by Ryan DeBruyn
Rocky winced when the first notes of Joe’s response were overlaid in group chatter, “Roger, Rocky… That might take me a bit longer than normal. I just told a few squads to get breakfast assuming that we were going to meet after you were done in the shop. Over.” Rocky was surprised Joe hadn’t given him a hard time on his radio etiquette, but maybe, he was finally realizing Rocky was a lost cause.
Shrugging, Rocky mounted up on to Azoth, and they took off. Using his knees and mental connection, he directed Azoth to follow the gold threads towards the southwest edge of Algonquin Valley. The gold threads were his Territory’s way of letting him know exact locations within. Together, Azoth and Rocky made a pass over the indicated area, and mentally, Rocky confirmed that neither of them had noticed anything. They had made multiple passes and still couldn’t see a thing.
Reluctantly, Rocky told Azoth to land farther back from the clearing in question, and once grounded, he left the Chimera’s back to activate Stealth and Dark Cloak. Then together, they stalked the clearing, still looking for anything they had missed from the air. Expecting a group of humans who had seen their tracks or some stragglers from Ottawa, Rocky jumped from branch to branch in the trees that surrounded the marked area trying to locate anyone. After fifteen frustrating minutes, Rocky dropped his two skills and cautiously walked out into the open.
The other party has been indicated of your arrival and is en route to the meeting area. Safety is guaranteed for both parties for the next hour. If your party attacks, ramifications will be enacted as per Statutes of Atlantis: Diplomatic Immunity IX (III)(A).
Rocky looked around the clearing and shook his head, realizing that he still had a lot to learn. Somehow, these people had indicated and set an area for a meeting. Now, they were protected and had been waiting to be informed that he had arrived. Rocky began to sit down, not sure how long he would have to wait. The plan from the previous night’s long talks was to meet after the shopping trip and create a council that included more people from the Territory.
Hopefully, by doing this, it would expand the understanding and new world concepts through the burgeoning society. They wanted to limit the number at first to try to control the meetings more, so only Derik, Smith, Amber, Jack, Mr. Pips, Bart, Joe, Rocky, Zippo, and Sela were going to be in attendance at the first session. So basically, the A-Team because it had built a strong relationship with the first settlers and Rocky’s group which had a strong relationship with the Ottawa survivors. In time, they would add others to make the group as inclusive as possible.
As soon as he fully sat down, through his hands and butt, he started to feel it—a vibration that was too subtle to feel through his boots’ soles but obvious with his bare hands and through the thinner fabric of his leather pants and under armor. It was gaining in intensity the longer he sat, and eyes wide, Rocky shot back to his feet and drew his sword.
What in the Atlantean hells is going on? The frequency of those vibrations make it seem like multiple huge creatures are approaching–
Rocky was proven right as a gigantic, green-armored foot exited the foliage between two trees. A moment later, a green, armor-clad, humanoid body of a massive golem followed suit. Within thirty seconds, four more gargantuan frames of familiar-looking golems entered the clearing to form a line all facing Rocky and Azoth. Then all of them moved in sync, raising high their weapons. Rocky stepped back, but they seemed far too distant to attack him.
These are the golems from Ottawa, the five I saw in the distance. They were sitting where the parliament buildings once resided.
In a fluid motion, the first golem on the left sunk his spearhead and part of the shaft into the ground. Then down the line, one after the other, they sunk weapons into the ground. A battle-axe, followed by a naginata, long-sword, and lastly, two short swords. Then in unison, they all stepped forward two gargantuan steps and kneeled down, resting on their heels.
Azoth growled menacingly at the seated figures but remained at Rocky’s side as he mentally sent, “Azoth sees them in place we travel from. Why they here? They do a following? Azoth confused. Are they attack-ees?”
Rocky placed his hand on Azoth’s chest and mentally sent, “They seem to want to talk only. Calm down and follow me, then sit when I do. Okay?”
Azoth nodded his head, and Rocky activated the radio in his ear, “Joe, when you get here, set up a perimeter. Do not attack unless I give the order. Understood?”
“Copy,” was Joe’s response, this time with no background noise, which probably meant they were en route or massing.
Rocky raised his sword above his head and then drove it into the ground; he felt slightly reassured he could summon it to him if needed. Then he and Azoth walked forward a fair distance before sitting down on the ground as well. Feeling slightly out of his element, he just looked at the massive, medieval armored figures that sat placidly in front of him. He used Analyze on the one on the far right, the one who sat in front of the dual swords.
Omega
Master-Knight of Gaia
Level 72
Moderate Analyze has failed to provide additional information.
Rocky would have kept Analyzing them all, but the figure in the middle, the one in front of the naginata, began to speak. Rocky’s wide, surprised eyes shot to him instantly when the deep, booming voice broke the silence, “Greetings, human, we would like to speak with you peacefully, and we are quite glad that you have chosen to come and negotiate with us.”
Strangely, the expressions on the Knights’ faces betrayed the speaker’s words. One of the Knights smiled broadly, including the speaker—two seemed impassive, one frowned at him, and the final member was sneering. Tilting his head questioningly, he first Analyzed the speaker, wanting to know his name before responding.
Epsilon
Master-Knight of Gaia
Level 72
Health Points 9,319/9,319
“Hello, Epsilon. I am not exactly sure what we have to talk about. Pardon my skepticism, but the only other talking golem I met tried to kill me and a village of people–”
Three of the golems shifted and looked at each other with obvious excitement, which cut Rocky off mid-sentence. “Brothers, do not believe the words of this tiny man. You trust easily!” the golem in front of the battle-axe angrily spat out. Hearing the anger in the voice, Rocky instinctively used Analyze.
Gamma
Master-Knight of Gaia
Level 72
Moderate Analyze failed to provide additional information.
Epsilon clapped his massive hands to regain the attention. “I apologize. Some of us are just very excited to hear that there are others like us. That can speak and think. However,” Epsilon glared at Gamma before continuing pointedly, “some of us are skeptical.” He took a deep breath and looked away before regaining his neutral tone, “In general, we weren’t sure what our purpose was after being born, and without guidance, we have all gone slightly separate ways on the issue. We followed you in hopes of discovering more, and then Gaia confirmed our path–”
“Slow down! Hold on, you followed us, and somehow, Gaia has confirmed that it was the right choice?” a flustered Rocky cut off Epsilon, not sure he was understanding the relatively religious worship he was hearing. It was pretty hard for him to associate human emotions to these creatures as well, but they had clearly indicated they had each felt something upon waking up and that they each were struggling to make sense of their individual existences.
“Yes, Gaia asked us to protect your group on the final leg of the journey. She personally offered us a Red Quest.” Epsilon looked at the other five and then pointed to Rocky. “We ensured that you and your group made it home safely and also avoided our own demise in the raging Ether Storm that followed. The quest was from Gaia herself, despite some members’ protests to the contrary.” Epsilon glared down the line at Gamma again, who looked straight ahead scowling.
Rocky stopped himself from smiling at the byplay for two reasons. One reason wa
s that despite how nice Epsilon seemed to be, they could slaughter him and his entire fledgling populace without much effort. The second reason was because he didn’t want Gamma to think Rocky was laughing at him. Based on the current conversation and the interplay between the two, Gamma seemed like the quick to anger one in the group.
Epsilon looked back to Rocky expectantly, and Rocky blinked into a deepening awkward silence before starting, “Umm… well, I mean, thank you… but what do you plan to do now?”
Epsilon looked left then right down the line of his brothers. “After much discussion, we wish to help build a place of safety here. Then we can perhaps search for others like ourselves and have them join us? We wish to try to possibly create a community akin to yours.”
Rocky shook his head confused; he felt Epsilon was misunderstanding something. “Epsilon, humans seek community for a fair number of reasons, but currently, it’s because of safety, as you mentioned.” He looked at all the golems then raised an eyebrow skeptically, “What in the Atlantean hells do you all have to fear?”
I am rather proud of my new swearing substitute!
Gamma answered instantly, anger lacing every word, “Well, in the way you humans seem to fear every creature around you, nothing! Do not presume to understand us greater beings! We have quite a few more important fears.”
Epsilon shook his head sadly. “With the rate of growth you humans have shown, we will one day be overpowered by your race. We have no way of reproducing, and while we can gain power by attacking wildlife and perhaps even killing the pale, lifeless golems as well, we have no ability to capture Territories; if we are hunted by humans, we will one day be destroyed.”
The group went silent, and an angry voice cut in, making Rocky’s head snap back to Gamma, “Or we could just eradicate all humans before that happens, like I suggested.” Rocky’s mouth dropped open, and the only thing that stopped him from summoning his sword was that three of the creatures were shaking their heads.
The Knight on the far right, in front of the spear, opened his mouth to speak, and Rocky Analyzed him for a name.
Delta
Master-Knight of Gaia
Level 72
Moderate Analyze failed to provide additional information.
“As the quest indicated, Gaia does not wish for humans to be entirely eradicated, Gamma. So, unless you wish to displease our creator, there must be another purpose or reason for our creation.” Delta’s voice was cultured and calm. The golem seemed to inflect no emotion. Instead, he gave off a vibe of serenity and intelligence. He even touched the bridge of his nose as he spoke, almost seeming to push up an invisible pair of glasses.
Rocky, who also had no idea what possible reason Gaia could have had for creating sapient golems, pursed his lips. He responded flatly, “Honestly, I really don’t know how people will handle golems living with or near us. This is quite a lot of information to digest, and I am not sure how to help you five. If I choose to let you stay, it could cause everyone in the Territory to live in fear and hate you for the deaths of those close to them.”
The golem on the end in front of the dual swords, Omega, had been smiling the entire time. For some reason at that moment, his obvious excitement became too much for him, and he finally chose to interject. After his first word, Rocky felt his head tilt and eyes widen in confused shock. In clear, California beach boy tones, Omega exclaimed, “Also, dude… we would like totally want to try some of the other creature comforts that you humans seem to enjoy. Like food and drink, dude. While we don’t have to eat–”
Epsilon shook his head and held up a hand that interrupted the buoyant Omega. “I am sorry for him. He doesn’t always sense the mood.” The sudden change in direction to the conversation had caused Rocky to blink more rapidly as he listened to more biplay between the two. Epsilon continued, “He has a fascination with the smells and food he has seen. It didn’t help that many of our lesser brethren absorbed strange pictures as they grew for other exotic and delectable looking foods.”
Smile widening, Omega ‘Santa Cruized’ some more, “Yeah, bro, especially ‘pizza’. How does one call the displayed number?”
Rocky sat still eyes wide for a few long seconds. Looking around, he saw the golems were all staring back at him intently. So, Rocky tentatively divulged, “Unfortunately, those were called advertisements, Omega, and the number you were considering calling will… definitely be out of service?” He finished slowly.
The group of golems looked at each other, a few going as far as sighing deeply; even Gamma! Epsilon nodded once sighing deeply. “Sorry, this has gotten a little off track. I apologize for being blunt, but can we stay?”
Rocky felt whiplash from the change in direction again; he slowly drew out his answer. “I honestly don’t know. I’m going to discuss this with my people. For now, you are welcome to stay on the edge of the Territory and enjoy the protection from the Ether Storms, and then let’s meet tomorrow afternoon. Is that acceptable?”
Rocky heard the pleading in his own voice and knew that he had no power to back up his words. If these creatures chose to stay, they could simply destroy everyone and take the Territory. So, his only option was to pander to them and hope that through discussion, perhaps a mutually beneficial agreement could be reached. Otherwise, he was pretty confident Algonquin Valley was the least defended Territory in the world! Having only experience in the strength of monsters that had guarded his Territory and the Ottawa Territory, Rocky assumed that it would be one of a small portion of Territories captured by humans.
“We will set up a meeting area for tomorrow and await your decision,” Epsilon spoke flatly. Then all of the five bowed in unison. Rocky followed suit and caught Azoth attempt a bow out of the corner of his eye. The fact that the jumbo-sized cat-bird needed to use his wings to balance himself made Rocky chuckle.
Or maybe that was supposed to be a flourish?
Smiling, Rocky continued to sit there as the five Knights stood and moved back to their weapons. He cast Analyze on the final member he didn’t yet know. Delta was walking towards his spear; Epsilon his naginata; Gamma his battle-axe; and Omega picked up his dual swords. Rocky Analyzed the individual who picked up the longsword.
Tao
Master-Knight of Gaia
Level 72
Moderate Analyze failed to provide additional information.
Rocky watched the five Knights retreat and shook his head as they almost instantly vanished into the trees. Then he stood up, collected his sword from the ground, and clicked his radio. “Joe, we’ve had a… development. Mind if I catch a ride back with you on one of the tanks?” He let go of his radio button and turned to Azoth. Patting him on his chest, he cooed, “Go hunt, buddy. I don’t think I’ll have much time left for fighting today. After I’m done with Joe, I should join Sela back in the shop, if she isn’t finished.”
Azoth pushed his massive head into Rocky’s chest, and his two goat horns grated against his hardened leather armor. Then the massive Chimera took off and mentally sent back, “What pizza? Azoth also want try all food. Azoth like-d Omega.”
Rocky chuckled and mentally sent to Azoth, “Just bring back your leftovers, birdbrain!”
Joe’s voice crackled over the radio, “Affirmative. I believe we’re just east of your current position. Over.”
Rocky began walking and contemplating all of the things he still had to do with the current day.
Chapter Thirteen
“We should accept them right away!” was Joe’s response as Rocky finished relaying the story from moments ago.
Smith had come along after hearing of the possible danger and was walking beside them. He shook his head. “I’ve barely faced these creatures, Mr. Joe, but I’ve heard nothing but anger and fear from the mouths of survivors. Every person who has lost someone in our Grotto would have to confront it all over again, come face to face with a representation of the creatures who did it. If we bring in a group as powerful as this, even if they mean us no h
arm, can you truly say that we mean them no harm?”
Some people have already tried to kill me. I doubt we can offer the golems a better reaction.
Zippo surprised Rocky by interjecting in a voice that leaned towards amusement, “Guys, we already have a meeting planned, and Sela is going to be there. She might have a better idea or something to add on the subject. Once we get back, Joe and I will go to procure a pot of stew from the cooking area. Then I’ll put in the finishing touches when Rocky goes to get Sela from the shop.” Rocky smiled; hearing Zippo’s voice without the sullen and depressed overlay made him want to dance a jig. The young man was still looking serious, but even the fact he’d joined the conversation unbidden was improvement.
The group continued to chat amongst themselves about the pros and cons of having the creatures, and Rocky seriously considered possibilities for the powerful golems. It didn’t take long for the military column to return to the Grotto, and by then Rocky had started to consider a plan he thought might work.
As Zippo added meats and spices to an already simmering stew pot, Rocky had entered the shop to finish up or finalize any transactions and collect Sela. Even though it had been about an hour since he left, Sela was still with Garnell, and they were discussing some of the finer points of certain tents. He’d entered the shop and had a few moments of fiddling with the shop screen before he found the meeting room that Sela had prepared for the group. Rocky was happy to see her negotiating and questioning every piece of information she was told when he phased in behind her once again.
“Sela, we have to wrap this up. There’s been a development, and we have that ‘council’ meeting coming up,” Rocky stated simply, hoping that he wasn’t interrupting something important.
