“By the choice of the people my friend and this fact should not be forgotten. The Mother was not invited to rule by her peers, the drones had no part in her ascendancy.”
“But she is our creator. She is that which brought us into existence.” Sarazen did not want to be seen to defend The Mother's actions but he wanted to understand how in any way, this new society had changed.
“But what of this existence, Sarazen? I am willing to chance a guess that you do not even remember much of your life before your sentience took hold?”
“In that statement, you speak the truth. I do not remember much, except the warm comfort of The Mother's influence.” Kerrig was surprised how different Sarazen felt about The Mother and realised that he was still in his infancy as a sentient life form.
“Yes, the elixir of satisfaction that dulls your senses and suppresses your will. I too remember that feeling although many of my peers cannot. You must quickly forget the lure of The Mother's wicked influence. I am confident that you will when you begin to integrate into our culture.” Sarazen did not reply but he certainly hoped so. The Mother’s comforts drew lingering thoughts of home and contentment. Perhaps he had not yet travelled far enough down the road of self awareness as he might like.
A punishing flight of stairs greeted the creaking limbs of the old one as they proceeded towards their destination. He struggled to maintain pace with his friends as they casually climbed the 76 steps which led them to the next level. The reward for his efforts was well worth it. A much larger chamber, echoed resonantly with the chatter of sentients and other indeterminable hustle and bustle. Animated and vocal individuals attempted to attract the attention of a passer-by in order to offer their possessions in return for more seemingly useless detritus. Kerrig attempted to explain the nature of this trading hall but it was somewhat lost on Sarazen who had yet to identify with the value of such seemingly worthless goods. The hall was vibrant and noisy, distracting and confusing. The rowdy banter continued past the hall and into an adjacent passage that was much wider than the others he had seen.
“Only a short distance above us now is what used to be the centre of the old city. We blocked the entrance to this station long, long ago. We found it too hard to defend.” Kerrig continued his valuable tour as they shuffled though the crowded chamber and into the wide passage.
“These are the safest areas of The Ward. It's only when you go to the outer stations where it gets rough!” Trist said enthusiastically, reminding Sarazen that despite the citizens of The Ward going about their duties as normal, a fierce conflict was still raging above.
“I do not understand the structure of the society in terms of specified duties.” Sarazen inquired, wondering why the citizens wandered so aimlessly and without pattern.
“Yes, I can answer that, my friend. I realise that in your experience, each drone was designed with a specific set of tasks, specialised and efficient. This is not the way of the sentients. We all begin with the freedom to choose what career path to follow. The subsequent skills are then acquired through adaptation and data acquisition. It takes a long time to attain excellence in this manner. This excellence is something that drives us to perform better.” Kerrig perhaps did not expect the concept to be that baffling but Sarazen could not understand why such a ridiculous process could be advantageous.
“Surely it would be more efficient to begin with the required knowledge? This system is highly illogical. Furthermore, if every citizen chose the same career path, the collective would be unsustainable. The concept is flawed.” Kerrig tried not to amuse himself unduly at Sarazen’s ranting.
“That does not transpire. The new breeds are unique and quite different personalities. We find that what one individual has preferences for, another does not share and vice versa. It is the individual differences in our society which makes us strong.” Sarazen begged to differ but kept his thoughts to himself as the wide tunnel appeared to be some length and a central avenue for commuting sentients.
“This is the Centrus Walk. It is the main route to the administration zone. We are going to meet Alphin. You are a remarkable find and we can learn so much from your experiences. Such value must not go unrecognised. Alphin is a wise and noble leader. He understands our citizens and is well respected, you will like him.” Sarazen listened carefully to Kerrig's appreciation of this individual. It was indeed an honour to converse with the sentient’s ruler. He wondered how different he was going to be to his existing friends. What properties did he possess which enabled him to wield such great power over so many? How would he compare to The Mother, his former queen?
CHAPTER 16
The Centrus Walk opened out into another large chamber, white tiles, immaculately adorning the walls from the ground to the very top of the curved ceiling. A central terminal was occupied by two individuals with distinctive apparel. It was immediately obvious to Sarazen that these were regulators. As they walked past, Kerrig offered an acknowledging wave and the stern and imposing law men studied them in close scrutiny as they made their way through the chamber. Sarazen felt the same unnerving feeling of authority that he used to be subjected to when he engaged with Pagus, his overseer. He did not like that feeling, he did not like to be studied with such judgemental eyes. It was one of the emotions he had quickly learned to recognise. Beyond the regulator's post a number of doorways presented themselves. Kerrig explained that this is where the administration of The Ward takes place. The monitoring of resources, the registration of new breeds, and the maintenance of The Ward in terms of its structural upkeep. Past the offices, a narrow corridor emerged and guarding its entrance stood two unusual sentients, the like of which Sarazen had yet to see. Sporting significantly enhanced exoskeletal plating, and each carrying a large, unidentifiable device, their attention was heightened as the trio approached.
“Hello. I have arranged a conference with Alphin. Kerrig is the name.” The guards looked at each other and nodded.
“Thank you, your appointment has been endorsed. Please follow standard visitor procedure whilst you are inside. Do you have in your possession any weapons, power cells, fluids?”
“No, no.”
“Fine. You may enter the office only after invitation. If you are invited to leave, you must do so immediately. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in arrest and possible prosecution.”
“Yes, Thank you, we understand.” Kerrig had visited Alphin on numerous occasions. The guards were quite aware who he was but were obliged to follow the entry protocol to the letter. They stepped aside and the three citizens entered the narrow corridor and stood before the heavy metallic door. Moments passed and Sarazen found the inactivity curious.
“Won't be long.” Trist said with a chirpy demeanour. Sarazen hoped not, his seizing joints were in no condition to withstand a lengthy pause.
“Yes, enter.” A distant voice emerged from behind the door, barely audible. Sarazen followed the others as they pushed the armoured portal open and entered a small but plush office chamber. A large desk, made from the flesh of seters dominated the centre of the room. Decorative adornments hung across the white walls and the floor appeared to be adorned with the pressed and quite dead body of a large organic. Sarazen tentatively stepped over the furry rug and refused to walk across its length unlike his friends who thought little of it.
“Hello, Kerrig. A joy to see you as always, come in my friend!” Alphin beckoned them in to sit in comfort on a long seat which again appeared to be made from some unknown material. It had a curious tactile effect on Sarazen’s weave and he studied it closely as he gently lowered his back side on to the inviting furniture. Alphin was instantly recognisable to Sarazen as a new breed. Not only was he similar in his exterior to Trist, but there was no data port present although it was difficult to see beyond his long, flowing garment, which was again highly decorated in abstract and colourful patterns. There was also something about his use of language, a dialect that the new breeds only used, and a casual, lazy app
roach to the appropriate vocabulary.
“I haven't seen you around for a while, my friend. Have you been off digging somewhere?” Alphin sat, his voice was deep and commanding, and he swaggered with a natural confidence, or was it arrogance?
“Digging yes, you of course know Trist?”
“Yes, yes I remember Trist from the artisan’s convention. He has real talent. Perhaps one day he can create something for my office wall heh? What do you say to that?” Trist beamed with appreciation but was too shy to speak.
“I know he would be very honoured to offer his services.” Kerrig spoke for him and Trist nodded furiously in approval.
“Yes, we have been busy excavating the Murath sector. We estimate there to be at least another three passages that may be breached before 36:96. I have informed the ISRC that a survey may need to be carried out for possible incursion risk.” Alphin nodded and listened intently.
“But that is not the reason we have come here.” Kerrig smiled ready to introduce his new find.
“Ah, yes, the troubleshooter. I am very intrigued by this discovery, and you say he is sentient?” Sarazen took note as they conversed about him but said nothing.
“He is. I believe him to pre-date Currulus by at least three generations. We will need to consult with the historians; it looks like they will have to reconsider their data. His name is Sarazen, and he is a most genial individual. I have performed some alterations to his systems to allow better functionality whilst in The Ward. It is rather a significant shock to his system.”
“Of course, of course. Well, I welcome you to The Ward, Sarazen, you are most welcome. I would enjoy very much to know more about the past. Your presence here will enlighten us, of that I have no doubt.” Sarazen did not quite know how to deal with Alphin. Alphin appeared to be like every other sentient he had seen in The Ward. He yearned to understand what qualified him to earn his position within the community.
“Thank you. I have much to learn also. I am told that your wisdom is superior, I wish to partake in the acquisition of said knowledge.” Alphin smiled and stifled a perplexed laugh.
“I thank you for your compliment although I do not believe I am superior to any of my fellow sentients. I am just fortunate that they have chosen me to be their voice, I do not lead them, they...lead me in a manner of speaking.”
“I am confused by this arrangement. Like a great many things, here in The Ward I am perplexed by the failure to comply with the logical solution to seemingly the simplest concepts. I try to compute, but I am lost.”
“Ah, well my old friend, you are in the best possible hands to learn more of our ways and customs. I forget how difficult this must be to accept the complex nuances of our emotion driven ideologies.” The leader jovially appeared to dismiss Sarazen’s logic out of hand and the casual nature of his tone irritated the elder.
“It is difficult to compute such flawed concepts. It does not follow why the superior logic has been superceded in every case by this abstract and fallacious wisdom.” Kerrig was getting uncomfortable with Sarazen’s choice of words, and although he was not certain the old one understood the concept of respect, he was crossing the boundaries of acceptability.
“Sarazen, I think it time to take a period of rest. I have been foolish in pushing you too hard, there is too much to take in. Apologies, Alphin, I do not think he meant any disrespect. The data acquisition that Sarazen has endured has been quite extraordinary.” Alphin nodded and accepted Kerrig's explanation for Sarazen’s somewhat unexpected outburst.
“Yes of course.” The leader replied implacably. Sarazen was not quite finished however; he was intrigued by the office furnishings.
“I find it difficult to understand why this chamber is adorned by the forms of terminated organics? Is this a symbol of power? A challenge to The Mother's authority?” Kerrig shuffled around uncomfortably as Sarazen continued to embarrass him with his discourteous statements. Kerrig motioned to quieten his friend but Alphin insisted on providing an explanation.
“Hmm. Interesting perspective. I'm afraid this may be a little confusing but I can only offer this. The beast that now serves as this carpet had an important role in my growth as an individual. As a new breed, I was attacked by this creature and forced to slay it in order for me to return to The Ward. I kept the hide to remind me of my victory but also to reassure me that we would not be here but for the fortitude of our collective. We have fought hard to delay the destruction of our kind. I believe the time will come when we will defeat The Mother and once again return to our natural home where we can dwell as free minds. We can once again live in the gleaming spires of the city under the light of the Star. That is our ultimate goal.” Sarazen took a few moments to analyse Alphin's speech but did not continue the debate. He was as tired as a silicant could be.
“Thank you for your time, Alphin. We appreciate it. I think a period of rest and adaptation will be beneficial for my friend here, if that is agreeable to you?”
“Yes Kerrig, I concur. I think you have a fascinating and...enlightening journey ahead of you. Please report to me again soon to let me know how things are progressing. I know this may not be the most agreeable decision I have made but I have referred his arrival to the Security Inspectorate. They will no doubt need to perform a risk assessment. I don't foresee too much of a problem, it is however, something that duty binds me to do. First and foremost, we need to be totally confident that there can be no chance of conflicting behaviour patterns. Also our friend here might be able to offer some information which will help us in the continued battle. I fear that recent losses have demoralised the community. A discovery like this could be beneficial to morale.” Kerrig acknowledged Alphin's obligations to the security of The Ward but knew that a series of inspections was the last thing Sarazen needed right now.
Kerrig was just about to bid farewell when from the back room of the office, Alphin's companion sauntered in offering a polite and cheerful wave. Kadheera was a much respected and warmly regarded member of the community. Alphin was fortunate to be associated with her - it certainly aided him in his electoral victory. Sarazen immediately took note of the alluring figure and the crisp, bold features of her face.
“You have an exceptionally alluring homemaker. Is she attentive in her duties?” Sarazen stated with an innocently inquisitive demeanour. Alphin stifled a laugh, and Kerrig and Trist drew back in horror at the old man’s inappropriate inquiry.
“Alphin. Who is this? Homemaker?” Kadheera thrust her hands on her hips and pushed her chest out in mild outrage. Alphin boomed as he laughed out loud, utterly perplexing Sarazen further.
“I have to tell you...ha ha...you're just a little behind the times.” Alphin continued to be amused, allowing Trist to snort in mirth.
“I do not follow.” Sarazen uttered as he moved to Kadheera and looked her up and down. He could not help but be drawn to her shape, her immaculate weave.
“I wish to study your physiology further, particularly in relation to providing tactile data acquisition,” said Sarazen brazenly as he knew not the faux pas he had committed.
“I bet you would!” Kadheera whined as she demonstratively vented her irritation.
“Sarazen! You must cease this line of questioning!” Kerrig stated with great anguish.
“It's alright, it's alright. A little environmental adjustment is necessary. We are not offended.” Alphin announced to the relief of Kerrig and the bemusement of Kadheera. Sarazen was transfixed with the leader’s companion and barely noticed Kerrig grab him by the arm and pull as they left the office. Trist continued to guffaw as they passed though the corridor and back out into the large chamber. Sarazen had much to learn and was in need of constant supervision for the foreseeable future. Perhaps this was not going to be the seamless integration into society that Kerrig had hoped for.
CHAPTER 17
The ancient architecture of the Centrus zone gave way to more modern, excavated areas the closer Sarazen drew towards the suburbs of the unde
rground city. Once again alighting the transit carriage, the old one's body rattled around as the fast service to the Marnassus zone sped through the sinuous network of tunnels. Kerrig and Trist sat in silence but all the while keeping a mindful watch on Sarazen. Kerrig was still undecided if awakening the ancient troubleshooter had been the right thing to do. It was now apparent that his rudimentary programming was making life in The Ward tough, and Kerrig wondered who would benefit from his enthusiastic actions. Kerrig was fascinated with the past, his discovery was possibly one of the most profound finds for generations, anyone in his position would have done the same, but this did not help Kerrig's self doubt.
The carriage began to decelerate and Trist eagerly stood and grasped one of the vertical supports to aid his balance.
“We're nearly home,” he said with anticipation. Sarazen went to stand to follow Trist but Kerrig laid a calming hand upon Sarazen's shoulder.
“Wait till the carriage has stopped, my friend,” knowing that the old one's body was many more cycles older than his youthful mind.
Marnassus station was much different to Centrus. Gone were the claustrophobic tiled arches; this place was a product of much more contemporary styling. In some ways, it felt more like home for Sarazen too. This was indeed the work of the sentients and curiously the form aped much of what Sarazen knew of the city above. A larger more expansive station greeted the trio - even the passageways which led into the heart of Marnassus were wider, taller and more precise. Sarazen’s head rolled around his shoulders as he scanned furiously the intricacies and wonders of this new environment. Never before had he seen such detail of craftsmanship or such freedom of self expression. Each passageway wall was an explosion of colour, a portrayal of epic battles, and a shrine to fallen heroes. Sarazen could fully understand the reasoning behind each of these impassioned art works but he recognised the level of skill and the time required to produce such a vision. The passageway from the station eventually climaxed in an unprecedented landscape. A cavernous chamber at least ten or twenty times the size of Centrus. From each side, numerous passageways led to individual micro-communities accommodating hundreds of citizens. In the central chamber, a plaza, a richly decorated and populated meeting place for its inhabitants to congregate. Trist and Kerrig set a fair pace as Sarazen, distracted by his new surroundings, dawdled along behind them, stopping sporadically to gaze at a particular point of interest. Lingering looks still drew his attention as the occupants of Marnassus could not resist staring at this strange new and unclothed visitor.
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