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154  The Patient Dog

As with tech summits and their usual nonsense, there was a panel discussion on AI ethics and I was invited. Yup. This time, I was part of the speakers.

But even with being a speaker, this whole thing just felt like a carefully curated spectacle.

You know the drill. Polished speakers, rehearsed arguments, and the illusion of control over a technology that was advancing faster than anyone could truly regulate. The conference hall was large, with rows of high-backed chairs filled with executives, engineers, and policymakers. A large screen behind the speakers displayed data charts and futuristic AI projections, but the real focus was on the people speaking.

Celeste Theodore sat next to me, listening and nodding along as the panelists discussed transparency, data privacy, and the moral dilemmas artificial intelligence posed. I could see the gears turning behind her eyes as she dissected every statement. It was as if I could feel her analysis in real time, scrutinizing each argument and categorizing its usefulness or irrelevance.

As one speaker droned on about AI's potential to replace human labor, I leaned slightly toward her. "Do you think they actually believe AI can be ethically controlled?"

Celeste smirked, her eyes still on the panelists. "They have to say they do. It makes them sound responsible."

I chuckled. "And what do you believe?"

She finally turned to me, arching a brow. "I believe control is an illusion. The best we can do is stay ahead of the inevitable."

"Sounds pragmatic."

"Sounds necessary." She corrected. "The difference between those who succeed in AI and those who don't is how well they understand that inevitability."

I nodded along like I appreciated her insight. Not that I didn't but I have to say that I do have some fears of what AI would look like out of human control. With that in mind, I asked another question.

"So, in your mind, the goal isn't to limit AI but to be the first to harness it completely?"

10:13

Before I could respond, the moderator directed a question to Celeste. "Ms. Theodore, your company has been at the forefront of AI-driven automation. How do you respond to critics who claim that your technology will replace millions of jobs?"

Celeste didn't even blink. "Technology has been replacing jobs for centuries. The steam engine replaced manual labor, computers replaced filing cabinets, and automation will replace tasks that no longer need human oversight."

"The key is adaptation. Companies that fail to evolve will become obsolete, not because of AI, but because of their own refusal to innovate."

A murmur spread through the audience at her words. I had to admit that she'd delivered her statement flawlessly.

The moderator turned to me. "Mr. Voss, as the head of Imperium Holdings, do you agree with Ms. Theodore's perspective?"

I leaned forward slightly as I considered the question. How do I answer this?

A second later, I spoke. @@novelbin@@

"A lot of people do not understand that AI isn't an enemy. It's a tool. The question isn't how we stop it from evolving. It's whether we have the foresight to lead that evolution."

"Whether we like it or not, AI is the future. Maybe not in the way a lot of people are thinking but it is. Those who resist are simply ensuring they get left behind."

There was another wave of murmurs at my words. I do not believe AI would ever be allowed out of the leash of humanity. I also do not believe AI would make humans irrelevant. But I do know that it does have a place in the future of humanity.

I could see out of the corner of my eye as Celeste glanced at me, a flicker of approval in her expression before she turned her attention back to the panel.

That, at least, had worked out.

We continued with the panel and eventually, the session ended with the usual applause and pleasantries. As people began filing out, I turned casually to Celeste.

"How about a drink?" I said. "I'd love to continue this conversation somewhere less… scripted."

She studied me for a moment, as if assessing whether I was worth her time. Then, she gave a small nod. "Alright. One drink."

[][][][][]

The rooftop lounge in Anaheim, California, was one of the most exclusive in the city, perched high above the skyline with a view that stretched for miles. Soft jazz played in the background, and the golden glow of the city lights was a beautiful backdrop to our conversation.

Celeste sipped her cocktail, a classic Negroni, no frills. "So, tell me, Nico. Do you always invite your competitors for drinks?"

I smiled, swirling the liquid in my glass. "Only when I think they're interesting."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Come on. Flattery? You'll have to do better than that."

"Who said I was flattering you?" I raised a brow with a smirk on my face. "MicroTek is impressive, Celeste. Your AI is reshaping the industry. I'd be stupid not to take an interest."

She leaned back in her chair, watching me carefully. She'd probably accepted my offer to see what she could glean from me. "And Walk Shop?" She asked. "I hear you guys are… struggling."

My smirk widened. "You hear correctly. MicroTek's model is ahead of the curve. We're playing catch-up."

She took another sip, considering. "And you don't look like the type who enjoys being second place."

"I don't." I admitted. "Which is why I think there's an opportunity here."

She tilted her head slightly, her brows rising in surprise. "Wait a minute. You're talking about synergy."

I nodded. "Walk Shop has infrastructure. Market presence. Capital. MicroTek has the technology. If we combine forces, we could set the standard for AI development rather than just competing in an arms race."

She was listening. That much was clear. But she wasn't convinced. Not yet. MicroTek was her creation, and she wouldn't give it up easily. I wasn't expecting her to. Not tonight.

"Interesting." She said finally, setting her glass down. "But I didn't build MicroTek to merge with someone else's vision."

I leaned forward slightly, my voice dropping just enough to draw her in. "Then let's redefine what that vision looks like together."

A flicker of amusement crossed her face, but she didn't respond immediately. She liked control, and she wasn't ready to concede even the idea of it.

That was fine. I was patient.