Reality's Plaything 4: Savants Ascendant

by Will Greenway

  “Truly?” the King said with a raised eyebrow. “Interesting.”

  Cassandra glanced back to the boomers and leaned in close and lowered her voice. “The only problem is ego. It’s tough to convince a big bruiser who can knock down castles that suddenly he has to be a little wimp that gets knocked over by an arrow.”

  “You just get Wysteri to persuade them,” Bannor said. “Bronawyn was just talking about that.”

  “Right, but you still have to be careful.” She leaned back and made a coming gesture with her finger. “Cassin?”

  In a flash of light, the gold girl in the red Kriar armor was standing next to Cassandra. The abruptness of it made King and Queen sway back. It made Bannor’s heart jump, even though he was starting to get accustomed to such things.

  “Yes, Mother?” Cassin said, blinking her black star-filled eyes.

  “You did an inventory of the Karanganoi subnet, did you not?”

  “Yes,” the girl said. She pulled a black device and glanced at it for a moment. “This is a standard forward battalion subnet. They have eight main assault boomers.” She gestured to the circle of huge black humanoids. “They have four reconnaissance units,” she pointed to some mecha that were sitting much like a canine might. “That’s those ones that look somewhat like a wolf. There are two infiltration snipers…”

  King Jhaan held up his hand. “Sniper?”

  “It’s not widespread in warfare on Titaan yet,” Cassandra advised. “They are armed advanced scouts that use extremely long range weapons. Usually they’re employed to demoralize troops and assassinate enemy commanders.”

  Kalindinai leaned close to her husband. “Talonbows.”

  “Ah, yes, that makes sense, proceed.”

  Cassin put her hands behind her back. “There are nine multi-role infantry, and three squad leaders. They are supported by three field engineers, three combat medical personnel, three warp/gate specialists, and one class two battalion physician.”

  “So, thirty in all,” King Jhaan said.

  “What condition are they in?” Cassandra asked.

  “Pretty good, no major damage,” Cassin said. “I didn’t check them out in detail. These are not the newest models, but certainly nothing anyone with any sense would try to sniff off. They can be upgraded to latest specs in a few bells, all I have to do is get the engineers tied into the Fabrista datanet.”

  “Lady Cassin,” Kalindinai said. “I am to understand you have thorough knowledge of these artifices then?”

  “I repair them,” Cassin said with a shrug. “I am learning to design them.”

  “I am concerned with temperament and integrity. Your mother was speaking earlier of separating their spirits from their bodies. In essence, making these things free to do anything they want without consequence to their own lives. What controls are there to prevent these things from running amok?”

  Cassin laced her fingers. She leaned forward. “Understand, Matradomma, I am somewhat biased. So, weigh what I say with that in mind. What prevents them from running amok is conscience. The Kriar spent eons breeding and rebreeding minds for their flexibility, stability, and rationality. They then created stable communities where these intellects and personalities complemented one another and could interact on a very intimate level. The Kriar knew the mecha society had the potential to create havoc, so they integrated them into their culture. They can fill any social role a Kriar does, and in fact there are two counsels who are high order mecha.”

  “If that’s true, why would they become these battle artifices?” Janai asked.

  “Why does any patriot join their nation’s army?” Cassin asked. “To defend the people. The big difference is they, unlike the Kriar warriors they serve with, are not at risk because destroying that metal shell doesn’t mean losing their lives.”

  “A reusable soldier who cannot die,” King Jhaan said. “It is astounding. We spoke with Nomar. Are they all that smart?”

  “Yes,” Cassin confirmed. “Very intelligent, extremely pragmatic, and quite social; the warrior types tend to be a bit edgier. I mean you cannot afford to be squeamish in war.”

  “No,” the King agreed. “So, Lady Cassin, would you advise letting them become citizens and trying to find a productive way to add them as family retainers?”

  The gold girl looked at her mother with a raised eyebrow. “A whole subnet? Retainers? You mean on a permanent basis?”

  The King nodded.

  Cassin’s brow furrowed. She glanced at the boomers. “That’s a lot of power. You could take over Sharikaar, no one could even slow you down.”

  The King raised his chin.

  “Well, Dom’Ista, it sure wouldn’t be to your detriment. Even though they don’t seem like natural creatures. Mecha have a great appreciation for natural things. They are very conscious of the environment. I imagine they would get along well in elven society, loving trees and living things the way they do.”

  Cassandra put her hands behind her back. “Cassin raises a valid point. We can’t very well help you get this subnet up and running if you’re going to turn around and use them against Ivaneth or Coormeer.”

  “What about Corwin?” Kalindinai asked with an arch expression. “Or Stonewood?”

  “Blow them to the abyss if you want. Just no stepping on toes in the south,” Cassandra said with a serious expression.

  “It wouldn’t do for us to upset the Felspars, especially when you now have such an intimate working knowledge of Kul’Amaron’s defenses,” the King said with a smile. “I am more interested in honest servants who do not have outside allegiances; smart, capable, individuals who can be counted on.”

  “Well, they can be that,” Cassin said with a frown. “My first instinct is to try and stop them, but I have nothing better to offer them and they need—” The gold girl stopped at Nomar clomped up beside the T’Evagdurans.

  As the boomer overshadowed the King, its gold eyes blinking, it was hard not to flinch a little. The hands that it laced in a gracious greeting were big enough to engulf a one-stone melon.

  “Pardon,” Nomar rumbled. “Dom’Ista, Matradomma,” He made a little dip of his massive body to them. “Arminwens.” He nodded to the princesses. “Sorry for the intrusion, might I interrupt briefly to ask Bannor a question?”

  The King stared at Nomar, apparently he was still adjusting to the dichotomy of the creature’s size and mild mannerisms. He waved toward Bannor. “Speak.”

  Nomar leaned down. “Sir,” Nomar’s voice deepened. “What has become of Wysteri? She left with you and did not return. She took her host and is now offline. I am—” The metal creature’s jaw worked side-to-side. “Concerned.”

  Bannor blinked. Good thing he got concerned before he got angry. He stepped away from Sarai, trying to be subtle in the way he just happened to get between Nomar and the King. He thumped the alloy of Nomar’s arm in what he hoped would be reassuring. “Wysteri is fine.” He stressed the word. “She went to visit with another physician. She didn’t tell you?”

  Nomar rocked his head. “No.” He narrowed his golden eyes and he leaned toward Bannor. “She is safe?”

  “Really,” Bannor bent away from the huge creature. Those hands could smash blocks of steel if he chose. “She’s with a class twelve physician getting an—” He frowned at the word. “Upgrade.”

  Nomar’s stern countenance broke, and he relaxed. “An upgrade? How could she afford—” His head turned to Cassin.

  The gold woman raised an eyebrow. “Searga Nomar, truly, she is with our family cybermed. She will come to no harm. She is not being bound or inhibited.”

  Nomar rubbed his bald metal pate. “I apologize, I get concerned and—” He hung his head. If the creature could color he would have.

  “Mercedes promised to have her back in a bell,” Bannor told him. “It’s been half that now, so she’ll return soon.”

  Nomar pressed his hands together and made a little bow. “Yes. My apologies. Thank you for your time.”


  The big creature swung around and withdrew with ground-shaking steps.

  The Queen folded her arms and licked her lips. She shook her head.

  Ryelle leaned her head back with a pained expression. “Mother, are we sure the citadel is ready for metal creatures in love?”

  “I don’t know,” Janai said eying her older sister. “I think it’s kind of cute. He’s like a big five hundred stone puppy…”

  Sarai tilted her head watching as the boomer rejoined its comrades. “A really protective puppy with great big teeth.”

  King Jhaan looked to Cassin. “Didn’t you just finish saying these creatures were stable?”

  “Being concerned and in love isn’t unstable,” Cassin shrugged. “If he got violent and threatened—that would be unstable. Honestly, to evoke more than a ‘harsh talking to’ takes serious provocative action.”

  “Kidnapping his girlfriend wouldn’t qualify as ‘provocative’?” Sarai asked.

  Cassin frowned. “If he felt his life or hers were threatened he might thump somebody. In the decade I have worked with them, I have never seen them act irrationally. Violence is not how they express themselves or solve their problems. As you noticed, they are too smart for that.”

  “Yes,” King Jhaan said rubbing his chin. “Your mother was saying that we should allow them to separate their hosts. Would you recommend that?”

  “Well, it would make them less jumpy,” Cassin answered. “If you plan to keep them, that would be a gesture of good faith.”

  “How much space would they need?”

  “Since they are all from the same subnet, the only one who will want a separate host chamber will be their physician. A good secure room with a high roof about ten paces square. One of the ghost vaults would be optimal, because that would keep someone from accidentally stumbling over all the strange artifices.”

  “A good point,” King Jhaan said with a nod. “There is plenty of room in the lower vault. Lady Cassin, might We impose upon you to supervise that activity?”

  The gold girl glanced at her Mother. She bowed. “Of course. Megan can get me access, yes?”

  “Yes,” Kalindinai told her. “In the vault, go through three arches, on the left you will see an open space adequate for what you described.”

  “May I have permission to take two of their engineers down there to fabricate the necessities?”

  “Granted,” the King said.

  Cassin bowed. “After the hosts are arranged, I will consult with them about acceptable frame designs. With their physician getting an upgrade, we should be able to swing something a little more discrete and Elvish.”

  “That would be greatly appreciated, Lady Cassin,” Kalindinai said.

  Bannor blinked as his view of the room grew fuzzy. He felt a wave of weakness and had to lock his legs straight. The dizziness passed but he knew he needed to find someplace to sit down and regain his strength.

  Cassin nodded to everyone and stepped over to speak with Megan.

  Kalindinai watched Cassin walk away. She looked to Cassandra. “Your daughter seems quite capable.”

  “I depend on Cassin for a lot,” Cassandra said, pushing a hand through her auburn hair.

  Bannor let out a breath. “Well, believe it or not, I need to lie down.”

  Sarai came and put a hand on his arm. “My One?”

  He shook his head. “I had five dreads pummeling me, I got stabbed with a sword, and I used a lot of power.” He let out a breath. “As awesome as this body is, it’s telling me to lay down for a bit.”

  The Queen looked around. “The east antechamber should be undamaged. There’s a good sturdy divan in there where you could lay down for a bit.”

  He bowed. “Thank you, Matradomma. Mercedes says she will come to you directly, so—”

  “Bannor, rest,” the Queen said interrupting him. She put a hand against his chest. “You’ve done a lot in the last few bells. I’m not surprised it’s starting to wear on you a bit.” She looked to Sarai. “Take care of your One, would you?”

  Sarai sighed. “Yes, Mother.” She looked up at him and took his arm.

  He nodded to the King and Queen, then Cassandra and Sarai’s sisters, then let Sarai lead him across the chamber toward an archway. The room on the other side was obviously a place for petitioners to wait for the consultation with the royal council. A large crystal chandelier hung in the middle of a rectangular room with posh cloth-covered walls. Two large divans and accompanying sideboards occupied each side of the room.

  Sarai pushed him down on one of the divans, which protested with a loud groan.

  She shook her head. “These immortal bodies may feel great, but they sure are a torture on furniture.”

  Bannor smiled. “There’s a downside to everything.” He started undoing the buckles and straps on the Kriar battle armor.

  He looked at couple of the plates and shook his head. “This stuff is incredible.”

  “Oh, how’s that?” Sarai said.

  “Those dreads were hitting me hard enough to crush rocks and bend steel.” He held up one of the black shoulder pads that still had a mirror sheen to its surface. “Not a mark.”

  “Didn’t help much when that monster stuck you with the sword. It scared the life out of me!”

  He rubbed his stomach still feeling the soreness after the healing. “It has to have joints or you can’t move. That guy was just insanely good, and me lumbering around like a drunk statue… I might as well have posed for him.”

  She put her hand over his. Her warm fingers caressed his knuckles. “Does it still hurt?”

  “Some,” he answered with a frown. “I feel great for being dead though.”

  Sarai leaned in and gave him a kiss. “You look great for being dead to.” She turned her head. “I like the gold eyes. This face, somehow it’s more you.”

  He leaned back. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

  Her brow furrowed. “What? Why?”

  “When Arabella was you, she said the same thing.”

  Sarai frowned and let out a breath. “Bards. I guess she knew her subject.”

  “Star, I’m still embarrassed I didn’t see through the disguise sooner.”

  She stroked his face. “Bannor, it was a deception done by an eternal. I don’t feel bad at all because you did see through it. It wasn’t like there weren’t distractions.”

  “I suppose.” He finished taking off the chest plate, thigh guards, and greaves and put them aside. He pulled off the gauntlets and arranged his weapons where they would be out of the way but within reach.

  Sarai sat down on one end of the divan and he swung his legs up and put his head in her lap.

  The drained weak feeling and the dizziness just barely kept at bay vanished after a few deep breaths. “Mmmm,” he said. “That’s better. I love you.”

  “I love you too,” she tilted her face and stroked his brow. She hummed a little tune.

  He smiled. “You’re in no big hurry to get changed again are you?”

  “Not hardly,” she answered. “I like these tough hardy bodies. They don’t get tired, they heal fast—and to my dismay—don’t feel pain in a battle. If there’s something not to like, I don’t see it.”

  “It’s not you. Not the you I met. Not the you I know.”

  She frowned down at him. “I know how I look doesn’t matter a whit to you. To some other man maybe, but not you.”

  He closed his eyes. “True. The only thing that matters to me is that you are happy, safe, and healthy.” He drew another breath. The feeling of strength and euphoria was slowly creeping back. “Can I at least keep the violet eyes and those cute ears?”

  She brushed at her hair. “I didn’t realize you liked the ears.”

  He grinned. “I know nibbling on those little points makes you randy.”

  Sarai put a hand on his chest and sighed. “I knew there was a reason I was marrying you.”

  He covered her hand with his. He looked at those fingers. It
was a strong hand, a hand that had gripped a sword and fought many a battle. Still, the nails were long enough to be considered feminine and well tended. It wasn’t Sarai’s hand, but as she said, what shape she was in really didn’t matter, as long as she was there with him.

  They were both quiet for a while. With his head next to her abdomen he could hear the beat of her heart, and feel each breath she took. Just being near her was soothing.

  “Bannor?”

  “Hmmm?”

  “Do you think the Baronians are coming back?”

  He didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”

  She was quiet for a few moments. “I’m afraid I’ll lose you.”

  “Star, I feel like that every day. I wonder if you won’t just give up the madness, and take some safe, boring, accepted elf instead of me.”

  “My one, safe has never been my style, I would rather eat dragon doo than be bored, and doing the accepted thing is how one fails to innovate or inspire change.”

  “Inspiring change are we now?”

  “Yes, our little Vhina is going to change a lot of things.”

  “She’s going to change our lives to be certain,” he said. “I just hope we can end this and can make a safe place for the three of us to live together.”

  “Bannor, you can make our home safe, you have the power.”

  “Yes, but I—” He paused. “What did you say?”

  “You have the power.”

  “No, before that.”

  “You can make our home safe?”

  He let out a breath. It should have occurred to him sooner. That had to be it. “Sarai, let me ask you a question.”

  “Sure.”

  “If you had to fight a prolonged battle with an enemy, where would you hole up?”

  “The most defensible place, the area where I was most familiar with the terrain.”

  “Okay, and if you’re looking for something where are you least likely to look?”

  He felt her nails scrape along the surface of his chest. “Someplace I already looked.”

  “Or someplace it shouldn’t be,” Bannor said. “The Kriar are looking for the Baronians. Where are they not going to look?”