I just couldn't imagine Brick turning on us. Sure, I'd seen all the relevant movies and even read a few books about AIs going rogue and trying to kill all humans. Who hadn't? Brick was no Skynet. He was a person, and my friend. I set those thoughts aside.
"Actually, Kiril, I wanted to discuss something with you. You spend a lot of your time fighting Ferals, and you've upgraded your stats a lot, right?"
"Yes, of course. I prefer to fight in melee if possible, so my physical stats are very important to me."
That surprised me. "Really? I don't mean to offend, but you're small and look pretty delicate. I wouldn't want to be up close with most Ferals without my armor."
"No offense taken, Jake. This is a common view in the Union, and even in the Seekers. Ranged weapons like your particle beam rifle or Regar's plasma pistols are preferred. I use my blades because after so long they are like an extension of my body, and by doing so I honor the traditions of my ancestors. I can use other weapons if necessary, but when I can I return to the blades."
"No, I get it. I like fighting with Excalibur as well."
"Excalibur? What is that?"
I was more than happy for the opportunity to show off my favorite creation. I came back a minute later after retrieving Excalibur from where it had been stuck to the Krigar Assault Armor. I held it in front of me in both hands to show Kiril.
"This is Excalibur. Here on Earth we call something like this a crowbar or a wrecking bar. I had one with me when I went through the gate to Pax and it served me really well, so when that one got destroyed I made a new one with some upgrades."
"I see. A substantial weapon. May I?" Kiril asked, extending his hand.
"Sure," I said, and handed it over.
The weapon was almost as long as Kiril was tall. He hefted it and gave it an effortless swing. Settling it back in his hands, he looked it over closely.
"I see. A simple design, but effective. Are these... Yes, these are Voidcutter edges, aren't they?"
In rapid sequence Kiril powered the hook edges and then the chisel tip edges. Crackling blue energy suffused them briefly, making me smile.
"Yes," I replied.
"In your culture this is a melee weapon?" Kiril asked.
"Er, not really. Wrecking bars are tools, but I've found they make pretty good weapons."
"Thank you for showing me this," Kiril said formally and handed Excalibur back.
"No problem," I said and hung Excalibur off my belt.
"Would you like to examine one of my blades?"
"Definitely," I replied.
Kiril pulled one of his daggers free from his belt, still sheathed. I took it gingerly and the Interface showed me what I was holding.
╠═╦╬╧╪
"Repentance" Fighting Blade, designed by Kiril
Control(s) available: None
╠═╦╬╧╪
I pulled the blade free of the sleek, black sheath. A simple straight crossguard of bright silvery metal preceded the blade itself, which was a work of art. The symmetrical edges swept out, in, and then out again in what I recognized as a classic leaf-bladed design. The blade was about the length of my forearm and ended in a broad, sharp point that sparkled in the light. Despite not having held it before, Repentance felt wonderful in my hand, like it had been designed to be there.
"This is wonderful, Kiril," I said. He didn't reply, and I triggered my Engineering vision mode.
The blade was full of Union components, along the edges and in the hilt. The basics were familiar—I'd done something similar in Excalibur, after all—but the specifics were mysterious. I couldn't tell without a lot more time and component inspection just what was there.
I channeled power to the waiting inputs in the hilt. With a loud snapping sound the edges flared bright red for a moment before settling down into a darker, pulsing red that echoed my heartbeat.
"Whoa, that's awesome. What kind of effect is that?" I asked. I looked around for something to cut, but there was nothing nearby I wanted to destroy.
"It is similar to a Voidcutter edge, but of my own design. It consumes more power but in addition to efficient cutting, it inflicts disruptive damage on systems around the wound. It is most effective on organics, but also works on machines to a limited extent."
I really wanted to try it out and was thinking about asking if we could go outside and cut up trees with it, but something was telling me Kiril wouldn't be keen on it. I reluctantly cut the power, sheathed the blade, and handed it back. His complex and apparently effective design reminded me just how much more I could do with the Union tech if I set my mind to it.
"Thanks, Kiril. I've got to work on my engineering skills some more. That makes Excalibur look pretty basic."
"I've had a lot of time to practice, as will you. Now, shall we spar? You can show me what you can do with your weapon."
Despite the fact that we were supposed to be working on a non-lethal method of neutralizing the guards at the base, there was no way I was turning this opportunity down.
"Sure. Let's go outside," I said. Kiril nodded his agreement and we left the outpost through the cabin.
I hadn't bothered to put on a parka or anything else, now that I knew I didn't actually need one to stay warm. The air outside was cold, but I was comfortable. Kiril was dressed in light clothing as well and seemed to visibly relax once we were surrounded by trees. The early morning sky was clear and the birds were singing.
Kiril breathed deeply. "This is wonderful. I'd almost forgotten what it was like to be on a gentle world."
I chuckled at the thought of Northern Canada in deep winter being gentle, but compared to a Feral world I guessed it probably was.
Kiril dashed lightly across the snow and leapt for the lower branch of a
