“Yes, thank you,” Crystal said, obviously annoyed. “I know who I am.”
“Our knowing these things is inconsequential at the moment. The point is we do, and it’s information we can use to our advantage.”
“Well now,” said Nixon, his gaze unwavering from the non-face of the machine, “I would say it would be wise not t' threaten tha one with tha big fuckin’ sword, which is proven t' dispatch you and yer kind with little effort, thank ya very much. Now, as t' yer knowin' these things, I’d say we don’t think it’s so inconsequential. How do ya know?”
“Fine,” it said, mock exasperation in its words. Another oddity of human speech from a non-human body. “During our dormancy, select models were sent out at random times to collect information on any and all peoples who may cause us…” clickclick click “…inconvenience upon our reactivation. We were created to be war machines, sir, and knowledge of the abilities of both friend and enemy is a wise device to use in times of conflict, would you not agree?” Nixon said nothing, letting it continue. “Regardless, despite a general guarded nature of those we speak of, given enough time and the proper resources, information can be found in great number with relative ease, even on one as elusive as yourself.
“Humans are notorious documenters, with chronicles that can be found dating back millennia, should one know where to look. From these times we found more than enough to count, calculate, and record information on every living…” click clicliclick “…well, we call you Ethereal Beings. However, I’m sure everyone who has known you has some different kind of descriptor or another. Beings who have evolved beyond the natural classification of human.”
Nixon said nothing of his not actually being one of the things it was describing. Although they knew far too much about him for his liking, they didn’t know everything.
“We even have very detailed information on these places such as the one we are currently encased. ‘Havens’ as you say, Mr. Ash. All this information coupled with our leader’s wealth of knowledge has given us great insight into your kind. We admit you are more of an enigma than we are accustomed to, which is the main purpose of our desire to obtain and detain you and your young winged friend.”
“Ya want us t' go with ya?”
“More to the point, I need you to. This isn’t going to be a failed mission. Tan Torna Qu-ay was regrettable, but we have learned and are not about to fail again.”
“And wha' if I told ya t' get up on yer lit'le rocket feet and fly yerself straight t' Hell? What’d ya do then?”
The mention of his home had caused Aryu to vomit again, though no one had noticed. Now he could only listen as this robotic devil described with that annoying voice the confidence it had its new mission would be a success.
“Your reputation for belligerence precedes you. Despite your great abilities, and that of two of your three companions, we will take you by force.”
“Another bomb, perhaps?”
“No, nothing so destructive. The natural resources of this land are far too valuable for such a messy solution. Besides, I doubt I’d have the ability to send the order from this place. I lost contact with HOME as soon as I entered into these lands.”
“I don’t allow any kind of mechanical signal here,” Sho said quickly, looking to move the conversation on.
Its spinning blue eyes locked onto Sho. “You, sir, could be very annoying in any other setting.”
It turned back to the trio. “Are you certain you will not accompany me back to HOME? Much time and pain can be spared if you do.”
Nixon bristled. “I’m afraid I must decline, on behalf of myself and my charge, thank ya.”
Sho looked at the phoenix. “Easy, Nixon, don’t antagonize this thing…” Nixon looked at him like he was a fool, but Aryu saw that there was something Sho knew. Something that scared him.
“So be it. A large contingent of ground forces will be arriving shortly. Only your cooperation could have called them off. As it is, they will arrive shortly to apprehend you. Why must you be so defiant? So much loss for no reason.”
Crystal looked both amused and defiant. “You must know that any army, even one as powerful as yours, doesn’t stand much of a chance against one of us, let alone three. I don’t think I feel like letting them in here, either. They’d spoil the view. It’s bad enough you snuck in like you did,” she said, her face no longer that of a child but more of the grown and serious woman she was.
“Too true, but you and your friends’ abilities rely on command of what you simply call the Power, a focusing of the mind beyond levels the average human can obtain. Previously referred to in history as many things: magic, chi, miracles, faith, noetics, or telekinesis. Everything is rooted in the fact that your brains became advanced enough to understand standard scientific particle physics and the quantum field on an intimate level.
“You are also still human. A collection of natural base elements and electrical impulses no different than myself or any other machine at your most basic. It is a weakness no matter how you defend it.”
No one alive could have seen the motion of two small, cylindrical tubes that emerged from the body of the Herald just below the shoulders. They all heard something pop.
Nixon was the first to react, followed by Sho who charged the spot where the Herald had been, diving out of the way of an Ark 1 shot that exploded the
