The Holo Earth

Chapter 19

The out-of-season storm, a monstrous tropical storm, lashed Baldwin Hills with unrelenting fury. Such weather events, once unthinkable in Southern California, had become increasingly common over the past three decades. Still, a spring storm of this sort was unusual even in modern times. Rain hammered against the windows like a relentless assault, and the wind howled in an irregular cycle. As Liam huddled in his armchair, he couldn't help but reflect on the upside: when he was a kid and his grandmother took him on a bus ride to the beaches, water was always too cold to go in. She said that it was even colder when she was young. Now nice beach days were common. The soft glow of his laptop screen provided a feeble counterpoint to the tempest outside, a stark reminder of humanity's technological progress juxtaposed against nature's growing instability, tangible reminder of humanity's failure to address climate change in time.

Maybe Grandpa was right, Liam mused. An AI might have seen the patterns, made the hard choices decades ago that could have prevented this. He thought of the journal entries before him, of his grandfather's brilliance and the mysterious Zolok who had guided him.

Then his thoughts drifted with gratitude to his new boss. Unlike the overbearing Ray, who had a reputation for micromanagement and favoritism, Jon was a breath of fresh air. Liam had read stories in the team feed about the stuff that Jon had done. Unexpected promotions based on merit, rather than seniority or personal connections. Joining the team to get his hands dirty when deadlines were tight, instead of simply barking demands from his oversize office chair. When Liam presented his first code module, Jon's feedback was a perfect blend of constructive criticism and pointed praise, unlike Ray's harsh, demoralizing and often incoherent critiques. Zolok had done this for him. Bit by bit, his life was turning around. There was a lot to be thankful to Zolok for.

Then his mind then wandered to his date with Sarah. The memory of her laughter and the way she'd looked at him brought a smile to his face. Their conversation had been deep and meaningful, and they had shared intimate thoughts and feelings. As he reflected on their connection, Liam realized that his feelings for her ran deep. He needed to do whatever it took to build on their bond. However, the thought of Clara, with her genuine warmth and kindness, made him question his intentions. He didn't want to lead her on, especially knowing how much she was struggling. He needed to be honest with himself and with her.

He'd meant well, wanting to help a struggling single mother and her bright young son. But now, recalling the lingering looks Clara had given him and the way she'd touched his arm when thanking him, Liam felt a knot form in his stomach. The last thing he wanted was to hurt Clara or complicate Ethan's life further.

With a heavy sigh, Liam reached for his grandfather's journal, seeking solace in the wisdom of the past. As he opened it, the musty scent of aged paper filled the air, transporting him back to an era long past: before the climate changed, before the world had frayed so much. His fingers traced the ink of his grandfather's handwriting, and he began to read, his eyes widening with each passing entry. The story of his grandfather's struggles and triumphs unfolded before him, painting a vivid picture of a brilliant man facing incredible odds.

February 15, 1994

The bank manager's eyes darted away as he dismissed my loan application, his voice dripping with condescension. 'Your business plan is too risky,' he sneered, his gaze lingering on my skin. It was the same old song and dance – a lifetime of brilliant ideas met with prejudice. I returned home, a heavy weight settling in my chest. Maria, ever the beacon of hope, tried to lift my spirits with her infectious laughter and the children's playful energy. But even their joy couldn't dispel the gnawing feeling that the very world that desperately needs my help was conspiring against me.

Liam's heart ached for his grandfather. He'd known Robert O'Connell was an entrepreneur, but he'd never fully grasped the extent of the challenges he'd faced. The despair Robert felt so keenly, reflected how Liam had felt before Zolok entered his life.