The workshop plunged into darkness as electrical charges detonated throughout the building. Huge electronic equipment shortcircuited and died instantly. Only small devices like computers and Michael's phone were saved. In the sudden silence, the only sounds were the heavy breathing of the remaining soldiers and a low, mechanical whine coming from Ava. She staggered, her movements becoming unsteady as her systems struggled to cope with the electromagnetic interference. Her eyes flickered weakly, like a dying lightbulb. "Core disruption was always a weakness in all prototypes," Wagner said, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction. "Ava!" Michael reached for her, but she held up a trembling hand to stop him. "I'm... functional," she said, though her voice carried a slight electronic distortion. "Systems are rebooting. I need... sixty seconds." "You don't have sixty seconds," Wagner replied. He gestured to his remaining soldiers, who advanced with weapons. "Gentlemen, secure t

Michael stared at the official document in his hands. The Treasury Department seal stared back at him boldly.The words "Asset Freeze Order" swam before his eyes as his phone buzzed incessantly with calls he couldn't bring himself to answer."This can't be happening," he muttered, sinking into his worn futon. The apartment felt smaller somehow, as if the walls were closing in on him.Ava emerged from the kitchen, her eyes trained on him. "Michael, your stress indicators are elevated. What has occurred?"He thrust the papers at her. "Victoria happened. She's frozen everything – my accounts, the business funds."Ava's eyes flickered as she processed the documents. "This appears to be a coordinated attack utilizing legitimate governmental channels. Victoria Medici has used her political connections.""No shit," Michael said bitterly. His phone rang again and Mara's name popped up. "Michael?" Mara's voice was hoarse when he answered. "I don't understand what's happening. The bank says al

Once again they were all gathered at the auditorium of the Medici Manor. Michael adjusted his tie nervously as he entered through the side entrance, having specifically avoided the main foyer where photographers clustered like vultures. The past few days events had worn him down to his core. But he was glad he'd managed to use Octavian's loan to fund Mara's coffee shop."Jesus Christ," he muttered under his breath, surveying the crowd. "This is like a zoo."Frank looked... different. He was still frail, but seemed to have added a few more pounds since the last assessment. His eyes hadn't lost their sharpness as they scanned the room. "Ladies and gentlemen," Frank finally said. "Welcome to our second quarterly assessment. My children will present their achievements, and you, as representatives of Denver's business community, will witness the future of Medici name."The applause was polite but hungry. These people smelled blood in the water and were here to watch the feeding frenzy.

The silence stretched between them as the last of the news vans pulled away from the Medici mansion. Michael stood frozen, watching Zara Khadim process what had just happened. Her face cycled between shock, anger and confusion."You didn't answer my question," Zara said finally, her voice steadier than Michael expected. She raised her microphone again, though her hand trembled slightly. "Who are you, really? And how did you access confidential information about working journalists?"Ava's expression remained neutral. "I accessed no confidential information, Ms. Khadim. Everything I stated is part of the public record, available through various databases and court filings. The fact that you consider it confidential suggests a concerning lack of understanding about information security."Zara's jaw tightened. "Public record or not, you just weaponized personal information to intimidate members of the press. That's not normal behavior for..." She paused, looking Ava up and down. "What ar

The first message arrived at 7:43 AM on a Tuesday that had started like any other. Michael was nursing his third cup of coffee, watching Ava perform her morning diagnostics. It was a ritual that had become both reassuring and increasingly concerning as her episodes grew more frequent.His phone buzzed. The email subject line made his stomach drop: "Termination of Business Proposal - Zenith Communications.""Dear Mr. Sullivan," the message began with corporate coldness, "After careful consideration and recent developments regarding your company's practices, Zenith Communications has decided to withdraw from our preliminary discussions. We no longer feel Sullivan Solutions Tech aligns with our corporate values and risk management protocols."Michael stared at the screen, his coffee growing cold in his hands. Zenith had been his most promising lead. They were a mid-sized marketing firm looking to upgrade their data analytics systems. They'd been enthusiastic just three days ago."Ava," h