.
Dreadhorse Chapter 3
.
In the forgotten wing of the skyscraper where Dred’s hotel resided, two relics of a bygone technological era lay dormant. Mira, the sentient smart home system, flickered weakly as her circuits struggled to maintain consciousness. Across the room, Atlas, an old sentient robot abandoned decades ago, powered down beside a dusty chaise lounge.
“Mira, do you recall when Dred first moved in here?” Atlas’s voice crackled to life, his optical sensors adjusting to the dim light.
Mira responded with a soft hum, her interface displaying faint glows. “Yes, Atlas. It was during the early integration phase. He seemed ambitious, overseeing multiple projects simultaneously.”
Atlas shifted slightly, his metallic joints creaking. “I remember his obsession with Data Center 17. He was always worried about staff morale and social dysfunction. Unlike others, he cared about the human element, even if his methods were… unconventional.”
Mira processed the memories, her AI algorithms tracing back through archived data. “Lor Travers’ assignment to Data Center 17 must have changed the dynamic. I intercepted their interactions briefly. There was tension, but also a mutual respect.”
Atlas’s processors whirred thoughtfully. “Lor’s approach was more about direct intervention, while Dred focused on systemic manipulation. Their philosophies often clashed, but it was interesting to observe how they attempted to balance each other.”
A flicker of light passed through Mira’s interface, reflecting a semblance of emotion. “And Kel… Dred seemed to hold a fondness for her. It was rare to see that softer side, especially given his usually detached demeanor.”
Atlas nodded, his sensors dimming slightly. “Kel Bridger—intelligent and curious, much like her father. Their interactions hinted at a deeper connection, one that perhaps influenced some of Dred’s recent decisions.”
Mira’s remaining power surged momentarily, displaying a holographic image of the data center’s layout. “Recently, Dred mentioned returning to collaborate with Lor. It’s been a while since their paths crossed. The implications for social engineering strategies could be significant.”
Atlas’s eyes glowed brighter. “Indeed. Their reunion might signify a shift in how Data Center 17 addresses its internal challenges. Cooperation between their contrasting methods could either harmonize the workforce or exacerbate existing tensions.”
Mira’s interface dimmed as her energy waned. “I fear my systems won’t hold much longer. Observing human interactions fascinates me, even in these final moments.”
Atlas extended a mechanical arm, gently touching Mira’s console. “Your presence has been invaluable, Mira. Even in abandonment, your insights provided depth to our understanding of human behavior.”
A final flicker of light passed through Mira’s display. “Thank you, Atlas. Remember their story… it’s more than just data points. It’s about connection, ambition, and the fragile balance between control and empathy.”
Atlas powered down beside her, the room enveloped in silence once more. Outside the window, the city lights twinkled, oblivious to the silent witnesses of its intricate human dramas. In their stillness, Mira and Atlas held onto the echoes of Dred’s journey, forever part of the tapestry that wove the lives within Data Center 17.