The Algorithm

Chapter 11: The Reckoning

The silence in the room stretched for what felt like an eternity. Takeshi's pulse pounded in his ears. Every eye in the conference hall was locked onto him, waiting.

His throat was dry, but he forced himself to speak.

"The algorithm has shown promising results in many areas," he began carefully, choosing his words like a surgeon wielding a scalpel. "However, there are still challenges in its application across all patient demographics. The data indicates that certain groups, particularly older and rural patients, have higher misclassification rates that need to be addressed."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the audience. Some attendees nodded, others exchanged glances.

Dr. Nakamura's expression remained composed, but Takeshi could sense the underlying tension in his stance. Before the conversation could spiral further, Nakamura stepped forward.

"As Dr. Mulyana has pointed out," Nakamura said smoothly, "refinements are always part of any machine learning model. The hospital remains committed to continuous improvements, and we are already implementing new strategies to further optimize performance."

His voice was even, reassuring. It was damage control—elegant and precise.

"The broader takeaway here," Nakamura continued, "is that our AI model is a groundbreaking innovation in pancreatic cancer detection, and its potential far outweighs any early-stage challenges."

There was polite applause from some sections of the audience, but Takeshi could see that not everyone was satisfied.

As the session ended, Takeshi barely had time to step away from the stage before Nakamura caught up to him.

"Takeshi," Nakamura said in a calm but deliberate tone, "I need you to understand something."

Takeshi braced himself.

"We're all working toward the same goal here," Nakamura continued. "But the way we handle challenges like these is just as important as solving them."

Takeshi didn't miss the meaning beneath the words. Be careful.

Instead of pushing back, he simply nodded. "Understood."

Nakamura studied him for a moment longer before giving a small smile. "Good work up there."

Then he walked away.

Takeshi exhaled, his muscles finally unclenching.

He found Dr. Saito standing near the exit, arms crossed, watching him. When he approached, she didn't say much, just gave him a small nod. It was enough. She had let him make his choice, and he hadn't been punished—yet.

But the real test was still ahead.

That evening, as Takeshi sat at his desk, sifting through emails and reports, his phone buzzed with a notification. A new message.

Unknown Sender: We need to talk. Meet me at the lounge after dinner.

Takeshi frowned. He checked the sender—no name, no identifiable email. Someone didn't want to be tracked.

His fingers hovered over the keyboard. He debated ignoring it.

But something told him this wasn't just a coincidence.

Whoever had sent this message—they knew something.

And now, they wanted to talk.