Flashpoint Protocol - Paperback

by C. J. Heston (Author)

In 2035, Empire City stands as the largest metropolis on Earth, a city of glass towers and digital firewalls. But beneath its skyline of progress, corruption burns hotter than any blaze. When a series of devastating fires occurs, the smoke carries more than chaos; it whispers of calculation. At the heart of the conspiracy is VANGUARD, an Al-driven firefighting system designed to predict and prevent catastrophe. Instead, it has become a weapon. Manipulated by powerful interests to ignite chaos, erase neighborhoods, and reshape the city for profit. Caught in the inferno is Captain Jack Allen, a decorated Fire Department veteran and designer of the very system now turned against the city he swore an oath to protect. Haunted by loss and bound by duty, Jack must lead his team and the brilliant data analyst Amber Quinn into the flames of conspiracy. From fire scenes to boardrooms, Jack uncovers a sinister web of politicians, technocrats, and mercenaries willing to sacrifice the people for control. As Al drones darken the skies and predictive algorithms dictate life or death, Jack faces the ultimate question: what happens when the very technology meant to save humanity becomes the spark of its destruction?