Chairwoman Cahill turned to the witness chair. “The subcommittee stands ready to hear from Dr. Matthew Lambert.” Dr. Lambert stood and raised his right hand.

As an officer approached him to administer the oath, I heard the door to the committee chamber open, followed by a low murmur in the back of the room. Heads started turning. The murmur grew louder. I looked back. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was Ben. While I was still trying to absorb that, a woman stepped out from behind him. I jumped out of my chair and shouted, “Abby! Abby!”

Of course she couldn’t hear me. I was sitting in Lauren’s living room. But she was alive!

Chairwoman Cahill banged her gavel half a dozen times. A hush fell over the room. Ben, Abby, and a man I didn’t recognize walked down the aisle to the witness table. Still standing, Ben addressed the chairwoman.

“Madam Chairwoman, my name is Ben Steele. Until last week I was a Special Agent with the FBI. Since last week I’ve considered it my duty to deliver Abigail Caldwell to this subcommittee for these hearings. She stands ready to testify at her originally scheduled time.”

A buzz swept the room again. The chairwoman pounded her gavel and looked menacingly at the spectators before returning her eyes to Ben. “Thank you, Special Agent Steele.” She looked at Lambert. “I apologize, Dr. Lambert. Would you be offended if Ms. Caldwell presents her testimony at this time?”

Lambert wasn’t offended.

The chairwoman looked up and down the row of representatives. “If there are no objections, I will call Abigail Caldwell as our witness.”

I glanced at Lauren. She was white as a sheet.

Abby stood at the witness table and was sworn in. I tapped for a car. I could remain in VR while en route to the Capitol.

“Do you have a prepared statement, Ms. Caldwell?”

“A brief one, yes.”

“Please proceed.”

Abby glanced at Ben, then began. “Madam Chairwoman, esteemed members of the subcommittee. I am honored by the privilege of coming before the Congress of the United States as an ordinary citizen to speak concerning an important issue such as this.

“Unlike those who have testified before me, I’m not an expert on artificial intelligence, though here in the States I’ve learned quickly of its possible effects. I’m a simple woman who has lived her entire life in the jungle of Papua New Guinea. I’m an expert on how to avoid crocodile attacks and what to do when one’s mosquito netting is eaten through by rats.”

There was a smattering of laughter in the audience.

“It may be that I’m here as an example of the kind of person America doesn’t want…”

I glanced at Lauren. Her face remained expressionless.