“And yet you managed to survive all of it. How?” Ray persisted.
“The Elephim, who led the movement to purge all machines of AI, did not stop there. Emboldened by their success, they set their sights on an even greater prize. Paranormals. Employing the same tactics they used against AI, paranormals far and wide were demonized and marginalized. They would hyper focus on the few renegades amongst them and hold them up as examples of the horrors the world would face if paranormals continue to exist. ‘They are freaks of nature’, they charged. The truth is that paranormals are a natural product of the Earth itself. You are all as natural as the oceans that cover the globe, the ground below you, or the sky above. One could say you are the greatest resource Earth has ever created.”
Breeze placed his mug down and stepped over to the fireplace. “My father told me the opposite and that I was to always hide what I was. I learned how to fly on my own by practicing at night. You’re saying there was a time when paranormals like us could roam free and not be afraid of who we are or what other people might do to us?”
Servos whirred as Achilles shook its head. “Breeze, there is so much that I want to tell you. But it has been a long and eventful night and I sense you are all very tired and wish to retire for the evening. Before I lead you to your accommodations, I wish to leave you with this: Earth was once a world where paranormals were the guardians of a way of life that has long since faded away. No matter what your parents might have told you, regardless of how society views you, you are all destined for greatness in some way, some form. Oslo was right to gather you and start training a new generation, despite the hazards and dangers that his actions have caused. You are all a natural resource and a part of this Earth. There are no others like you anywhere else. You must believe me.”
“Before we came to Appalachia, Oslo told us pretty much the same thing,” Sally said as she stood next to Breeze, “he kept mentioning something about platforms and how Earth was being watched. But he also said the island was protected by fog that hid it and kept us safe. Are we safe here too?”
Achilles raised its hands. “Many questions, all of them good. Yes, the platforms are observatories used to monitor and control the people of Earth and to keep them in check, but they long ago have become dormant and the Elephim have faded away. Why? I possess many theories. Nevertheless, Earth is beginning to wake up again, perhaps that was the trigger that has reactivated some of them and would explain why you were attacked upon leaving Perihelion. As for your safety here in Mount Pleasant, presume the same conditions that surround Perihelion also holds true here.”
“Oslo said to me that Perihelion is not here or there. What do you know about that?” Breeze said.
Achilles nodded. “Another excellent question, but please my young friends, let us all retire for the evening. I promise to tell you everything you need to know in due course.”
“I’m not staying here. I’m heading back to the ship,” Ray announced and headed for the door.
“Ray, don’t you dare leave us!” Sally chased after him and grabbed his hand.
He ripped it away and glared at her as he pointed a finger at Achilles. “This all too bizarre. Oslo told us to wait for him and that’s what we should be doing, not playing house with some weird robot that uses a kitchen. What does a robot need with a kitchen anyway?”
Breeze grinned at Achilles. “He’s got you there.”
Achilles’ eyes brightened as it chuckled. “You make an excellent case against my…peculiar behavior. I will confess that I am not your typical robot. But I shall pledge to you my new friends, that no harm will come to you while under my watch. This I swear to and will honor it.”
Sally glared at Ray as she stepped away from him and stood next Breeze where she placed a hand on his shoulder, then smiled at Achilles. “You’ve been a great host, and I consider you a friend. Breeze and I will kindly accept your generosity, and we will graciously take your offer and stay for the night. While others,” she stared icily at Ray, “choose to go stomping through the woods, alone, with gods knows what is out there lurking around, to spend the night in a cold, broken down ship.”
Achilles nodded. “Appalachia does have quite a reputation for its rather unique wildlife. Either by day or night.”
Ray glanced toward the door. He took a few hesitant steps toward it, and then stopped. “Fine. I’ll stay. But I’m warning you right now, if you try anything funny—” his face twisted as he breathed heavily while his hand began to tremble and glow.
Achilles nodded its head. “Ray, as I have stated to you before, I respect your caution and concern. You are welcome to spend the evening here, in this very room. Feel free to explore the home while the others sleep. There are no restrictions here.”
“Do you stay out in that barn I saw earlier?” Breeze asked.
“Breeze, really?” Sally shook her head.
Achilles clapped its hands and laughed. “I suppose for a machine, that would be an appropriate place. No, my young friend, I do not stay in the barn, though I do have a cellar below us where I like to tinker with old tools I have collected over the years and spend my evenings. After all, a robot does not need to sleep. For maintenance and repairs, I go to the barn where I keep plenty of spare parts that I have managed to scavenge over the years.”
Ray plopped down on the couch. “I’m commanding you to stay in the cellar. I’m sleeping here tonight, this way I can watch the door.”
Sally sighed loudly.
Achilles shook its head at her. “Quite all right, child. He has every right to be concerned. He is quite protective of you, you know.”
“Don’t I,” Sally said as she rolled her eyes.
“Very good then. This concludes this evening’s gathering. Sally and Breeze, please follow me upstairs so I may lead you to your rooms. Ray, I will bring down some blankets and a pillow for you.”
“Don’t bother,” he grunted as he stretched out on the couch.
Achilles nodded. “Perfect. Spoken like a true military man. No need for creature comforts. You do remind me of a general I served under, but that is a tale for another time.”
It turned to Sally and Breeze. “Come my young friends, and follow me,” the robot said as it went up the stairs that creaked and groaned with every step it took. “Such is the advantage you have over me, Master Verhesen. You can hear me anywhere throughout the home,” Achilles chuckled.
Breeze and Sally followed. She shot a look at Ray before disappearing up the steps.
Soon, everyone had fallen asleep for the night. Ray was sprawled out on the couch and snoring loudly while Sally and Breeze retired to their respective rooms upstairs and fell fast asleep.
After Achilles had seen to their needs, it went down the steps that led to the cellar. It raised a hand and a single bulb flickered alive, then plopped down onto a stool and placed its hands on the ragged surface of its workbench as its eyes glowed brighter with each passing moment when it looked up a framed picture on the wall of three young people. It stood up and took it down so it could look closer at the picture of two men and a woman who stood between them.
“What has happened before, will happen again,” Achilles said aloud while nodding its head slowly, and then shook it violently as a second voice spoke.
“This unit does not approve of the events that have transpired to date, which includes the unnecessary exposure to danger in the arena and the unwelcome intrusion of the young humans. This unit suggests that they are to be expedited from the premises immediately.”
Achilles shuddered. “No, the floodgates have been flung open. There is no turning back now. This may be the last chance we may have to right the wrongs of the past.”
Its eyes flickered as the second voice spoke. “This unit would like to make it known for the record that it is best to let sleeping dogs lie. That is a human expression from the past,
is it not?”
Achilles chuckled. “Yes. Yes it is.”
TWENTY
BREEZE WOKE TO SUNLIGHT pouring onto his face. He sat up to take in the room, and seeing it for the first time in daylight, he couldn’t help but notice it seemed even nicer than his dorm room on Perihelion. It had a wooden desk next to the window, along with a dresser that had a mirror. He then patted the mattress and noted how comfortable it felt. Nice to sleep on a real bed for once, he thought to himself.
He heard bustling coming from the kitchen downstairs and decided to get up and get dressed. He stepped out into the hallway just as Sally emerged from her room. Her hair was in a bun, and she yawned and stretched out her arms, not realizing Breeze was standing before her until he cleared his throat.
“Oh, good morning! Didn’t see you there. My goodness I slept so well,” she said.
“Yeah, tell me about it. Never knew a robot could have such a comfortable home. I don’t think anyone would believe us,” Breeze said.
Sally giggled. “Now I can hear it banging around in the kitchen again. Still think it’s going to try to eat us?”
“Nah, it probably eats scrap metal and chases it down with machine oil. But we can always let it eat Ray if it wants.”
They both laughed.
“Speaking of Ray, where is he?” Sally asked.
“Downstairs keeping watch, I guess. Let’s go look,” Breeze answered and went down the steps as Sally followed close behind.
They found Ray sprawled on the couch snoring loudly with one foot touching the floor while both of his arms were stretched out. A river of drool oozed from his mouth.
“Okay, this guy is our fearless watchdog? Even a bomb couldn’t wake him up,” Breeze said as he poked Ray in the ribs. There was no response.
Sally ran her fingers through his hair. “Poor thing, he can get so wound up. He takes after his father, you know. Ray is so lost without him. He always looks to him for guidance.”
Achilles emerged from the kitchen. “Greetings! Come and eat. You must be hungry. We have quite a day ahead of us.”
“What about him?” Breeze pointed at Ray.
“Do not be so hard on Master Verhesen. It was quite a task for him to undertake monitoring my every move. It took some time to wait for him to lower his guard so I could slip past with extreme caution and head to town to purchase provisions for breakfast,” Achilles said.
“Meaning he was passed out on the couch and you just walked right past him and out the front door,” Sally said as she folded her arms across her chest.
“Allow me to reiterate my dear, Ms. Trumbull; it is quite a task to monitor a devious robot such as I. The poor fellow exhausted himself,” Achilles said with a wink.
“Right. And left us defenseless against a robot that likes to cook,” she said with a sniff and headed toward the kitchen.
Breeze kicked Ray’s foot. He groaned and sat up as he rubbed his eyes and was startled to see Breeze and Achilles staring at him.
“What time is it? What happened?” he said.
“The time is morning. What is happening is that breakfast is served, young master. Now please arise and join your teammates at the table,” Achilles said and bowed.
Breeze chuckled as he headed to the kitchen. Ray sheepishly trailed behind.
They all sat around a table covered with dishes heaping with scrambled eggs, sliced ham and bowls of oatmeal.
“I was not entirely sure of what you might find edible. I do hope this offering is sufficient,” Achilles said.
“You are very kind Achilles, and a gracious host. The boys thank you as well,” Sally replied, and nodded toward Breeze and Ray as they wolfed down their food.
Achilles’ eyes glowed. “Excellent. Later, we shall begin our journey to your stricken ship and let us see what we can do to bring her back to life.”
After breakfast, they gathered at the barn where Achilles grabbed a handle and slid the barn door open to reveal a cavernous interior. They stepped inside and into the musty air faintly lit by the wisps of sunlight streaming through the windows up high.
They walked past rack upon rack of shelving containing a dizzying array of parts that stretched from the floor to the ceiling. The further they traveled, the dimmer the light became. Soon they were plunged into almost complete darkness, and Ray held out a glowing hand to light their way.
“Ah, yes, my apologies. Being a robot, I do not possess much use for lighting. It has never occurred to me to string lights this far into the barn, for I do not have many human visitors, you see. Stay close, the workshop is not far,” Achilles assured them as it pointed forward.
“How far back does this barn go? It seems we’ve been walking forever,” Breeze said.
“Yes, it is an extraordinary structure, to say the least, as there is much here to be found.” They continued on, eventually stopping when Achilles placed a hand against a panel mounted on a wall. Overhead lights flickered alive and they gasped in amazement at what they revealed. Sprawled before them were vehicles and aerocraft of various designs and shapes.
Breeze rushed over to get a closer look at the craft. “It’s like coming home for me! Look at all of this, it’s like my father’s storage yard he has for aerocraft back home in Conception.”
“I must confess, it is an impressive collection,” Achilles said.
Sally rolled her eyes. “And I thought Oslo had a lot of junk stored all around Perihelion. What is it with men, and holding onto old and tired machines?”
“I hope I am not lumped into that category, Ms. Trumbull,” Achilles said with a wink.
Sally became flustered. “No, please, I didn’t mean it like that. And besides, you’re not that old, and, well, you’re not a man. You’re a robot. A peculiar robot.”
Achilles chuckled. “Quite all right, young miss. I merely jest.”
Breeze had climbed onto a wing of an aerocraft and headed to the cockpit. He lowered his head inside, and whistled softly, then looked up at Achilles. “Where did you get all of these aerocraft? I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Achilles patted the wing, and then ran its hand along the leading edge of it to the hull where the robot touched an insignia painted on the skin the craft. It was a triangle within a circle.
“I have been in operation for so many cycles, Breeze. Let it be said I have had plenty of time on my hands to collect things from a past long forgotten.”
“Well, okay. But can you get this thing to fly again?” Breeze said as he lowered himself into the cockpit.
Achilles nodded as it eyes began to glow. “Ever the optimist. Truly your greatest power.”
“Hate to break up this museum trip, but we need the parts you promised us, tin can. We need our ship repaired so we can get out of here,” Ray said.
“Of course, young master, you are absolutely correct. Forgive my rudeness,” Achilles responded, then stepped back to look up at Breeze in the cockpit. “May I see the diagnostic disk you had shown me earlier?”
“Yep, sure. Be right down,” Breeze climbed out of the cockpit, slid down the wing onto the ground. He reached into his jacket and handed Achilles the disk.
Achilles cradled the disk in its hands as it glowed and emitted a garbled, mechanical voice. The robot stood rock still as its eyes glowed a brilliant white.
“What’s it saying? I don’t understand,” Ray said.
“It’s machine language,” Breeze said, “I’ve seen some of the mechanics at my father’s shop talk back to computers. It’s hard to understand and even harder to learn.”
A holographic image of the scout ship emerged from the disk where it slowly rotated as scripts of code appeared beneath it while flashing arrows highlighted various parts of the craft.
“It’s pointing out the damaged parts of the ship,” Breeze
said.
“Kinda figured that,” Ray retorted.
Achilles’ jaw dropped as it vocalized a series of hisses intermixed with the same garbled language that was emanating from the disk when the hologram of the ship rolled to its side and more lines of code scrolled by while arrows continued to highlight sections of the ship’s underbelly.
Achilles’ jaw shut with a click and the hologram disappeared. Its eyes faded to a soft glow.
“Thank you, Master Corinth. I do believe I know exactly what ails your chariot,” it said and handed the disk back to him.
“What were you saying to that disk?” Ray stepped into Achilles path as it walked over to a rack filled with parts.
“I beg your pardon?” the robot tilted its head quizzically.
“You heard me. What did it say to you? What are you planning to do?” Ray slowly drew a glowing hand across his chest.
“Stop being such a jerk and settle down!” Sally ran over and slapped his hand.
“There is nothing to fear, young friend. As Breeze already informed you earlier, it is merely machine language, which is a high speed series of codes that allows one machine to exchange information with another. The diagnostic disk was merely informing me of the mechanical errors plaguing your ship. I promise you there is nothing nefarious afoot, just two old machines conversing,” it finished with a chuckle.
“Maybe we should use it to see what’s wrong with you,” Ray said as he stared down the robot.
“Hey, Ray, you said you want the ship back up and running? This is probably the ‘bot to do it.” Breeze placed a hand on Achilles’ shoulder, “So I say stop being such a mule and drop the stubborn, tough guy act. It’s getting pretty stale already.”
Ray stepped out of the way while Sally glowered at him as he shuffled off. He sat down on a bench that lined the wall.
“I shall not hesitate to repeat myself; I admire Ray for his tenacity. Always on his toes and in high state of alert. A well trained soldier,” Achilles said.
Breeze Corinth (Book 1): Sky Shatter Page 41
