SOPHIA - Age of Intelligence

by Mike Donoghue

  ~ ~ ~

  Connor was the first to jump onto the Auspicious. The helicopter hovered precariously over the yacht’s heaving landing pad, and after Decker and Zara disembarked as well, the chopper’s pilot offered a

  cordial salute before eagerly heading for home.

  Prav emerged from his mid-deck lounge. “You’ve got the download?”

  Two of his ship’s personnel flanked him, one to a side. They were formally dressed in dark uniforms and appeared capable of handling any number of tasks.

  Decker’s confirmation caused Gill to turn around, and within minutes, the group was within the ship’s interior. “May I?” Prav asked, holding out his hand. Decker stepped forward and turned over the small memory device. Prav grasped his coveted plunder, scrutinized it for a moment, then instantly became more welcoming. “Would any of you like a refreshment? A drink, perhaps?” He glanced between Decker, Connor, and Zara.

  “No?’ Prav asked, motioning to his blonde associate to stand down. “Then let’s set these jewels in our proverbial crown, shall we?”

  Prav returned to his laptop, but before he could plug the device into his computer, Connor spoke up. “In lieu of a drink, would you indulge a retired Seal with a view from the Bridge?”

  Gill hesitated for only a moment, but soon motioned with his head. He seemed flattered by the request and, with the subtle gesture, gave clearance for Connor to escorted to the yacht’s upper decks.