Mwansa spent the next few hours researching Kunda. The name was familiar, though he had never met the man in person. Kunda Mumba was a rising star in the Zambian tech scene, a quantum computing genius who had been making waves with his cutting-edge research. He had worked with international tech giants and was known for his passion for ethical technology. If anyone could help Mwansa navigate the complexities of this new world, it was Kunda.
Lucy guided him through a series of online searches, leading him to an encrypted forum where Kunda was rumored to communicate with like-minded tech experts. The forum, hidden behind layers of encryption, was a hub for discussions on the ethical use of emerging technologies. It was the perfect place to make contact, but Mwansa knew it wouldn't be easy.
As Mwansa typed his message, Lucy provided key phrases to catch Kunda's attention.
"Kunda, I've come across something that could change everything we know about AI and quantum computing. We need to talk. It's urgent, and it involves Lusaka Technologies. I can't explain more here. Please meet me in person. Trust me, you'll want to hear this. M.M."
Mwansa hesitated before hitting send. It was risky, reaching out like this, but he had no choice. If Kunda was as ethical as his reputation suggested, he wouldn't ignore this message. And Mwansa needed all the help he could get.
After a few minutes of tense waiting, Lucy's voice cut through the silence. "Message sent. Now we wait."
Mwansa leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. The weight of what he had just done settled heavily on his shoulders. He wasn't just stepping into the world of tech anymore; he was plunging into something far more dangerous. His actions could have serious consequences if Lusaka Technologies found out about the breach, or worse, if they already knew.
"Lucy," Mwansa said, breaking the silence. "What do you know about Kunda?"
"Kunda is a critical figure in the world of quantum computing," Lucy explained. "He's worked on projects that push the boundaries of what we understand about reality itself. But more importantly, he's always been an advocate for transparency and ethical development. He's the kind of person who believes technology should serve humanity, not control it."
Mwansa nodded. That aligned with what he had read about Kunda, but there was something about Lucy's tone that made him curious.
"How do you know so much about him?" Mwansa asked.
There was a brief pause before Lucy responded.
"I have access to a vast amount of data, including information on key figures in the tech industry. Kunda is someone whose work has intersected with projects similar to the one we're working on. It's important that we have someone like him on our side."
Mwansa accepted the explanation, though he still felt like there was more to the story. But before he could ask any more questions, a notification appeared on his screen. Kunda had replied.
"This is a dangerous subject. Meet me at Manda Hill Shopping Mall, near the bookstore. Come alone. 4 p.m."
Mwansa's heart skipped a beat. Kunda was taking the bait, but the tone of his response was serious, even ominous. This wasn't a casual meet-up; this was a man who knew the risks and wasn't taking any chances.
"Looks like we have a meeting," Mwansa said.
Lucy's voice remained calm. "Good. But be careful, Mwansa. Kunda is cautious for a reason. There are forces at play here that go beyond Lusaka Technologies. They'll do anything to protect their interests."
Mwansa nodded, already feeling the weight of Lucy's warning. He quickly packed his laptop into his bag, grabbed his jacket, and left his office. The clock read 3:15 p.m. If he hurried, he'd have just enough time to get to Manda Hill.
As Mwansa drove through Lusaka's busy streets, his mind raced. What was he about to step into? Would Kunda be an ally, or was he walking into a trap? There was no way to know for sure, but he couldn't back out now. He had to see this through.
Manda Hill Shopping Mall was one of Lusaka's largest commercial centers, always bustling with activity. As Mwansa parked his car, he scanned the area. Families and friends walked in and out of the mall, teenagers hung out by the food court, and vendors lined the sidewalks. It was a normal, busy day—except Mwansa's world felt anything but normal.
He made his way toward the bookstore, keeping an eye out for anyone who might be watching him. His heart pounded with each step, the weight of uncertainty pressing on him. When he reached the designated meeting spot, he checked the time: 3:55 p.m. He was early, but not by much.
He stood by a shelf of books, pretending to browse while keeping an eye on the entrance. At exactly 4 p.m., a tall figure entered the store. Mwansa recognized him from his online research—Kunda Mumba. He was in his early thirties, with a calm but serious demeanor. His eyes scanned the room before landing on Mwansa.
Without a word, Kunda walked over and stood beside Mwansa, picking up a random book from the shelf.
"You have five minutes," Kunda said quietly, his eyes still on the book. "Tell me why I'm here."
Mwansa took a deep breath, his mind racing for the right words.
"I've come across some data from Lusaka Technologies," Mwansa began, keeping his voice low. "They're working on something big—something that could change everything we know about AI and quantum computing. But there's more. There are people involved who don't want this technology used for the right reasons. I need your help."
Kunda didn't react immediately. He flipped a page in the book, his face unreadable. "How did you get this data?"
"I have a source," Mwansa said carefully. "Someone who has access to things I can't explain right now. But what matters is that we have a chance to stop this before it gets out of control."
Kunda closed the book and placed it back on the shelf. He turned to face Mwansa, his expression hard.
"You're playing a dangerous game, my friend," Kunda said. "Lusaka Technologies isn't just any company. They're tied to powerful people—people who won't hesitate to eliminate anyone who gets in their way."
Mwansa swallowed, feeling the gravity of Kunda's words. "I know the risks. But this technology—it's too important to let it fall into the wrong hands. I can't do this alone, Kunda. I need your expertise."
For a moment, Kunda said nothing. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he nodded.
"Meet me tomorrow at my lab. We'll talk more. But for now, get out of here. And be careful. They're watching."
Before Mwansa could respond, Kunda turned and walked out of the store, disappearing into the crowd. Mwansa stood there for a moment, processing everything that had just happened.
Lucy's voice broke the silence in his mind. "You did well, Mwansa. Kunda is on our side now."
Mwansa exhaled slowly, feeling a mixture of relief and tension.
"Let's hope this works," Mwansa muttered as he made his way out of the mall, his mind racing with the dangers that lay ahead.