The HoloSphere Paradox - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 - Hidden Alliances

The soft morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in the blinds, casting elongated shadows over the piles of paperwork and digital readouts spread across Dalton's desk. As the city of Novos slowly awakened, punctuated by the distant sounds of early risers and the first wave of commuters, Dalton remained engrossed. Poring over security logs at Dr Voss’ logs, a pattern began to emerge.

Dr. Adrian Kane, a respected figure in the scientific community and a close colleague of Dr. Cassandra Voss, had been frequently visiting her residence. Not during the sociably acceptable hours of daytime, but often under the cloak of night. The visits were far too regular and at far too irregular hours to be considered mere professional consultations. A quiet sigh escaped Dalton’s lips; personal relationships always complicated matters, intertwining emotions with facts, making the truth harder to discern.

Dalton had planned to interview Dr Luna but that would have to wait. It looked like a visit to Dr Kane was needed first.

——

As the polished doors of Voss Innovations slid apart with a soft whoosh, Detective Dalton was immediately met with a burst of cold, sterile air. The gleaming walls of the corridor ahead displayed subtle animations of the company's achievements, the most prominent of which was the HoloSphere.

The hustle and bustle at Voss Innovations was palpable. Scientists and engineers darted from room to room, carrying devices and papers, deep in animated discussions about their latest findings. Holographic displays floated in mid-air, showcasing intricate diagrams and data streams, constantly updated by the diligent workforce. For Dalton, navigating this hive of activity was both a testament to the legacy of Cassandra Voss and a reminder of the high stakes at hand.

Guided by a virtual assistant that hovered near the entrance, Dalton was directed to an expansive, glass-walled office.

Inside, Dr. Adrian Kane sat behind a sleek desk, engrossed in a holographic projection. The door chimed softly to announce Dalton's arrival, and Dr. Kane looked up, momentarily disoriented, then quickly cleared the hovering display.

Kane's sharp features were evident: a tall, lean figure with a head of meticulously combed-back silver hair that contrasted starkly against his deep olive skin. His clear blue eyes, usually intense and focused, looked weary and had dark circles underneath, suggesting many sleepless nights.

"Detective Dalton." Kane began, offering a handshake.

Dalton accepted the handshake, feeling the firm grip of the scientist. "Dr. Kane, I'm here about Dr. Cassandra Voss’ death.”

Kane's face tightened, his posture becoming rigid. "Yes. We worked closely. Her loss is… devastating."

Dalton cleared his throat, ready to delve into the matter. "Let's start simple. What exactly was your role here at Voss Innovations?"

Dr. Kane leaned back, interlacing his fingers. "I'm the Chief Scientific Officer. I oversee our research teams, ensuring that our projects are on the cutting edge. Cassandra and I often collaborated on the most critical endeavors."

"And was Dr. Voss working on something when she was murdered?" Dalton inquired, watching Kane's reactions closely.

Kane hesitated before responding, "Yes. She was working on the next generation of the HoloSpheres that would no doubt have changed the world. The current HoloSphere models are limited in that they can transmit experiences to the user's brain with Athena, its integrated AI. But research into HoloSphere development has been solving what many consider to be the final frontier of HoloSphere development - a way for the HoloSphere to not just transmit signals, but to interpret, to read the human brain. While our competitors have tried to invent implements to solve this, Cassandra realised that something else was needed. She needed to start with a blank canvas and build a new Artificial Intelligence from the ground up. Cassandra had a close to working prototype AI, Turner. She named it after Dr Alden Turner. ‘He was there at the start and he should be there at the end’, Cassandra used to say.”

Dalton's gaze sharpened, "During the autopsy, there was an unusual implement found on Dr. Voss' wrist. I have not seen anything like it."

Kane nodded, "Yes, that would be the implement that was part of the next-generation HoloSphere she was developing. It's designed to bridge the connection between Turner and the neural pathways of the user so that the HoloSphere could have a two way conversation with the user’s brain, all without any conscious effort by its user.”

Dalton leaned in, "And where does Marek fit in all of this, Dr. Kane?"

Kane shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "The implications of such technology, while groundbreaking, are also deeply concerning. Having a device that interfaces so intimately with the human mind can be a double-edged sword. While the advantages are obvious — fluid interactions, incredibly responsive simulations, perhaps even therapeutic applications for trauma patients — there are darker implications to consider."

He took a deep breath, looking Dalton squarely in the eye. "Imagine a device that knows not only your deepest desires but can also subtly influence them. In the wrong hands, it could be used for manipulation on an unprecedented scale. People's thoughts, feelings, even their core beliefs, could be altered. Dr. Voss was aware of these risks. Her goal was to create a tool that enhanced human experience, not one that overwrote it.”

“I still don’t understand how a renowned scientist and an underworld criminal got involved with each other.”

Kane hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Voss Innovations is in dire straits financially. Cassandra, despite her brilliance in science, made some ill-advised business decisions. Unfortunately, Cassandra refused to have that made public. In her desperation to keep the business alive and her ego intact, she sought Marek’s financial backing. Marek of course saw no need to invest in the company. That changed when Cassandra revealed the Turner prototype to him.”

“Who else knew about the Turner prototype?”

Kane swallowed hard, looking distinctly uncomfortable. "Only a handful. Marek, because we needed his financing. Myself of course as her Chief Scientific Officer.”

“And what about a Dr Luna?”

“So you’ve already heard from Marek then?” Kane sought confirmation from Dalton but received none from Dalton.

Kane sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. "Cassandra believed she could navigate the complexities of this project on her own. But progress wasn't advancing as swiftly as Marek had hoped, and he grew restless."

He continued, "Marek began to entertain the notion that Cassandra might be intentionally delaying certain breakthroughs to maintain more control over the prototype's progression. I can't vouch for whether that notion was true. To be honest, Cassandra never shared with me what progress she made until she hit a roadblock. However, Marek, not one to be sidelined, took initiative."

Dalton's gaze remained fixed on Kane, absorbing every piece of information.

"Seeing an opportunity, Marek brought in Dr. Luna. He believed her expertise could accelerate the project. Moreover, by introducing Luna, he was indirectly challenging Cassandra, keeping her on her toes. It was a calculated move to ensure Cassandra felt the pressure."

Dalton interjected, "So, Marek intended for Dr. Luna's participation to serve as both a catalyst for progress and a mechanism to maintain leverage over Cassandra and Voss Innovations."

Kane nodded slowly, "Precisely. And Cassandra, as expected, was resentful. She perceived Luna's involvement as an affront, a challenge to her prowess. The relationship between the two scientists was, understandably, charged and tumultuous."

Dalton fixed Kane with a penetrating gaze, deciding to play his trump card. "Dr. Kane, surveillance shows you visiting Dr. Voss' home frequently, late into the night. Would you care to explain?"

Kane's face paled, but he met Dalton's eyes squarely. "Yes, Cassandra and I were involved. But our relationship had nothing to do with her work or her death. In fact, in the last two weeks, Cassandra had been distant. She looked afraid but refused to tell me what was going on. It was frustrating.“

Dalton continued, "With such a strained relationship and your intimate knowledge of the Turner prototype, one could argue you had the motive and the means. It makes it hard to believe everything you’ve said to me."

Kane's voice trembled with emotion, "I loved her, Detective. Why would I harm her? Yes, we had our disagreements, like any couple. But I would never hurt her. Please, just find out who did this."

Dalton let the weight of the moment linger, watching the doctor closely for any hint of deception. The pieces of the puzzle were coming together, but there was still much more to uncover.