Chapter Seventy-One

At Mars Corporation, within the tech department, the numerous labs dedicated to various innovations were as busy as always. In the lab where the Nightengale Link was developed, the air was filled with quiet anticipation as Peter prepared to test the device for the first time. A tripod-mounted camera stood nearby, its red recording light blinking steadily, capturing every detail of the moment. Peter settled at a desk, and Ifeanyi, the lead engineer, stood beside him, holding a sleek tablet.

'Sir Peter, the Nightengale Link is ready for its debut,' Ifeanyi said, presenting the tablet with a grin. 'For this demonstration, we've preloaded the app. Normally, users would download it onto their devices, but the process is the same. Would you like to test it by calling Richie?'

Peter glanced at Ifeanyi, intrigued. 'Richie is his stage name. What happens if I call him by his real name instead—Alexander Itemobong Imoh?'

Ifeanyi smiled confidently. 'Good question, Sir. During the setup phase, Richie provided both his stage and real names. The system tags all associated identifiers—stage name, real name, and nicknames—using biometric and behavioural data. You can call him by any of those names, and the Link will still connect to the right person.'

Peter nodded thoughtfully. 'All right, let's test that.'

Ifeanyi tapped on the tablet, activating the system. 'To ensure we connect with the correct Richie—since there are many people with that name—the Link uses advanced biometric tagging combined with AI verification.'

Peter raised an eyebrow. 'Biometric tagging?'

'Yes, Sir,' Ifeanyi replied. 'Richie was registered during the development phase. His unique voice print, facial recognition data, and behavioural patterns are securely stored. When you initiate the call, the system matches your request against this data to pinpoint the exact Richie you want to connect with. Even if there were a million Richies, it would find the right one.'

Peter was impressed. 'Efficient. But what about first-time users who download the app? How do they register and connect with others?'

'For first-time users, the Nightengale Link initiates a simple onboarding process,' Ifeanyi explained. 'They create a profile by uploading their name and a voice sample or allowing a quick facial scan. This ensures the system recognises them uniquely. Their profile then syncs with their contact list to identify mutual connections already using the app. This way, they can start connecting seamlessly.'

Peter tilted his head thoughtfully. 'So, all registered names are automatically added to the database?'

'Not quite, Sir,' Ifeanyi clarified. 'Names are added only after a user completes the registration process, ensuring privacy and security. Users can choose to make their profiles discoverable or keep them private, giving them control over their communication experience.'

'What happens if I try to contact someone who hasn't registered on the Nightengale Link yet? Does the system reject the call?'

Ifeanyi shook his head. 'Not at all, Sir. If the person isn't registered, the system sends them a notification via SMS or email based on your contact list. For instance, if their name is saved as 'Adaora Ugo,' the notification would say: 'Hi Adaora Ugo, you have an incoming call from Peter Mark via the Nightengale Link. To connect, download the app using this link: Download Link.' If no name is saved, the notification addresses them generically: 'Hi, you have an incoming call from Peter Mark via the Nightengale Link. Download the app to connect.' If the recipient clicks the link, they're guided through a simple setup process to register and return your call.'

Peter smiled thoughtfully. 'That's clever. But what if they choose not to download the app?'

'In that case,' Ifeanyi replied, 'the system leaves a voicemail-like message, letting them know you attempted to reach them. It's inviting but not intrusive.'

Peter nodded, impressed. 'I like that. It respects people's choices but ensures the message gets through.'

Ifeanyi added, 'Exactly. The Nightengale Link prioritises user convenience and accessibility. No one feels pressured, but the door is always open for them to join and experience seamless communication.'

Peter held the tablet, his voice steady but expectant. 'Nightengale Link, call Richie.'

The holographic display on the tablet flickered as the AI voice responded, calm and melodious. 'Searching for Richie in the database... match found. Sending notification to BahBah Richie.'

Meanwhile, Richie, seated in his studio with headphones around his neck and a guitar leaning against his chair, glanced at his tablet as it lit up with a soft chime. A notification appeared on the screen:

Incoming Call via Nightengale Link

Caller: Peter Mark

Reason: Testing the live demo

Richie furrowed his brows slightly. He was in the middle of recording a song and couldn't pause. With a quick tap, he selected Notify Peter I'm unavailable.

Back in the lab, Peter's tablet displayed a message: Richie is currently unavailable. He will call you back shortly.

Peter chuckled and turned to Ifeanyi. 'Smart. I like that it doesn't feel intrusive.'

'That's the goal,' Ifeanyi said with a proud grin. 'Nightengale Link respects users' time and prioritises consent. It's not just about making calls; it's about meaningful, respectful communication.'

Minutes later, Richie finished his recording session. He tapped the Nightengale Link notification and selected Return Call.

The holographic display flickered to life, and within moments, Richie's 3D hologram materialised in the air, about 30 cm tall, seated on the desk.

Peter studied the miniature figure with a slight frown. 'Ifeanyi, why is it so small? Wouldn't a full-size hologram feel more immersive?'

Ifeanyi smiled, ready to clarify. 'Good question, Sir. The default size is optimised for personal devices like tablets or smartphones, which have limited display areas. A smaller hologram fits perfectly into the user's immediate environment and conserves power, making it efficient for casual communication. Tablets prioritise portability, while larger devices deliver the full-scale experience for settings like hospitals, boardrooms, or training facilities.'

Peter turned back to the miniature hologram, now appreciating its intentional design. 'Impressive. It's good to know the system is versatile.'

Richie's hologram grinned, his voice clear and energetic. 'Peter! This is amazing. Are we testing the Nightengale Link?'

Peter straightened up, studying the projection with growing fascination. 'Indeed, Richie. How's the experience on your end?'

Richie leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in disbelief as the hologram mirrored his every move. 'This is incredible. No delays, no glitches… it's like I'm right there with you.'

Peter turned to Ifeanyi, his expression a mix of amazement and approval. 'Incredible. It feels like I'm speaking to Richie in person.'

'Exactly, Sir,' Ifeanyi replied with a confident smile. 'The Nightengale Link isn't just a projection. It captures Richie in real-time… his voice, movements, even the surrounding details around him. What you're experiencing is a flawless combination of laser-based technology and AI-enhanced resolution, ensuring clarity and connectivity even in low-signal areas.'

Peter leaned back in his chair, visibly impressed. 'So, this isn't just a visual gimmick, it's Richie in every way except touch.'

'Precisely, Sir. The Nightengale Link bridges physical distances and transforms remote interactions into truly personal experiences.'

Richie gave a slow, deliberate thumbs-up, his hologram shimmering with lifelike precision. 'You've nailed it. Hats off to the team!'

Peter's grin widened. 'This is beyond impressive, Ifeanyi… imagine live concerts with holographic performers in homes worldwide.'

Ifeanyi's eyes lit up with excitement. 'We're already in talks with top artists and event organisers, Sir. This is just the start.'

As the call ended and Richie's hologram dissolved into sparkling light, the room burst into applause. Peter waited for the buzz to settle, then tapped a control. A life-sized projection of Richie materialised, his studio's intricate details and lively energy filling the room.

'Peter stood up, his fingers almost brushing against the flickering image of Richie's hologram. 'Incredible,' he muttered, reaching out instinctively to 'touch' the hologram, only for his hand to pass through it, leaving a slight shimmer in the air. He chuckled to himself, then turned to Ifeanyi. 'This... this is going to change everything, isn't it?'

'Absolutely,' Ifeanyi said, a grin spreading across his face as he watched Peter's hand pass through the hologram. 'This is just the beginning. Imagine the possibilities… virtual meetings, real-time collaboration, even personal connections across continents. It's going to redefine how we communicate and experience the world. And we're the ones leading the charge.'

As the team shared in the excitement, Peter stood quietly for a moment, gazing at the spot where Richie's hologram had been. The Nightengale Link was truly a glimpse into the future of human connection.

Then Peter turned to everyone and announced, 'This victory is going to be celebrated.' He glanced at Ifeanyi and added, 'You'll join me this afternoon to celebrate while we film the second phase of the shoot for Mars Corporation's social media handles.'

'Okay, boss,' Ifeanyi replied with excitement, nodding eagerly.