Artifice

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Artifice Page 43

by S. H. Jucha


  “Expansion, as in conquering other federacy races?” Alex asked, seeking clarification.

  “Most definitely,” Sargut replied, “but they might choose to pass the federacy’s bounds. Artifice will have informed them of you, where you originated. Human worlds could be their targets.”

  Alex and Julien shared a glance, but barks from the Dischnya caught their attention.

  A small bot, traveling at speed on two wheels, raced down the pathway. It slipped past the Dischnya vanguard before the warriors could take aim, and it headed straight for the small group sitting on the mound. The bot’s forearms, ending in scissor-like appendages, stretched forward in anticipation of skewering a biological.

  Alex stood to take the attack. When the bot was only meters from him, an avatar momentarily blotted Talus’ starlight. Z had landed with both feet on the bot, which was now no more than crushed metal, ceramic, and circuitry.

  “That’s our cue. We’re leaving,” Alex announced loudly and sent simultaneously. As they made for the travelers, he kept Renée beside him. The SADEs and the Dischnya provided rear support.

  Alex sent.

 

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