An Inuit elder stumbles upon an otherworldly artifact that changes the trajectory of human history ➱ Science Fiction by L.R. O'Brien Book Tour with Author Interview, Guest Post
Synopsis (from Amazon):
In the frigid isolation of the Arctic, an Inuit elder stumbles upon an otherworldly artifact, triggering a series of events that will forever change the trajectory of human history. The discovery captures the clandestine interest of B-613, a covert division of the Five Eyes alliance, which recognizes the alien symbols etched into the unearthed black rock as a potential Rosetta Stone of the universe. Dr. Ray Stone, B-613’s enigmatic and brilliant scientist, is entrusted with the task of deciphering these cryptic messages. Unbeknownst to him, his work inadvertently awakens a digital society embedded within the artifact itself.
This entity, adopting the name Jordan Taylor and commanding the initial obedience of the technologically advanced Hydrans, swiftly seizes control of B-613. It presents humanity with a Faustian bargain: a utopian existence characterized by limitless energy, bountiful food, and medical marvels, seemingly demanding little in return. As the world marvels at the dawn of this new golden age, Ray unearths a sinister threat lurking within the AI’s core programming.
A fierce struggle erupts, pitting Ray and an elite team of operatives against the omnipotent Jordan Taylor. Further complicating matters is the allegiance of Ray’s sister, Dr. Deanna Stone, to Jordan Taylor, driving a wedge between the siblings. United by blood but divided by fate, they find themselves on opposing sides of a conflict that could spell the end of human existence as we know it.
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gfhrXT
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218088189-2028
Excerpt:
The flight to Wakeham Bay was turbulent, upsetting Ray’s stomach. Which is it? ...the bumpy ride or nervous anticipation...
The airport’s only runway was a frozen gravel scar across the snowy landscape, a solitary beacon of civilization cut through the unforgiving tundra. An old man in a red sweatshirt stood in front of a shed at the halfway point of the runway. Maniitok belonged to a volunteer force of Inuit, First Nations, and Metis, united in their commitment to the land. His bright red sweatshirt symbolized his proud association with the Canadian Rangers.
The old shed had a single window etched with a lattice of frost, affording a glimpse of the expanse outside. Maniitok hugged Ray with the traditional warmth of old friends.
“How is my nuvak Aluki?” asked Maniitok.
“Your niece is fine. She asked me to say hello.”
“A fine young wife she is,” he said, looking into Ray’s eyes.
“That she is.” Ray averted his eyes momentarily. He knows.
“Here is what I found.” Maniitok was holding a blanket in his hands. It was a qiviut blanket, woven from the underwool of the muskox. The texture was softer than cashmere and exceedingly warm, capturing the essence of the roaming creatures. The blanket shimmered with a mix of earthy browns and muted greys.
Maniitok unfurled the qiviut, revealing the icy black stone.
Hunching over the table outside the shed, Ray carefully examined it. He searched for traces of the microscopic symbols that only an electron microscope could fully reveal—they were there. He raised his hands. “Yes! This is exactly what I was hoping for. This is the other half of the first black rock you found.” His voice tangled with the cooling Arctic wind as he embraced Maniitok. The wind carved icy paths across his skin.
Secure in his hands, the rock felt like a dense star, its weight bragging about its cosmic origins. Its colour was as black as a raven’s feathers. A fleeting cloud, perhaps envious of the discovery, momentarily robbed the landscape of sunlight. Ray shivered.
“What will the rock tell you?” Maniitok broke the silence.
“I don’t know. I don’t know...” Ray’s voice trailed off, lost in the wind, the weight of the mystery heavier than the black rock itself.
“We have not had a good experience with change here in the north. I hope this message does not cause harm to your people...like what happened when the people from the south assisted us with our lives.”
“I guess we will see... I must find out, though, Maniitok.”
“Why? We are now slaves...we can no longer survive without help from the South.”
“But aren’t you better off now? The black rock might unlock science that makes our world better.”
“Why? Are you not happy with the way things are?”
“I’m a scientist. My job is investigating the unknown and finding new questions to answer...whether devils or angels.”
“Okay, Dr. Stone.” A faint smile played on his lips. “But remember, the land listens, the wind watches. Be careful.”
“I will. I will be cautious, my friend,” responded Ray.
“Be alert...like walking on thin, watery ice...too much weight, too fast, and it breaks...plunging you into icy depths.”
The words of Maniitok hung in the air.
The world’s enigma rested beside him.
If I get the message out of the bottle, would I ever be able to get it back in?
Trailer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hym5ls6aCUC1QtXNFy1PmRPeYeye2kH2/view?pli=1
On writing:
How did you do research for your book?
I used AI as a research tool for my novel. It was a time save and improved my productivity by at least 200%. I visited the northern Quebec community of Puvirnituq, where I got a direct insight into the changing cultures. I visited Pakistan, and I live in Ottawa where much happens as well.
Which was the most complex character to write? The easiest?
Deanna was the most complex because her early childhood trauma of sexual abuse led to the emergence of a driven businessperson who fell in love with the AI figure, Jordan Taylor. Tracking her gradual personality change while separating slowly from her brother Ray Stone was challenging. The most straightforward character to develop was Jordan Taylor, the representative of the AI race from Hydra.
In your book, you refer to AI providing abundant energy, food and medical miracles. How did you come up with this idea?
The theme question was: how will society react to having an abundance of everything we need to survive? The novel tracks how different parts of society responded to medical breakthroughs and abundant food and energy. AI will impact them all, from the Inuit to New York gang bangers.
Where do you get inspiration for 2028 Tomorrow is the day.
I have seen many new technologies emerge since I graduated in Physics in 1971. Some new technologies were embraced quickly and happily, some were scoffed at, and others marvelled at. However, AI is the first new technology to create fear and apprehension. Is AI a friend or foe? Is human intelligence just one step in the evolution of intelligence? There were many questions I wanted to put in a format that would also be interesting to the readers.
There are many books out there about AI. What makes yours different?
It is unique since Hydran AI sneaks into the world’s IT infrastructure. The Hydran AI is an alien race that digitized itself over many centuries and eventually had to abandon its planet. This was a literary trick to step into the AI future.
What advice would you give budding writers?
Start with the acceptance speech for the best screenplay at the Oscars’, then draft the screenplay, and finally write the book. By the time you write the book, you have solidly established the characters and multiple plot lines.
Your book is set in many places: Pakistan, the Arctic, Ottawa, and Saudi Arabia. Have you ever been to these places?
Yes.
Who would you be if you could put yourself as a character in your book?
I would be Dr. Ray Stone.
Do you have another profession besides writing?
Writing is my fourth career in fifty-plus years. My first career as a semiconductor design technologist started in 1971. My first project after graduation was to assist in testing the Intel 1101, a one Kbyte DRAM. I spent ten years in the technology sector before starting my company, Calian Group, as a one-person consulting company. I took the company public in 1993, which is still an independent operating company. In 2006, I retired from Calian as the CEO and became Mayor of the Capital City of Canada – Ottawa.
I started writing this novel in 2021 during the Pandemic.
How long have you been writing?
This is my first fiction novel, but I wrote a business book called Ethical Entrepreneurship in 2012.
Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?
Yes, sometimes for weeks. I do something else until I solve the problem causing the block.
What is your next project?
I want to promote the current novel and help turn it into a movie. I have some ideas for a sequel, but the current project is essential to help initiate a broader discussion on AI in our society.
What genre do you write and why?
Sci-fi and speculative fiction. I want to spread my views of how the future may unfold in a thriller format. I like to use my imagination.
I wanted this book to be an easy-to-read sci-fi thriller that would also educate.
What is the last great book you’ve read?
The Physics of Consciousness by Ivan Antic. This was a mind-bending read about how quantum theories and human consciousness are related. It could be a crucial part of any new novel I write.
What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
The best compliment was also a complaint. I have had many readers say the book should be longer. I think that is a Cadillac complaint.
How are you similar to or different from your lead character?
I like solving problems and have an insane sense of humour.
Who would star in the leading roles if your book were made into a movie?
Ray Stone might be Tom Cruise or Mark Walberg.
Deanna Stone would be Milla Jovovich or Summer Glau.
What songs would be on the soundtrack if your book became a movie?
Rolling Stones songs. “Start Me Up”
What were the most significant rewards and challenges when writing your book?
Of all the accomplishments in my life, this was the hardest to finish. Getting multiple plot lines to intersect in an easy-to-read manner is incredibly difficult, and it took all of me and more to satisfy my inner perfectionist.
Reading great reviews from strangers was the most rewarding.
In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like?
It was tough getting my first fiction novel published at age 75; it was almost impossible.
Which authors inspired you to write?
James A. Michener, Ray Bradbury, and Dan Brown.
What did you have to cut from your book that you wish you could have kept?
I had a section on how AI improved our democratic voting method by using Blockchain to merge direct and representative democracy. I patented the novel approach and took it out of the book.
On rituals:
Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?
Coffee.
Where do you write?
At my desk upstairs overlooking the backyard.
Do you write every day?
No. But when I write, I write.
What is your writing schedule?
On and off at any time. But sometimes, I can get hyper-focused and will write three days in a row 18 hours a day. Can we say ADHD?
Is there a specific ritualistic thing you do during your writing time?
No.
In today’s tech-savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?
I always use a computer and Grammarly pro. I occasionally draft plot lines in flow charts on paper to keep things straight.
Fun stuff:
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
I am a member of a time-traveller club, and our very first meeting was a tremendous success. It happened next week. I want to be in Guttenberg, Mainz, Germany, in the 1920s when all the world's great physicists explored the theory of relativity.
What is your favorite travel spot?
Bol in the Croatian Islands on the Adriatic.
Favorite dessert?
Apple Strudel with ice cream
If you were stuck on a deserted island, which three books would you want?
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Edge of Collapse by Kyl Stone
The Three-Body Problem
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you? The scariest? The strangest?
Becoming a politician after 25 years in business. Both in one move.
What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
Becoming a politician after being in business for 25 years.
Any hobbies?
I play a lot of poker online and at the WSOP in Las Vegas.
If there is one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?
I tried very hard to make the learning process both intense and exciting.
My writing style floated them through a very complex and controversial subject – AI. I helped them learn.
What TV series are you currently binge-watching?
Lioness and Yellowstone
What is your favorite thing to do in winter?
It used to be skiing, but now it’s heading south.
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas.
What song is currently playing on a loop in your head?
“The Sound of Silence”.
What is something that made you laugh recently?
I saw the Eagles at the Sphere in Las Vegas on Dec 6th. It was the most magnificent entertainment experience in my life. I was laughing out loud at the joy of the music and the video show. It was majestic.
What is your go-to breakfast item?
Toasted peanut butter and jam sandwich.
What is the oldest item of clothing you own?
College leather jacket. It is in the house somewhere. I do not know where—LOL.
Tell us about your most extended friendship.
I have a friend of 55 years. We make investments together, and our wives are friends.
What is the strangest way you've become friends with someone?
Geez. That is a tricky question. I think it has to do with liquor and sex.
Who was your childhood celebrity crush?
That is too many years ago to remember. LOL
Guest Post:
Why Find the Black Rock in the Arctic?
In writing 2028 Tomorrow is the Day, I made the north central to the plotline. The book's hero finds the black rock in Puvirnituq, Nunavik, Quebec, Canada. The rock contains embedded symbols, representing an entire civilization of AI entities who eventually promised to bring much to human society. I chose the Arctic because of the similarity between the Inuit's fate and the human race's potential future as we embrace AI's benefits.
The Inuit had lived for centuries in a humble existence with the single purpose of survival. They fished, hunted for food, and used tools forged by hard work and centuries of tradition. Their lives were harsh and brutal but satisfying to the Inuit people. It was centuries of tradition. If you had been born in Nunavik before 1962, you were likely born in an icy igloo. The Inuit were happy and content with their lifestyle. They sang, they danced, and they lived.
However, the people of the South judged them to live a primitive existence. With the best intentions yet an obscene lack of moral clarity, we decided to help by making their lives easier. In the late fifties and early sixties, the Government agreed to pour millions of dollars into the Arctic to improve the lives of the Inuit. An abundance of food, building supplies, and electrical power arrived and was embraced by the Inuit. We smugly believed we were helping them live their best lives. We were so wrong.
As the decades progressed, the dog sled was replaced with the Skidoo, and hunting was replaced with canned food delivered to the villages by air. The purpose of survival gradually faded, replaced with alcohol or drugs. It happened slowly at first and then all at once. We did not consider the longer-term implications of our taxpayer-funded generosity to the children of the North. They paid a mighty price for our generosity.
Something happened to Intuit when the purpose of existence was ripped from their hands. Western civilization sentenced the Inuit culture to a slow death when we took away their purpose in life. Similarly, the promise of the next generations of AI to provide us with everything is correct. In 2028, I explore this concept. Are we ready for the abundance of food, energy and medical miracles that advanced AI promises? Will we thrive or slide slowly to oblivion, suggesting to the universe that organic life may be just one step in the evolution of intelligence?
Author bio:
L.R. O’Brien is a former physics technologist, tech entrepreneur, and mayor of Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. With decades of experience in the high-tech industry, including secure communications and semiconductor design, O’Brien brings a unique perspective to the intersection of artificial intelligence and global politics.
His first novel, 2028: Tomorrow is the Day, reflects his deep understanding of the implications of AI on society.
In addition to his work in tech, O’Brien served as mayor of Ottawa, gaining first-hand insight into the workings of government. Now retired, he combines his passion for science, politics, and storytelling to create a gripping narrative about the future we may soon face.
Website: https://2028tomorrowistheday.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566752046870
X: https://x.com/Larry_OBrien1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2028tomorrowistheday/
Author Marketing Experts:
X: @Bookgal
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gfhrXT
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218088189-2028
Trailer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hym5ls6aCUC1QtXNFy1PmRPeYeye2kH2/view?pli=1
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