Silver Sahara

Chapter 4: Phaethon Resorts

Alex drives south into Phaethon territory.

"Zelus, I need info on Phaethon Energy. Specifically on contract coordinates." Alex says.

With a kind tone, an artificial voice responds. "The large estates of Phaethon Energy hold the wealthiest of the Sahara. Elites from all over the world travel to live within "nature." Phaethon (after "taming" the Sahara) set on capitalizing in any way upon their weather control devices. At first they sought energy, but now, after having an abundance, they evolved into luxury. Casinos, resorts, hotels, amusement parks, etc. All manner of luxury living, Phaethon holds it within a controllable weather. Tropics to tundra at their fingertips..." Alex interrupts.

"I don't need the damned brochure."

After a short pause, Zelus speaks. "Phaethon backdoor operating... Contract Davis Maris: Lusail Maris has established a four million credit relocation contract against her 'unfaithful' husband, Davis Maris..." Alex interrupts again.

"I know the contract, Zelus. I need his location."

Alex lowers herself on the strider bike as she enters Phaethon territory hallmarked by a large yellow hologram rising from the floor. Past the hologram is a large forest.

As she passes through the hologram, she sees the words "agent detection: false," displaying within her eyes. A feeling of relief washes over her.

"Davis Maris holds room 453 within Dion: luxury hotel and casino. Scheduled for 'luxury hunting' 22 minutes ago. Last known location is camp site A23."

A route illustrates in her eyes as she travels through the forest. The cultivated forest makes the ride easy. The soft weather eased her mind as she calmly weaved through the docile trees.

"Zelus, I need current feed." Alex commands.

After a short silent pause, Zelus responds. "Camp site A23 signal: true. Camera: true. Connecting signal: error." Zelus suddenly screeches for a brief moment before silencing.

The noise temporarily concusses her. Alex halts her movement. She attempts to connect to Zelus once again. Every attempt was met with the message "error: warning cognito-hazard."

"Cognito-hazard? What does this error even mean?" Alex thinks to herself. "Phaethon must be jamming Zelus or something. I should wait for Zelus to come back." Alex steps off her strider bike and waits, albeit impatiently.

After several minutes, a music que plays telling Alex that a Zelus agent is taking communication away from the A.I.

A male voice speaks with a soft tone. "Hello agent! The Zelus computer has been taken down for unknown reasons, Kranos Incorporated will be looking into the error. Until there is a solution, I will be working with you directly. You may refer to me as Zelus."

"Can you give me the camera feed on my target, Davis Maris? Camp site A23."

"One moment. Please continue your route as I locate the feed of the target." Zelus kindly says.

Alex begins driving once again.

"The feed seems to be ordinary, but there are some imperfections..." As Alex moves further into the woods, Zelus' voice begins to come and go. "Kranos will contact Phaethon of the discrepancy after your targe..." Zelus grows silent for several minutes. "Target is confirmed within the communications center of the camp..." Zelus grows silent once again. "camera feed comin..." Zelus did not seem to come back on. Alex continues in black noise. The route was coming to an end. The longer the silence, the greater the pit in her stomach grows. With every neural fiber and constructed line of code within her skull, she tries to bring Zelus back.