James Wood

Broken Options James Wood

In this science fiction thriller young and brilliant computer engineer Sam Chatham finds himself caught in a murderous competition to control the next stage in the evolution of the human race. Electronic technocrats intend to meld humans into networks controlled by computers. Geneticists aim to manipulate DNA to create superhumans who would never submit to computer dominance. A third faction, intent on resisting both technologies, is actively working to destroy them both. An impending presidential election provides strong motivation to elect a president who will support creative, futuristic science. Sam, who is young and free to travel, has been sent by his boss, the manager of a huge computer company, to influence others in that industry. As Sam learns more about the activities of all three factions, however, he begins to fashion a compromise where all three will contribute to a better future. As his ideas circulate, violence escalates. The individuals who passionately control their own interests are unwilling to agree to compromise. Beautiful ultra-killer, Victoria, intervenes at times to save Sam's life. He falls in love with her but is bothered that he does not know who has hired her. He won't find out until the end. The story shows a future we are now entering, and as Sam says in the novel, maybe we should think about where we are going.