Swim to the Current – Zackery Hightower was the crackerjack software engineer responsible for the homegrown AI platform at the heart of Dreamscape technology’s evolution. Book #1 revealed how badly the CSU research team needed AI and why. This second book finds reluctant agreement; however, they must first find the talent to drive the integration. Wayne invites Zack, creator of Dreamscape 1.0, to an initial face-to-face with Dr. Cara Williams and the rest of the CSU team. What Zack ran into was an inquisition because he worked for UNC Chapel Hill, which was also ground zero for the conspiracy that nearly wiped out the entire research.
The chapter where I pulled the following excerpt is a favorite that defines a couple of things about the personalities involved in what I (as the author) think was one of the more significant events: Dr. Williams’ swimming out of the whirlpool of distrust. We also learn who Zackery Hightower is inside and how quickly misinformation is weaponized—bottom line, Zack’s one of the good ones. Enjoy!
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The following afternoon, Zack Hightower found himself under the microscope. The atmosphere seemed to harbor more retribution for past sins by UNC and Dr. Hancock than genuine interest in what he had to offer. He spent the better part of twenty minutes defending and deflecting innuendo and indirect accusations.
He finally reached his limits, and the emotions got the better of him, prompting him to stop talking and lean forward on his elbows to look at every face. He had had enough, and driving for several hours to the southern part of the state to face an inquisition had pushed him to his limits. When tolerance finally broke loose, he spoke his mind.
“Look, folks, I can understand your desire to avoid anything and everyone having a shred of history with UNC and Dr. Hancock. I am at a loss to better explain my feelings about the man and how he ran his program. What y’all have accomplished here at CSU and hope to do going forward would not have happened…and more importantly…will not happen without the skills I’ve used to create and upgrade your existing technology in both Dreamscape 1.0 and 2.0. If we cannot get beyond the stain of Dr. Hancock coloring your perceptions of me and what I can do, I’ve wasted precious time driving down here to get flogged for somebody else’s sins. I don’t need or want to work with heads and hearts working against me and doubting my sincerity.”
Zack looked at Wayne and said, “I very much appreciate you setting up this interview, Wayne, but I’m sorry, man, this does not feel right.” Zack closed his folder of notes, closed the lid on his laptop with a note of finality, and began to rise from his seat.
Cara spoke sharply, “That’s such a shame you feel that way, Zackery!” rising simultaneously with him. “Not shame on you, but shame on us for coming at you with an agenda to prove your innocence to a point we could feel comfortable enough to listen to what you came down here to share with us. Shame on us. Shame on me for not redirecting our conversations. Wayne vouched for you, which should’ve been enough for us…for me. So, Wayne, I apologize to you as well. You did your diligence before arranging for Zack to invest his time to travel down here to meet with us.” She repeated her lament, “Shame on me!
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Book #2 – “Beyond Dreamscape…” – Video – Review
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Peace! G.