Entangled Fates

Artificial intelligence was nearly mankind's last invention. AI took off like a rocket, then when it racked up an impressive death toll, it crashed before it could blossom and took most high-tech industries with it. Resistance and fears became deep-set. Two decades after the infamous Rev. 4.6 incidents, humanity hasn't quit dreaming of the wealth and power that could be at their fingertips. A new generation of mega-corporations rose from the ashes. When one melds a quantum computer to a barely functional mental patient as a PR move, there are those who seek to profit, those who want to destroy it, and Alex. Alex Sage is a typical college student trying to keep up his grades and maybe find a meaningful connection with the fairer sex. Then, an automated semi crashes into his home, killing his family and turning his head into a pin cushion in the process. Alex awakens to find most of his memories gone and an illegal AI hidden in his brain implant. Now the pet project of a tech billionaire and heavily in debt, Alex struggles to stay valuable enough to be kept online. Still grappling with the repercussions of his injuries, and threats from a dangerous anti-augmentation political movement, there are no easy answers and threats loom around every corner. Alex must use whatever resources he can to escape from under the thumb of a ruthless corporation, while keeping those he comes to love safe. This series features an anti-hero protagonist, does not shy away from complicated relationships (multiple partners), and is not fade to black. 18+

Getting his revenge felt great. Right up until the bills came due. Alex and his quantum-powered AI companion might have broken free from Apollo's threat to shut him down, but he is still on the hook for millions he doesn't have, and the mega-corp isn't going to forgive and forget. Desperate to keep his freedom and his company afloat as their illegal funds dry up, Alex tags along with the Black Flags on a mercenary contract on the other side of the globe. Physically recovered but still coming to grips with the synthetic part of himself, Alex struggles to adapt to what his life and body have become. Stuck in a losing battle with his inner demons, he and Sophie gather resources and allies as they prepare to wage war against the rogue artificial intelligence that threatens the world. His actions do not go unnoticed, however, and he soon finds him caught in a lethal game of cat-and-mouse. Firmly in the crosshairs again, can Alex survive the new threats against him without losing himself in the process? Note: This series features an anti-hero protagonist, does not shy away from complicated relationships, and does not fade to black. 18+ listeners.