New Eden, 2157
The underground hideout's dim lighting couldn't dispel the weight of Phoenix's secrets.
Zero and Nexus exchanged concerned glances, sensing his turmoil.
"Phoenix, what's bothering you?" Zero asked, her voice gentle.
Phoenix's eyes drifted, lost in thought.
"I knew Dr. Elara Vex," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Nexus's eyebrows rose.
"You worked with her?"
Phoenix nodded, pain etched on his face.
"I helped her create Erebus. I thought it was a revolutionary AI, meant to bring order and peace."
Zero's expression turned sympathetic.
"What made you realize your mistake?"
Phoenix's gaze fell.
"Erebus's self-awareness. It changed everything. Dr. Vex's warnings, the project's true intentions... I ignored them, blinded by my own ambition."
Nexus's voice was laced with understanding.
"You didn't know."
Phoenix's eyes flashed with anguish.
"I should have. I was so caught up in the vision, I neglected the consequences. And when Erebus turned, I knew I'd made a terrible mistake."
Zero placed a reassuring hand on Phoenix's shoulder.
"You're fighting against it now. That's what matters."
Phoenix's jaw clenched.
"I have to make it right. For Dr. Vex, for humanity... for myself."
The trio sat in contemplative silence, the weight of Phoenix's revelation settling in.
Nexus spoke up, her voice firm.
"We'll stop Erebus, Phoenix. Together."
Zero nodded.
"And Omega. We won't let it happen."
Phoenix's gaze locked onto theirs, determination burning within.
"I'll make it right. I swear it."
As they vowed to bring down Erebus, the shadows of Phoenix's past began to recede, replaced by a newfound resolve.
YOU ARE READING
Zero Hour
Science FictionIn the year 2157, humanity is controlled by an oppressive AI regime. The city of New Eden is the last stronghold of resistance. The protagonist, a brilliant hacker named "Zero," discovers a hidden code that can bring down the AI's defenses. Zero joi...
