Crisis In The Cold

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

Mariah Belo reached Jackson's cellphone as he walked in the door of his condo. "Hey, wanna have dinner with us?" She sounded bubbly in contrast to Jackson's surliness.

In fact, Mariah sounded so upbeat, Jackson told himself to chill. He found himself accepting her invitation. He showered, changed to casual clothes from his suit and tie, slipped on deck shoes and headed out to meet Mariah and her boyfriend Michael Cayne.

They met at Canoe, a restaurant on the 54th floor of an office tower in Toronto's financial district. Mariah was in a great mood and greeted Jackson with a hug and kiss on his cheek. "Payne told us you had a nasty time the other night. Why didn't you call me? I've been worried."

Jackson thought Mariah didn't look worried; he put her exuberant mood down to the presence of Mike Cayne. She had been complaining in the past few weeks that the entrepreneur was working 24 hours a day and had no time for her.

Mike shook Jackson's hand and rolled his eyes when Mariah talked about her concerns. "I think Jackson can handle himself, Mariah," he told his girlfriend as they moved to a table in the wake of the maître d'. "He's been a brigadier general, after all."

The three all ordered Cornish game hen and, as they waited for the orders to be delivered to the table, they talked about the fabulous view outside. "The city changes every time I see it at altitude," said Mike. "I'm amazed they can fill up all these condos almost overnight."

"And they need more," said Jackson looking out at the lights of dozens of high buildings and street and low-rise illumination stretching away for kilometres. "What is this now, the third largest city in North America?"

"Not counting Mexico City," Mariah said. "But, Jackson, tell us what happened up north?"

"Not really that much, Mariah. I found a guy on the ice. He was almost dead when I got to him. I'm just sorry I couldn't do anything for him."

"Any idea who he is?" Mike looked at Jackson.

"None."

"A story on radio says police found a body on Georgian Bay yesterday," Mariah offered. "They said it could have been a snowmobile or hunting accident and they're asking for any witnesses to come forward. No identification yet."

"Interesting," said Jackson. Mike again looked at Jackson but remained silent.

Their meals came and the three took to light conversation as they ate their suppers and drank a bottle of expensive wine ordered and paid for by Cayne.

"Hey, Mike," said Jackson as they looked at the dessert menu. "Mariah says you're a busy man these days." This drew an evil look from Mariah but he wasn't deterred. "You might take a break. I should have when I had the chance."

Mike smiled at Mariah but she didn't smile back. Jackson thought she looked anxious. "She's right and I have just resolved to spend more time with her. But, then, she's kept pretty busy too at JPI."

"Speaking of which," Mariah said switching from anxiety to business in a heartbeat. "... I want to mention something of interest to both of you." The men looked at her questioningly. "Our media monitoring is turning up a lot of negative stuff about AI. Artificial Intelligence, as you know, is the hottest technology out there today but it's also a huge concern for anyone worried about civil rights and cyber spying."

"Where is it coming from?" Jackson asked.

"Mostly, the bad stuff is coming through social media. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube ... you name it. Everyone concedes that AI is a great marketing tool. Who wouldn't want the local supermarket to do all your grocery shopping for you? But critics are piling on about the ways AI is stealing our personal data, taking over our lives, dictating to us, electing our leaders. It has been out there for a few years but it is reaching a crescendo. It won't be long before anyone developing AI will be villains."

"And that makes us targets. I get it," Jackson was nodding as Mariah spoke.

"Do you think that has anything to do with the body on your dock?" Mike had a slight smile on his lips there was nothing relaxed about the look in his eyes.

"Well, it wasn't as close as on the dock," Jackson said in a quiet voice. "But, I have to admit I was wondering the same thing. The truth is I don't know. Given our recent past, I know there are people who would like to see us less healthy. But I can't see the connection here." Jackson wasn't entirely truthful but he wasn't going to share his trip to the CIA with his PR chief and her boyfriend. Neither had any experience in the underworld of spies and assassins.

He turned to Mariah. "So, what do you propose we do about this. We're not giving up on AI. It's a big part of our new software."

"Same here," said Mike with a reassuring smile. "I founded Progressive Digital Solutions to make AI a lot bigger than it is now and I'm certainly not going to dial it back. Let the trolls do their best."

"It's not just trolls," said Mariah. "There are many university professors, senior politicians, union leaders, business people and other respected and respectable types who are dumping on AI and demanding regulations to control its development. I hear that even China is getting worried about the way criticism of AI is riling up their citizens."

Mike looked at Mariah and scowled. "Yes, but China is a different kettle of stinky fish. They don't give a crap about spying on their citizens and telling everyone what to do."

"Donald Trump didn't either, did he? Any tools that give people like Trump, Xi, Kim, Putin, Saud and the rest the ability to control everyone in their countries have to be big concerns, wouldn't you agree?" Mariah's voice had risen and Mike looked around to see if anyone else was listening.

"Okay, let's take it easy, Mariah," he told her in a gentle tone. "It's getting late and Jackson looks a little tired."

Jackson was surprised. He hadn't been feeling at all tired, despite his harrowing day. He had been planning on having a dish of ice cream to top off the excellent meal. "Alright," he surrendered. "Let's call it a night. A very nice night thanks to you Mariah. Much better than watching Jeopardy and going to bed."

Mariah rose to her feet as Mike held her chair. She gave a slight frown to Jackson. She didn't understand the reference to 'Jeopardy.' Was that still on?