The Origin Point: A Future Tech Cyber Novella

  *

  "Did he tell you the kinds of questions to expect?" an enraged Apex asked a troubled Dallas by phone.

  "No, apparently I am being asked to voluntarily come in for an interview," Dallas replied, in panic. After one of Marco's assistants at FedSec had called to request she attend the interview, Dallas immediately called Apex for advice.

  "Hmm, you should be aware they use voice and body sensor technology over there."

  "Sensor technology? How?"

  "They will look for changes in the inflection and pitch of your voice, and signs of strain or sweat from your body. You won't be hooked up to any machines, these are sensors operating invisibly in the room."

  "You're joking."

  "No, no I'm not. FedSec is about the only organization using the equipment. Of course they claim the procedures are experimental, but they use all the features."

  "How do you know they use sensors?"

  "You don't need to know my sources."

  "Okay fine. But do your sources know what I can do to defeat this secret technology?"

  "I do and it's not much. Without training on controlling your breathing and body temperature and involuntary movements, you will react as the questions are asked, and that's how they'll catch you."

  "I have to be able to do something."

  "Can you stop the interview? Why is this Marco guy determined to trap you?"

  "I don't know."

  "Did you piss him off?"

  "No, we're friends."

  "Some friend."

  "If they catch me in a lie, can he lock me up? He told me the files were not FedSec. But can he now claim the files are FedSec's confidential documents, and I'm releasing the details in violation of some law I've never heard of?"

  "Yeah like I said, some friend."

  "But this is crazy. I have to get out of this interview."

  "Talk to your friend. See if he wants to be flexible."

  "Okay and can you try...try to see if you have any...any encouragement for him?"

  "Me? How?"

  "Don't people in your world...aren't you able to check..."

  "What? Find some dirt on him online? A weakness we can exploit?"

  "No!"

  "Aren't you thinking of those possibilities?"

  Dallas paused. "Okay, maybe a little."

  Apex smirked. "Dallas, we are not the cyber mafia. I'm not going to put a horsehead in his bed."

  "I wasn't asking for—"

  "But since I'm personally curious, I'll snoop around a little bit and see if I can find useful information."

  "Oh...okay thanks, I appreciate it. But really I was thinking about the technology. Can you do anything...you know, technically...to change the outcome."

  "Oh, that's an interesting idea."

  "Is it?"

  "Yes, we like to experiment too."

  "You do?"

  "Yes we do."

  "Can I—"

  "No more words, my friend."

  "Okay but is there anything I should do?"

  "At this point, assume you have no option but to get out of the interview. Work on your friend. If he is really on your side, maybe he can prove his loyalty."