Inception - Ascension Paradox, Book 1
Copyright© 2023 by L.R. Thornton
Chapter 19
“And the winner of this year’s VEX Inventor of the Year Award – Jack and Jill Technologies!”
The crowd around him went wild. Young people jumping and clapping and whistling. Daniel was pleased about the decision. They’d blown all the other competitors out of the water. C. A. D. I. stood next to them, projecting an air of shyness. Her long blonde hair was tossed over one shoulder, her head slightly bent at a downward angle.
Daniel hoped the Fosters would give him the opportunity to meet with her in a less public atmosphere so he could examine her more closely.
Jackson, Jillian, and Mark stepped forward. Jack and Jill held each other’s hands and shared a quick kiss on the cheek before addressing the audience. A loud techno beat reverberated around the room.
Why did young people feel the need to make so much noise?
“As winner of the award,” the announcer continued, “Jack and Jill Technologies will gain one year’s access to the state-of-the-art laboratories at Horizon Bionix, VEX’s largest corporate sponsor. Jack and Jill Technologies will receive expert advice on the development of their invention by top scientists in their field. They will also receive media coverage from every major media outlet in the world. And, of course, Jack and Jill Technologies will be the recipient of the grand cash prize of one hundred thousand dollars!”
Barry Stallworth came onto the stage, grinning along the way. Daniel studied the man up close. What went on behind that plastic façade? The altercation between Mark Berry and Adrian Castle briefly crossed his mind. What was going on between the two of them? If it wasn’t for the interruption of Amy and her cousin, Ray, he was sure that Mark Berry would have struck the younger man.
But why was Mark so hostile toward Adrian Castle?
Barry wrapped one arm around each of Jack’s and Jill’s shoulders. Mark Berry took a step behind them. It was only because Daniel was watching so closely that he was able to see the anger on Mark’s face.
When everyone had quieted down, Barry took the over the microphone. “Can we give another round of applause for Jack and Jill Technologies?”
“Oh no,” Daniel moaned. His ears had just stopped ringing from all the noise.
“Well, I can’t tell you how exciting it is to be on the frontier of such advanced robotics. Jack and Jill Technologies have effectively created what must be the first perfect prototype of a fully functional android.
“It’s this type of ingenuity that continues to leap humanity into the future. Artificial intelligence is a tool to be used by us in order to build a better society and a better world.”
He glanced back at the couple who still held hands. Daniel wondered why Jillian looked worried. They’d just landed the best contract. Anyone here would give an arm and a leg to be in their shoes, right now.
“Not only will Horizon Bionix offer the aforementioned prizes but we’re going to sweeten the pot.”
“Sweeten the pot?” C. A. D. I. asked, a confused expression on her face.