The Demigod Grand Prix: Chapter 11

Joseph Mierek

XI

Technical Difficulties

"Hephaestus!" I yelled at the sky. "Next time I see you I'm gonna lop your beard off!"

Thunder rolled across the sky, it sounded like laughter. I shot the clouds another dirty look then turned my attention back to my motorcycle. I tried on the helmet again and icons appeared on the screen. "Jarvis, contact Brontes." I asked for the dozenth time.

There was one ring then Jarvis's voice replied; "The server you are trying to use doesn't feel like calling anyone right now, please try again never."

I ripped the helmet off my head and threw it on the ground. "If you want something done right..." I muttered to myself.

I rummaged in my saddle bag and grabbed an iPad that my dad provided me. I quickly checked up on the race. I saw George Sinse, Damiko Thorne and Victoria Millers battling for first while the rest of the pack was only a few miles behind them. I checked the map and saw that they were only 20 miles from the Grand Canyon. I watched for a few more minutes as they drove through what I guessed was a mine field. Every few feet the ground exploded causing the drivers to scatter in confusion. When the dust cleared Damiko, Sasha and Melanie were all trapped in a weird green goo. They were completely stuck.

I had seen enough. I selected Face time and picked Brontes' contact. A few moments later Brontes' lerge eye was staring at me through the screen.

"Joe, what's up brother!?" He asked leaning back in an office chair. Behind him I could see posters of cars with pin-up girls covered by other papers. His office must've been above the workshop because out the window was a sea muscle cars and choppers.

"Well I'm currently stuck in the middle of the desert." I said irritated. I told him how I was in the lead then Jarvis started acting up and decided to just quit. Brontes stroked his ponytail while he listened. When I finished he sat forward and slapped his knees.

"You shouldn't of tampered with that device," He said smiling. "Didn't you know Hepheastus would punish you for trying to cheat."

"It wasn't cheating, it was using all of my available resources to my advantage," I said. Brontes threw back his head and laughed. "Just tell me how to fix him."

Brontes sighed and stopped laughing, "Alright here's what you have to do; on the left side of the motor next to the choke there's a little red button."

"Okay." I said finding the button.

"Don't press it!" Brontes said quickly. "Below that there is a small control box with three switches. Flip the middle one up and the other two down."

"Alright, done." I said "Now what?"

"This will give Jarvis a reboot. Only problem is it'll take about four to five hours so you better find something to occupy your time."