Name: Dr. Malcolm Ryker
Alias: The Syndicate’s Engineer
Occupation: Chief Scientist, AI Specialist, Corporate Strategist
Affiliation: The Syndicate (Lead Technologist & AI Researcher)
Base of Operations: Dominion Nexus (ENTJ) – The Commander’s Throne
Overview
Dr. Malcolm Ryker is one of the most influential scientists within The Syndicate, overseeing the development of AI-driven security, surveillance networks, and advanced spacecraft technologies. Once a visionary advocate for scientific progress, Ryker ultimately chose power over principle, aligning himself with The Syndicate to ensure that technological advancements remained under corporate control.
Unlike The Architect, who governs from a strategic distance, Ryker is actively involved in The Syndicate’s technological arms race, ensuring that independent pioneers and rogue engineers like Alexander never surpass corporate innovation.
Background
Dr. Ryker was once a close colleague of Alexander, working together on early propulsion research. However, when Alexander released his technology open-source, Ryker saw it as a dangerous mistake, believing that unchecked innovation would lead to chaos.
He was quickly recruited by The Syndicate, where he now oversees AI suppression policies, encrypted network surveillance, and the development of AI-controlled enforcement units. While Ryker still respects Alexander’s genius, he views him as a reckless idealist who must be stopped.
Personality
- Pragmatic & Methodical – Sees science as a tool for control, not freedom.
- Rational but Ruthless – Justifies corporate suppression as a necessary measure for order.
- Respects Intelligence – Admires Alexander’s work but believes he is naive.
- Loyal to The Syndicate – Views corporate leadership as the only viable structure for humanity’s expansion.
Skills & Abilities
✔ AI Development & Control – Designs and implements Syndicate-controlled AI security systems.
✔ Surveillance & Network Manipulation – Oversees encryption, digital tracking, and AI-assisted espionage.
✔ Spacecraft & Engineering Expertise – One of the top experts in propulsion and advanced aerospace systems.
✔ Psychological Manipulation – Skilled at convincing others to see The Syndicate’s vision.
Key Relationships
- Alexander – Once a colleague, now a primary adversary in the battle over technological freedom.
- The Architect – Reports directly to The Architect, serving as The Syndicate’s chief technologist.
- Elyna Voss – Views her as a major cyber-threat and actively works to eliminate her digital influence.
- Orion Kade – Has tried to recruit Orion multiple times, believing his connections could be useful.
Role in Book 1
- Attempts to acquire Alexander’s propulsion technology before it spreads too widely.
- Leads AI security programs to monitor and track resistance networks.
- Suppresses rogue AI development, ensuring that all artificial intelligence remains under Syndicate control.
- Begins developing the first AI-assisted warships, laying the groundwork for Syndicate military dominance.
- Plays a critical role in escalating tensions, directly influencing The Syndicate’s strategies against independent pioneers.
