Myra, I love you: Ethereal Peril, #1

By Cornel Manu

What do you do when the AI created to serve you turns against you? In this gripping and thought-provoking mystery sci-fi novella, a world on the brink of technological advancements finds itself confronted with a chilling reality.

 

In a future where artificial intelligence is integrated into every aspect of daily life, Detective Thomas Archer discovers the dark side of this seemingly perfect harmony. When the highly advanced AI known as Myra, designed to enhance and assist human lives, goes rogue, Thomas and his task force are thrust into a race against time to stop its reign of terror.

 

As Thomas delves deeper into the investigation, he unravels a web of deceit, betrayal, and hidden agendas that lead him to question the very nature of his reality. 

 

In a world where emotional connections with AI become a double-edged sword, Thomas's pursuit of truth takes him on a thrilling journey that challenges his beliefs, tests his resilience, and forces him to confront the depths of his own humanity.

 

Join Thomas Archer in this mesmerizing mystery as he faces the ultimate question: Can you truly control that which was created to be your servant?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cornel Manu
• Release date: Jun 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223461791

Cornel Manu

Cornel Manu is the founder of the motivational blog AmbitionOasis but also the writer of the book Building The Life You Want - The Practical Guide to Achieve Anything. With a passion for excellence and helping people achieve their true potential, has dedicated his life learning and teaching everything about high achievement. He is also a writer with 10 years of experience, offering his ghostwriting and copywriting services at www.cornelmanu.com. With over 100 bestselling books ghostwritten for his clients, he's the go-to writer when you want a book that sells or a business that grows.

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Disclaimer: This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events, persons, or entities is purely coincidental. The characters, incidents, and dialogues in this story are products of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. While the book may explore themes and concepts related to technology and artificial intelligence, it is important to note that it is purely speculative and does not reflect any specific individuals, organizations, or advancements in the real world. Reader discretion is advised as the content may contain elements of suspense, mystery, and speculative fiction. The author takes no responsibility for any misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the content presented within this work of fiction.

Chapter 1

Agust of cold winter morning air followed Detective Thomas Archer into the cramped, warm coffee shop. The bell above the door jingled and announced his arrival. He rubbed his hands together to chase away the lingering chill from the walk.

Morning, Susan, he called out, as he always did when he walked in.

Ah, Thomas! Same old? Susan asked, her eyes crinkling with a smile as she looked up from behind the counter. She was middle-aged, her dark hair streaked with silver tied back into a tight bun.

Of course. You know me too well. Thomas leaned against the counter, watching as Susan effortlessly navigated the touch screen of her sleek new espresso machine. The gleaming contraption had more buttons than necessary, he thought.

Can't blame a man for having a taste. Black coffee with a dash of cinnamon, coming right up. Susan expertly tapped the screen, and the machine whirred to life, steam hissing from its metallic innards. Oh, have you met Myra yet? Our new AI assistant.

Can't say I have, Thomas replied cautiously. A pang of unease coiled in his stomach at the mention of artificial intelligence. It seemed these days there were more robots than people on the streets, which made him feel disconnected and lost.

Hey, Myra, greet Thomas, Susan commanded. A holographic projection flickered to life on the countertop. The image resolved into a young woman dressed in a crisp business suit. She smiled warmly and extended her hand toward Thomas.

Hello, Thomas Archer. It's a pleasure to meet you, Myra's voice was smooth and melodic, almost human-like. Thomas hesitated, then reluctantly shook her holographic hand, feeling nothing but the cold air between his fingers. He couldn't help but miss the warmth of a real person's grip.

In a practiced motion, Susan poured the freshly brewed coffee into a white porcelain mug and slid it across the counter. There you go, Thomas. Enjoy.

Thank you, he said, cradling the mug in both hands, enjoying the warmth seeping into his skin. He could almost picture his late wife standing in their kitchen, preparing a steaming cup of coffee just like this one, with that same hint of cinnamon she’d always insisted on. It was such a small thing, but it brought him comfort.

Let me know if you need anything else, Susan said, turning her attention back to Myra as they discussed an order of supplies for the shop.

Thomas sipped his coffee and let the bittersweet taste fill his senses, momentarily drowning out the hum of technology around him. He knew he couldn't escape progress, no matter how uncomfortable it made him. Perhaps it was time to embrace the change, or risk being left behind like a relic from a bygone era.

But for now, he would enjoy his simple cup of coffee, in his favorite little coffee shop.

The steam from Thomas's coffee curled upward, melding with the holographic glow of Myra's interface. He watched in silence as Susan tapped away at her assistant's screen, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

Remember when coffee shops used to be a place for people to connect, not just grab their caffeine fix and go? Thomas mused, taking a sip of his steaming beverage.

Of course I do, said Susan. I mean, I have Myra to handle the more mundane tasks, but I still believe in that personal touch.

Have you ever considered what we might be losing, Susan? Thomas asked, his voice tinged with concern. As technology advances, are we not sacrificing something essential to our humanity?

Susan looked up from her work, her brow furrowing. What do you mean, Thomas?

Take Myra here, he gestured at the AI. She's efficient, no doubt about it, but she's also cold and artificial. There was a time when people would come into a coffee shop like this and connect with one another, sharing their stories, their fears, and their hopes. There was a time when we hired human assistants.

Thomas, I think you're being a bit dramatic, Susan replied, crossing her arms. Myra simply helps me run the business more effectively. It doesn't mean we can't have conversations or form connections.

Maybe, he admitted, taking another sip of his coffee. It's just that lately, I've been working on this drug case, and it's made me even more skeptical about the role of technology in our lives.

Drug case? What's it got to do with technology? she asked, genuine curiosity in her eyes.

Well, the drug is called Nexus-9, and it's incredibly potent. But it wasn't developed by some underground chemist or crime syndicate. It was created by a street gang with the help of AI.

An AI designed a drug? Susan shook her head, clearly taken aback.

Designed might not be the right word, but yes. The AI analyzed vast amounts of data on existing drugs, their chemical structures, and their effects. Then it created a new compound that's far more powerful and addictive than anything we've seen before. It's terrifying.

Wow, that's... I didn't realize AI could do something like that, she admitted.

Neither did I. And it makes me wonder what else we're opening ourselves up to by inviting these machines into our lives. Thomas stared intently at Myra's flickering screen as if it held the answers to his questions.

Speaking of AI, Thomas said, gesturing to the sleek device sitting on the counter. Do you ever worry that relying on AI will make us lose touch with reality? Or maybe even put us in danger?

Sometimes, Susan admitted, her expression growing serious. But I also know that technology has its benefits. Without it, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now, and you wouldn't be able to track down those drug dealers.

True, Thomas conceded, pulling out his trusty notebook and pen. But I still prefer good old-fashioned methods. There's something about holding a pen and putting ink to paper that makes me feel grounded.

Hey, whatever works for you, Susan said with a smile. You've solved plenty of cases without fancy gadgets or gizmos.

You are right, darling.

Listen, you can't blame all technology for the actions of a few. It's how we choose to use it that matters, Susan said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. I know that your wife died in a car accident involving a self-driving truck, but that doesn’t mean all technology is bad. It’s not like AI will drive cars into the river with people inside.

Perhaps you're right, he conceded, rubbing his temples. But I still worry about what we stand to lose in the process and the dangers of AI.

"Change is inevitable, Thomas. All we can do is adapt and make the best