“Then how come he is working for us now?”

“He overstretched himself. This kind of research is both expensive and time-consuming. When his personal assets began to run out we approached him with a contract that would benefit both parties. At first he refused — in the end he had no choice.”

Both visitors had to identify themselves at another security station before the last door opened. Toth stepped aside as they went in; the computer counted the visitors carefully. They entered and heard the door close and lock behind them. J. J. Beckworth took the lead, knowing that the easier he made this meeting, the faster he would get results. He extended his hand and shook Brian’s firmly.

“This is a great pleasure, Brian. I just wish we could have met sooner. I have heard nothing but good news about the work you have been doing. You have my congratulations — and my thanks for taking the time to show me what you have done.”

Brian’s white Irish skin turned red at his unexpected praise. He was not used to it. Nor was he versed enough in the world of business to realize that the Chairman was deliberately turning on the charm. Deliberate or not, it had the desired result. He was more at ease now, eager to answer and explain. J.J. nodded and smiled.

“I have been told that you have had an important breakthrough. Is that true?”

“Absolutely! You could say that this is it — the end of ten years’ work. Or rather the beginning of the end. There will be plenty of development to come.”

“I was given to understand that it has something to do with artificial intelligence.”

“Yes, indeed. I think that we have some real AI, at last.”

“Hold your horses, young man. I thought that AI had been around for decades?”

“Certainly. There have been some pretty smart programs written and used that have been called AI. But what I have here is something far more advanced — with abilities that promise to rival those of the human mind.” He hesitated. “I’m sorry, sir, I don’t mean to lecture. But how acquainted are you with the work in this field?”