The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 133 : Compensation

Scarlet stared at her cousin, with incredulity visible on her face. She knew that he was getting as bad as her Grandfather.

"Using the false news that tokens can be duplicated, we want them to try to infiltrate, plan to assassinate and escape." Julien continued. "They will think of start a civil war within the Royal Family or within the Nobles. It will fail because the system is not compromised. Your new sentry AI will let us know when they try to attempt.

"But you and I are the only ones who know it. We will be ready and waiting. We will trace it back to the source. Meanwhile, they will spend massive amount of computing power to create those duplicate IDs. During that time, their systems will be diverted from normal analytics and monitoring work."

"What about the hover-cars? Catherine and Rosemary loses money? And Dusk too?"

"For a small period of time, yes. But you have demonstrated the danger which we cannot ignore. Till now only Imperial Government had these vehicles. Once public has them, possible misuse and hacks are going to be a big danger. Help them solve it and make it unbreakable. Or tell them to solve it and see how hard it is to hack it.

"Besides, thanks to your mistakes, Patricina is not able to product the quantity of materials we need. The hover cars are taking up too much of the output generated. This way, they stop using it and the production is available for other users who are also important but not getting attention. The military will be able to get bands and other things they need. In half a year Patricina factories will be ready and by then you will solve the security problem and, they will relaunch. By then their factories will be ready too." He explained.

"Why not just tell Catherine to stop the production." She asked.

"Because I do not want our enemies to know we are constrained..." he replied with a smile.

Seeing her analytical mind absorb the implications, he continued. "And yes, the security net you created? That will be the new security model. Give the work to Micro-Mega, Techredulous or Futurista. Let them build the capabilities. You chose the teams that will work there. I can't give you ownership of these companies, because it will look really bad if you give work to your own company. Increased business to Techredulous and Futurista will to some extent compensate Dusk and Catherine of the losses in Hover Cars."

Scarlet nodded and walked off, intending to go to Tech Morning Star, where Dusk had reserved and office space for her to use. Rusks started to follow, but Julien stopped him.

"The coercion is counteracted. She cannot force you to do anything. But you are assigned for her safety and you will be close to her... You have a reason to be around her. If you want to get together with her, you can. This time it's your choice nor hers whether you want to be her 'boyfriend'. She will not refuse you. And no one to question you as to why you are with her... day or night." Julien said with a smile.

Rusks jerked back in shock. "What? You don't care? You behaved like you were against it."

"Why should I want to stop you? You are my friend and a good person. You are probably the only one she knows who will not take undue advantage of who she is. But I didn't want you to be with her just because she is forcing you. That never works. She is scared for your safety, so she won't initiate anything. But you are free to follow your heart or wishes, or whatever. And you are free to not follow your heart. I will ensure her parents do not object. Now it's your decision. She does not know I had no intention of punishing you for this."

Rusks almost laughed as he nodded slowly. He felt that Julien was always strategic in his actions, but now had learned well from the Emperor and will be an amazing one himself in future.