for a celebratory dinner. Soto, however, was still troubled by the case. Mrs. Handa’s death had not been solved, and the connection to Garry seemed tenuous. Soto had saved lives, but he still felt the weight of unanswered questions.

Cloe, sensing Soto’s unease, handed him a letter before they parted ways. Soto opened it, reading the words carefully: “Dear Hikikomori, congratulations on your liberation. You’ve proven to be an invaluable asset. Your next adventure awaits. Don’t worry — we’ll get to the bottom of Mrs. Handa’s case together.”

Soto took the letter, nodding solemnly. He had unfinished business, and he was ready to face it. As he walked away from the garden where Mr. Handa waited, he knew that the mysteries of the past had not all been solved. But he would find the answers, no matter what it took.

So what next ....