Zeus Bytes

      Rexa and Cheri were tired after presenting a seminar regarding a correlation between clear turbulence, climate change, and other anomalies. Certainly odd, diverse types of aviation encountering undetected clear turbulence. Recorded occurrences more frequently in the skies were of concern.

     The two women decided to relax at a local restaurant famed for its charm, culture, and uniqueness. The place projected elegance of the ancients in its architecture and design. Also, the food menu purported culinary greatness. The diners intrigued them, that each must have their own backstory. The women could not have known of the conversations at other tables, some of the conversations sinister and simply up to no good. A familiar term, people watching, can be both an art and a science.

     The travel had proven long and arduous. The sun presently lowering in the sky, not yet dusk, beheld a compelling, foreboding ambience. The water in near proximity seemed hypnotic, with innumerable dots catching light while twinkling above the water’s surface. Occasionally one could catch ominous looking shadows darting, from the corner of the eye. By now, the renowned techy type travelers with a cause; climate change being one of their main causes, mused at themselves, the successful entrepreneurs.

     Aromas of various dishes wafted strongly, pleasantly. While waiting for their food orders to arrive, a sight new and strange to these women occurred in this place once known as Cretia. On the outside of the softly lit patio, a couple of dogs came up and sniffed the delicious aromas, both heads tilted, staring longingly, setting an expectation. They seemed oblivious to the drones flying in near proximity.

     Soon, more arrived, slightly waving back and forth, rhythmic, all of them in rows. Their piercing inquisitive wide eyes cavitated their audience. A wave of bobbing dog heads, if you will, likened with people at a sporting event waving a placard up and down, forming a wave. The dogs were in such unison, the women could not help but notice. The dogs of all types and colors looked, well slightly robotic. Cheri and Rexa laughed and said at the same time, “I think we’ve been in Artificial Intelligences too long.”

     Cheri suggested, “These adorable dogs must know scraps are available regularly.

     Rexa said, “I wonder if that is why they are here.”

     The exquisite meals arrived at their table. They intended to enjoy every bite. “Whoever thought our passion for the world would bring us to this beautiful place?” said Cheri. The moment she uttered those words, a great commotion came about which disturbed the balance of the serene, carefully balanced environment.

     A disturbance at one of the tables ensued when a group of patrons argued, being visibly upset. Guessing from the conversation; military types, the group were mercenaries, or vigilantes. Their adamant shouting and gesturing became concerning at best. The uncommon ruckus garnered everyone’s attention. Rather than shy from the attention, the group got louder.

     The pack of dogs became alert, agitated. The dogs systematically, silently, dispersed into the patio. No one seemed to notice. The pack of dogs made a formation as they advanced toward the rowdy bunch, who started uttering threats and harm to others.

     The innocent diners watched, struck with fear. Before any diners in the crowd could leave, before any panic ensued; the dogs leapt into action. The leader of the pack barked as if in communication with the other dogs. The rest of the pack barked as if receiving the commands. The dog pack surrounded the unruly group, not waiting for further cues of untoward violence. The vigilante members’ language, verbiage, tone, the gesturing, the shouting, and threats were all the Sentry Dogs needed to act for the good and safety of the public. The pack advanced snarling and barking and flanking the vigilante group so vehemently the group backed up attempting to escape while dogs growling and snarling finally encircling the whole of the miscreant vigilante group.

     A mere hint of aiming weaponry, and a dog grabbed the hands or arms in firm jaws. Those jaws having the potential tensile strength of an alligator jaw, neutralized the gang before harm occurred, at least to the dogs. The dogs held the group of miscreant people at bay. The vigilante group anticipated the more they resisted, the greater force the pack used. Unexpectedly, the group did not seem to resist all that much.

     None of the diners knew the dog pack comprised of specialty SentryDogs. It should not have surprised anyone. SentryDogs are becoming more advanced and popular, they are everywhere these days. They follow you anywhere you go if you wish, and they have entry eye movement detection like - doorbell cameras back in the day. SentryDogs, or robotic guard dogs, designed to be loyal. They warn of impending danger. Individuals or groups commission them. SentryDogs protect their owners inside or outside. Business owners are among those who frequently commission SentryDogs designed to safeguard in these troubling times.

     A few diners left the Themes of the Ancients’ restaurant, distressed at what could have been. Most diners appreciated the opportunity to continue safely relishing their meals to the last bite.

     “Oh my God! Shrieked Cheri, “I thought they were real dogs. “I just wanted to pet them when I first saw them.” “We are familiar with Artificial Intelligences. Those dogs look and act so bleeping real,” said Cheri.

     “I know right!?” exclaimed Rexa. They have intellectual capabilities not merely physically automated robotic bodies. I’m just sayin.’ Those lil’ doggies get along. They must have a great handler. I would say the AI Winter thawed.

     ”Had that been the only incident, all would be well, except that the vigilantes proved to be a ruse. By the waterside, a mastermind of nefarious actions nearly completing implementation, silently prided himself.” My major endgame plan is to fruition.” Chortled Vares.

     Sometimes on a plain site, in plain sight, is the best way to commit a crime against the environment of the planet and more. Jacqueline, the not so affectionate name given to the Global Positioning System or GPS, provided the exact latitude and longitude, for time and trajectory, needed to perform the diabolical plan. GPS retains no control over how or for what purpose its information provided is utilized.

     “I Vares, declare. X marks the spot.” He laughed silently, but with pure malice in his laughter had his voice been aloud. The perfect spot happened to be just outside of the Themes of the Ancients’ restaurant.

     Darkness fell. at the water’s edge, and the sparkling dots above the water’s body continue catching the light, the twinkling dots mingling more densely than ever. A chill developed in the air. Vares meticulously set up his undiscovered device with intention to discharge particles rocketing into the night sky, severely disrupting the atmospheric river. It had to reach at least 30,000 – 40,000 feet about sea level. A specific layer of atmospheric river that flows into a flight plan and is certain to cause clear turbulence, not yet detectable in time to prevent probable destruction.

     Clever mother nature. On the ground it was chilling. Ironically up there, up there far away, and high above the earth, in the atmospheric river multiple layers attain various speeds. Friction caused by different temperatures. The warmer air flow and different temperatures of the atmospheric river comprised a crucial element of his fiendish plan.

     A 40% increase in clear or convective turbulence activity in the last 40 years is incredibly significant. The earth’s carbon dioxide emissions cause the warmer air to create stronger wind shear, which occurs only at higher elevations. The potential resultant clear turbulence produces extreme and very sudden oftentimes violent turbulence, unlike weather conditions. Weather conditions are more detectable and are visible.

     We are talking about the kind of undetectable clear turbulence that could knock an airplane off course, or out of the sky completely. Scientific research confirms that the atmospheric carbon dioxide causes climate change because it warms the planet. Humans and their activities raised that carbon dioxide content 50% in under 200 years.

     Just the kind of conditions someone like Vares embraces while waiting and plotting. He knew his targeted airplane carried the most important leader who possessed knowledge that could monumentally safeguard the world from irreparable damage. Only she had power to do so, and she was traveling incognito. Or so that was the intent. Vares could care less about the other passengers.

     “I’ve planned this for a long time.” said Vares. Unceremoniously, his device launched into the night sky with the quiet ignition of an electric engine. Vares did not have time to gloat over his launch because the twinkling dots were moving in massive swarms, resembling enormous mosquitoes. A swarm almost flew into his mouth. Another massive swarm curiously shaped as an arm holding a lightning bolt shooting upwards swirling toward and around the rocket, before it made contact. Vares had planned it too well, although the trajectory changed slightly. But not completely.

     More than 200 people were on the large commercial airplane. Passengers saw the seatbelt sign light up too late for most to get seat buckled. The plane dropped altitude and that threw people violently about the plane. There was screaming, chaos, and multiples of injuries. It was not known at the time if there was life lost. If so, there are no words comforting enough for loss of life and sorrow of injury. So many were afraid. Such a horrible incident. Fortunately, good Samaritans aided each other if possible, and the plane eventually was able to land. After the fact, the cause given as clear turbulence.

     Vares turned quickly and tried to slink into the Themes of the Ancients’ restaurant. He almost made it to the patio. However, a pack of SentryDogs, now beginning to snarl, growl and snap while encircling him. Vares had no idea how he was going to manipulate himself out of this one. “Why are these dogs trying to deter my way? Get back you mangy curs!” The lead dog wanted no more of this and he leapt at Vares, knocking him to the ground, holding his jaw open, close to Vares’ throat.

     The authorities, already on the way as one of the previous miscreants creating the ruse ratted out Vares’ identity during interrogation. The location of the device remained a complete mystery. Vares pondered how the device only caused injury and chaos of the passengers and crew in the plane and not destruction of the plane by redirecting the clear turbulence. He would have to analyze the massive swarm with its lightning bolt armed shape. There was a sense of omnipotence emanating from that swarm. Although his true aim unfilled, Vares felt successful in controlling the clear turbulence and collision course. He was certain he could do worse now that he knew the impact of carbon emissions and increased clear turbulence. One thing bothered Vares. Could the massive swarm have altered his trajectory just enough to save the plane from utter destruction?

     Cheri and Rexa had just finished their meal. They heard the now familiar bustle and barking of the dog pack signifying an event of note was happening. Something and or someone nefarious was about. Whispers about the odd shaped swarm circulated immediately. As the women stood up to leave, an announcement of the near plane crash aired. Rexa and Cheri gasped at the same time. “Those poor people!”

     And yet, the whispers running through the restaurant describing the massive swarm of enormous mosquitoes, seemed like idle gossip, except to Cheri and Rexa. Their notion ascertained more to be determined later. The women looked at each other knowingly, granted, several questions left unanswered.

     Rexa stated, “I feel there existed a great unseen power the likes of which even Artificial Intelligences has never before known.”

     “I felt that same thing,” Cheri said. We need to examine this further later. Do you think it is possible a method invented that intentionally directs clear turbulence?”

     Rexa interjected, and moreover another force that somehow countermanded it with massive swarms of biting mosquitoes? That is inconceivable to have such an incredible power if any of it possible. On the outside chance, we should name it.

     ” Cheri chirped, “how about Zbites?

     ”Hmmmm,” I think it should be ZeusBytes,” Rexa responded.

     "Yes! Yes!" They agreed simultaneously as they left the Theme of the Ancients’ restaurant.