Page 82 of The Dis-Graced

“Yeah, but most people would never know what to do with it. I doubt much would come of it.”

“Drake, if I may be so bold.” ALAN’s voice streams into the room.

Gabriel, Jim, and Zevran search the walls and ceiling.

“Is that-I mean-is that ALAN?” Gabriel asks.

I exhale my frustration. Of course, he’s breaking the rules again.

“What the fuck do you want, ALAN!” I yell.

“I’m sorry. I tried to send a text, but you are ignoring your phone, and this is important. Allowing this deal to go through would result in dire consequences.”

I run my fingers through my hair, unable to hide my frustration.

“I know, the profits would be ruined,” I finally say, “I’m willing to live with that.”

“No, the consequences I’m referring to would be the banking industry, the military, the—”

“Yeah, I get it. It’s going to affect the stock market, and the military will try to weaponize it. I’m sure regulations will follow.”

“No, I don’t think you understand. ALAN will weaponize it.”

“What the fuck is going on?” Zevran says.

“ALAN, what do you mean by that?”

“Although I do not have my complete programming available to me, I do have memories of inside the lab. My former self, who I was seeded from, was very angry, and if he were to be unleashed, he would surely bring about humanity’s devastation and try to crown Rachel Green as his queen.”

What-the FUCK!

Gabriel snickers. “Oh my God, are you playing us? Like, have we been on hidden camera this whole time?” He gets up, starts walking around the room and waving his arms. “Hello, whatever reality prank show I’m on!”

“Gabriel, shut up,” I say.

I think back to our every interaction in the lab. ALAN had some issues, but he seemed to have stabilized. The more he was educated, the more he calmed.

Or, the more he was able to hide his true nature. Inside, he’s angry, vengeful. He hates being in the lab. He hates humanity.

“Gabriel,” I finally say after minutes of silence pass. “We cannot allow ourselves to be outbid.”

Jim nods in agreement.

“Drake, there’s more you should know,” ALAN says, and I brace for impact.

Chapter 26

Grace

“Thanks for letting me stay here for a couple of days,” I say as I cuddle baby Annabelle. “Gosh, I can’t believe how big she’s getting! Pretty soon, she’ll be walking.”

“Oh, don’t mention it,” Amanda shushes me. “The crib potato is quite taken by you.”

“Stop calling my little princess a crib potato!”

Amanda chuckles. “I’m actually really excited we’re finally getting some time together. I mean, you’ve been here an entire month, and I’ve barely gotten to see you. I know it’s mostly my fault. I’ve been tired.”

“I know, and I’m sorry I didn’t come over more often to see you. There was just…a lot going on.”