End of an Era IC

[Strayed Risaia]

''I'm up for some food.''

"I must admit to some curiosity about your odd bodyguards though. We had some similar technology before the war, but they were used largely as servants and workers as teaching them the finer aspects of war was beyond our ability."

"I know some great places where we could eat afterwards if you mind Ethan."

"I would like to meet aforementioned robots before everyone cosigns on spending up all my currency."

Ethan smiled, pleasantly surprised at his comrades' enthusiasm. “Wonderful! If nothing else, our combat efficiency should be improved by you knowing what my creations are capable of.”

The Elumarian scientist cheerfully faced the direction his golems were coming from. He spared Rie a glance over his shoulder. “That sounds like a fine idea. You certainly know this city better than me, I suspect.”

With that said Ethan faced forward again and lead the group towards the palace gates. Barely a minute had passed before his creations came into view. “There we are...” Ethan stopped although his creations were still a considerable distance away. That changed in an instant.

One moment the two were far across the street, and the next they stood before Ethan at the palace threshold. Only a brief distortion of the air around them gave any hint as to what had just transpired.

“Hello,” The largest of the golems said in subdued, yet deep and rumbling voice. A wave of heat wafted over the group just from standing near it, and the glowing green lines between the black metal that formed its hide left little doubt at to its source. The automaton was for all intents and purposes, a reactor of magic energy contained in a barely-humanoid form.

“This is Victor,” Ethan said, motioning to the machine. “All of you must be somewhat familiar with Aegis by this point,” he continued, motioning to the dark red golem that had accompanied him through the palace. “And this Is Labrys,” There was no small amount of pride in Ethan's voice as his hand and gaze shifted to the last of his creations.

The golem inclined her, for unlike the others her gender was very obviously feminine, head. “It's a pleasure to meet all of you.” Labrys's hands were folded demurely in front of her as she hovered a few inches above the ground. Even if she had chosen to rest her thin, footless legs on the ground, it was obvious she approached the height of a Ynki woman despite her features being closer to that of a Kravat's.

“Victor and Aegis are only semi-sentient machines, but Labrys is a person in her own right and I while I realize it may be difficult for some of you, I would appreciate it if you treat her as such,” As Ethan spoke, Labrys hovered closely to his side, her glowing blue eyes curiously examining the group.

[DarkBane]

“This is Victor,” Ethan said, motioning towards the first of the new golems.

Lucian analyzed this golem with a cursory glance, noting the raw power emanating from its frame, an amount of power that seemed as dangerous to the vessel as to those around it. It was not a comforting thought when the possibility existed that he might be fighting alongside such a creation. He made a mental note to keep a fair amount of distance between himself and this particular golem during battle, and hope Aaroch would grant him the shielding he needed should Victor explode.

“All of you must be somewhat familiar with Aegis by this point,” he continued, motioning to the dark red golem that had accompanied him through the palace. “And this is Labrys.”

The last golem was not as obvious in it's power, yet from the way it held itself with an almost human-like sense of self-awareness Lucian guessed that its powers were of a far more subtle nature than its brothers. Every single movement of the golem seemed calculated to an exact specification, and Lucian couldn't help but wonder if its lack of armor plating was intentional, permitting the automaton far more flexibility and grace. In a way, Lucian was disturbingly reminded of Bajin assassin's, or perhaps even the Zhuni elite warriors.

The golem inclined her, for unlike the others her gender was very obviously feminine, head. “It's a pleasure to meet all of you.”

“Victor and Aegis are only semi-sentient machines, but Labrys is a person in her own right and I while I realize it may be difficult for some of you, I would appreciate it if you treat her as such,” As Ethan spoke, Labrys hovered closely to his side, her glowing blue eyes curiously examining the group.


In the back of his mind, Lucian wondered if perhaps the golem's gender-appearance was also part of the designer's intent. He could never fully grasp the concept of creating a companion, but he kept his mind open enough to not question the reasons behind Labrys's creation. As for his request to treat Labrys as a human, he doubted he would ever fully forget that 'she' was a golem, and not truly flesh and blood.

Lucian stepped forward, offering a gauntleted hand to Labrys. “The pleasure is ours, I'm sure. I am Lucian Abelard, of Kravatika.”

He turned his gaze towards Ethan, “I'm assuming you intend to bring all three of these...,” he struggled for the right word for a moment, “...individuals with us? I have questions about their capabilities, but I think it would take several weeks for a solid explanation. If you're sure they're ready for the battle field then I will accept your word for now.”