Kyrilon Z54

[Chanak]

I figured this would be the best place to put this story, for future additions.

Central Consciousness, Mechanon Z’anusal Pod Facility

*begin transmission*

_Revitalization procedures initialized; Protocol Axusis One engaged_

_Substrata energy cells activated, Geothermal auxiliary power to deactivate in 10 cycles...9 cycles...8 cycles..._

_Mechanon Z'anusal Unit organic stasis terminated, Primary Consciousness Center reintegration process positive, neural logic pathways status: positive_

_Geothermal auxiliary power deactivation complete. Primary Substrata Energy Harnessing network functional. Damage to Mechanon Support systems: 76.3812%_

_Emergency Revitalization Measures initiated. Units 45, 46, 47 organic systems non-existent, necrotic tissue impedence factor present. Status: Units not available for activation. De-energizing Inorganic maintenance equipment; Particulate Matter Reassimilation facilitators not functional, ejecting Units from Pod network_

_Presence of hostile symbionts detected in interior atmosphere, elimination measures activated. Recovery Monitor report: Unit 54 positive...Units 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 no response_

_Unit 54 Revitalization complete. Organics positive; inorganic systems fully operational; Primary Consciousness Center status: not available. Activation of Protocol Axusis One authorizes acceptance of incomplete data_

_Mechanon Z'anusal Unit 54 released from Support Cocoon. Power centralization in Ethereal-Neural Modular Net crystals executed...termination of non-essential Pod functions complete in 10 cycles...9 cycles...8 cycles........._

*end of transmission*

[Chanak]

I...I exist.

Mechanon Z'anusal Unit 54 stepped forth from the Support Cocoon blinking his eyes. Actuators implanted within the corneas of his dark-hued orbs compensated for the effects of his long stasis, revitalizing sluggish ocular muscles in response to the external stimuli they now received. Marvels of genetic engineering, they swiftly adjusted to the dim ambient light of the Pod Center, invaded as it were every second by the pulsating Alert beacons. Before his right foot touched the cool floor of the Stasis Area, his auditory systems engaged, registering the report of the wailing Alert claxons.

Instantly Unit 54 entered Combat Phase, his senses amplifying in response to increased adrenaline levels. Lowering himself to a crouching position, he quickly scanned the Stasis Area to gauge the threat present in his immediate surroundings. Sweeping the chamber with his eyes, he noted the Seals stood open, signifying the presence of a carbon based life form in the Outer Pod Area. Protocol Axusis One confirmed.

His Podmates lie prone around him in the circular chamber, in various states of disarray. The Support Cocoons had rejected them as they were recognized by the Central Consciousness as no longer functional. Thermal signatures indicated to Unit Z54 that the Mechanons of his Pod had ceased to be viable some time ago, for those units which still retained some trace of their organic systems registered an absence of vital heat. All that remained of his fellow Z'anusal Mechanons were inorganic components, devoid of power and activity.

I alone remain.

Combat Phase initiated the emergence of Zychus weaponry. 14 bladed and barbed skeletal extensions, some 110 centimeters in length each, protruded from the flesh of both forearms. Smaller extensions protruded from the elbow joints, transforming the arms of Unit 54 into martial weapons of lethal effectiveness. Leaping to the open chamber doors, Unit Z54 prepared to assess the life form in the Outer Pod Area.

The Outer Pod Area had been breached. Central Consciousness had activated the Atmospheric Control System, flooding the room with a lethal mixture of charged ions and negative wave emissions in an effort to destroy all foreign microbial organisms which had gained entry through the breach. In response, Unit Z54's organic systems underwent a startling transformation.

Blinking once again, the Mechanon unit protected his eyes with a transparent shell of gaussed silicon, hard and impervious to the lethal radiation bombarding the room. The filmy material covered his eyes as an inner lid, polarizing to reflect the harmful ultraviolet rays being emitted by the Pod defense systems. The skin of his exposed flesh, malleable to the commands of his Primary Consciousness Center, assumed a grayish cast as the pores closed against invasion. Cellular respiration was now directed exclusively through his exterior inorganic components, a hardened array of cultured Zychus compound.

The room, intended for Unit training and programming, was littered with hull debris. An external event had blasted through the meters-thick outer wall of the Mechanon Pod facility, permitting the entry of the carbon-based life form which now stood directly in front of the Ethereal-Neural Modular Net interface, contacting the crystals with two five-fingered hands.

In less than one second Unit Z54 processed the intruder's profile, matching it with known species data: 1.8 meters tall, humanoid in form, bilaterally symmetrical, equipped with a calcified endoskeleton. Internal temperature: 97.894321 degrees, and falling. The life form was completely organic, adorned with metallic external inorganic material which did not interface with the host form. The outer skin of the intruder had been violated in several locations, resulting in vital fluid loss from internal circulatory systems. Analysis of skeletal super-structure and external organic features resulted in positive identification of the life form in Unit Z54's cognitive centers. Species Identification: Maker.

Unit Z54 stood down from Combat Phase, his martial weaponry withdrawing into morphed flesh, joining his inorganic skeletal system as inert Zychus once more. The Maker, unprotected from the lethal environment of the Outer Pod Area, did not have long to live.

Unit Z54 engaged his Auditory Transmission Center, adjusting the volume of his voice so that it might be heard by the intruder above the din of the Alert claxons.

"Maker, identify yourself."

Pausing a moment for effect, Unit Z54 noted that his oral transmission seemed to elicit no response from the Maker as he stood motionless, gripping the Ethereal crystals in his bloodied hands. The Maker's behavior did not match any known protocols.

As the Mechanon stepped closer to the metal-clad Maker, he noted unusual biochemical signatures issuing from the being across the visible magnetic spectrum. In essence, the Maker's body was involved in the process of organic death...yet, the abundant neural activity registered by Unit Z54's Primary Consciousness Center indicated quite the opposite. Once more, the Maker's behavior did not match protocols typical of the species.

Increasing the volume of his artificial voice to a near deafening level, Unit Z54 repeated his inquiry of the Maker.

"Maker, identify yourself."

Again, no response from the Maker.

[Chanak]

The Maker's life energies were going to expire in approximately 80 cycles. Unit Z54 executed a plan of emergency response within his logic pathways, designed to preserve the life of the organic being that had activated Protocol Axusis One. Combat maneuvers and specialties were his primary purpose for being...yet Central Consciousness had supplied the Mechanon with sufficient knowledge of Maker physiology for to him to effectively function as a Medical Unit on a limited basis. Reaching out with armored hands, Unit Z54 prepared to extricate the Maker from the dangerous Outer Pod environment using the most expedient means possible: his own power.

An anomaly occurred within Mechanon Unit Z54 which contradicted the commands of his Primary Consciousness Center. Unit Z54 suddenly found that he was unable to initiate action of any sort as the Maker turned to face him, tears and mucous streaming from glazed, red-rimmed eyes.

The Maker spoke...only his communication did not engage the aural receptors of the Mechanon. Instead, the message was received directly in Unit Z54's Primary Consciousness in the form of a continuous stream of data.

“Kyrilon...you have awoken at last. Quickly, there is not much time. You must access the Ethereal-Neural Modular Net interface crystals immediately, for my life is now forfeit. I cannot maintain the integrity of this body any longer. You will find there the questions to answers you have never asked, and the fragile germ of a seed planted within you long ago.”

Unit Z54 was unable to respond...he was only capable of maintaining functions necessary to his continued existence. Queries issued by his Primary Consciousness met with silence. A most curious sensation, unlike any he had experienced before, began to subtly alter his logic pathways, causing a sympathetic response in his organic systems...

“Farewell, Kyrilon. For the Flame.”

Collapsing to the floor, the Maker's body lie inert, leaking blood, mucous, and digestive juices freely. The Mechanon stood transfixed by the spectacle, unable to surmount the anomaly to Protocols his logic pathways had encountered. The brainwave activity of the deceased Maker was highly unusual, indicating to Unit Z54 that somehow, the being still retained a measure of consciousness, despite the lack of internal biochemical stimuli required to support such activity. Unable to move, however, Unit Z54 could only witness the event as a passive observer.

The Mechanon was still recording the highly unusual neural activity when the Maker's corpse began to emit light across the entire visible spectrum. Species profile was again contradicted as the intruding life form began to disintegrate. The atomic particle matrix that constituted the Maker's body began to pulsate and phase between several frequencies of expression, ascending the scale until, at last, the signature was too rarefied for even the Mechanon Z'anusal Unit to detect.

The Maker had, in effect, vanished from existence. As the last remaining molecule of the being's form faded, the brainwave activity ceased as well, leaving Unit Z54 standing alone in the Outer Pod Area.

[Chanak]

Placing the palms of his hands upon the Ethereal-Neural Modular Net interface crystals, Unit Z54 prepared to access Central Consciousness. The interface crystals, synthetically cultured specimens of flawless taladite quartz, commenced to vibrate in response to the Mechanon's touch, achieving a frequency that matched the integrity of his own crystalline Primary Consciousness Center. Contact with Central Consciousness was established.

_Greetings, Kyrilon Z'anusal 54. Mechanon datastream update available upon request_

Unit Z54: Query: Kyrilon is an unknown designation, request data pertaining to unknown designation.

_Insufficient data available for request_

Unit Z54: Query: Request complete Unit designation.

_Mechanon Kyrilon Z'anusal 54, Artificial Organism Designation Axusis Prime, Combat Entity. Species Model: Maker; Aesthetics: Male gender_

Unit Z54: Anomaly detected in Unit designation. Query: Specify Kyrilon designation.

_Insufficient data available for request_

Pausing, Unit Z54 considered the anomaly evidenced by Central Consciousness. As a precautionary measure, the Mechanon temporarily altered the frequency of his Primary Consciousness to mask this activity from detection. In addition, he created a power source interrupt situation to satisfy Central's inevitable query in regards to the unexpected frequency change.

As Unit Z54 formulated a plan of action, the interface crystals began to modulate in response to his new frequency. The task completed, however, the Mechanon resumed emitting the frequency assigned to him previously by Central Consciousness.

_Frequency emission anomaly detected. Status report on Primary Consciousness Center, Kyrilon Z'anusal 54_

Unit Z54: Primary Consciousness Center integrity positive, Logic Pathways fully operational, emitting at assigned frequency. Anomaly reported: Power Interrupt recorded to Primary Consciousness Center at 0435.07685432 Planetary Time. Duration of Power Interrupt: .05217123 cycles. Effect: frequency modulation event. Conclusion: normal power fluctuation in accordance with all data known to this Unit concerning the Axusis field.

_Satisfactory, Kyrilon Z'anusal 54_

Unit Z54: Query: datastream input report for Central Consciousness, 0400 to 0435 PT, current rotation period.

_0400 PT: Situation Report, Mechanon Pod Facility Substations, Input; 0413 PT: Protocol Axusis One engaged, Mechanon Pod Facility Substations, Input; 0413.00000001 PT: Mechanon Z'anusal Unit Revitalization commenced according to Protocol, Unit Stasis terminated according to Protocol, Mechanon Pod Facility Substations, Input; 0413.00000002 - 0428.63214576 PT: Mechanon Z'anusal Revitalization procedures, Mechanon Pod Facility Substations, Input; 0416.32187345 - 0430.02134894 PT: Ethereal-Neural Modular Net datastream update, Archanon Lythelis Dth'annor, 1st Circle of the Flame, Input_

Unit Z54: Query: confirm last datastream input received by Central Consciousness.

_0416.32187345 - 0430.02134894 PT: Ethereal-Neural Modular Net datastream update, Archanon Lythelis Dth'annor, 1st Circle of the Flame, Input_

Unit Z54: Query: profile for Archanon Lthyelis Dth’annor, 1st Circle of the Flame.

_Restricted data access: Pass code entry required_

Unit Z54: Mechanon Z’anusal Unit 54, Pod Star, Primary; key phrase: Axusis One.

_Incorrect pass code entry. Access denied_

Unit Z54’s logic pathways calculated the probabilities. Eclipsed by the highly unusual occurrence of anomalies since regaining sentience, Unit Z54 proceeded upon a probability curve which led to the least likely outcome. Cycling through thousands of pass code attempts - each meeting with denial of access by Central Consciousness - Unit Z54 finally arrived at the most improbable impossibility.

Unit Z54: Mechanon Kyrilon Z’anusal Unit 54, Pod Star, Primary; key phrase: Flame.

_Data access granted. Prepare to receive Mechanon datastream update in 1 cycle, Kyrilon Z’anusal 54_

[Chanak]

The sub-atomic lattice of Unit Z54’s Primary Consciousness Center subtly altered in composition, changing the orbits of electrons in order to receive the massive surge of data from the Ethereal-Neural Modular Net. In the span of 2 cycles, the update was received by the Mechanon. Removing his hands from the crystal modulators of the Net, Unit Z54 prepared to review the data within the core of his Primary Consciousness Center.

Mechanon datastream update Axusis One, 0437.05612348 Planetary Time, Solar Year 308652.8.6

“Greetings, Kyrilon Z‘anusal 54. Level One of your reactivation is now complete. You have successfully navigated the criteria for the review of your individual Mechanon datastream update, indicating readiness to proceed to Level Two of reactivation.

“38,650 Solar Years have elapsed since your Pod was placed in stasis, Kyrilon. During this time much has occurred upon the planet that was beyond the ability of Central Consciousness to record. Therefore, intervention was required in order to advise you of certain external conditions which exist outside of the relatively secure confines of this Mechanon Pod Facility.

“18.3.4 Solar Years ago, this Mechanon Pod Facility sustained an indirect hit by offensive weaponry, crippling vital Mechanon support systems. In addition, the capacitors which enabled Central Consciousness to link with the Planet Sat system were destroyed, effectively imposing an informational blackout upon Central Consciousness. The Ethereal-Neural Modular Net of your Mechanon Pod has been self-contained since that time, blind and deaf to the world outside. The damage incurred to this Pod Facility resulted in the gradual decay of your Podmates’ organic systems, deprived of the sustenance and stimulation necessary to maintain viability during stasis. The systems of your Support Cocoon was the only subsystem which managed to escape serious injury within the Stasis Area. Repair bots returned your Support Cocoon to full operational viability, at the expense of the other, more seriously damaged Cocoons of your Podmates.

“At 0359.87651210 Planetary Time, this rotation period, the Mechanon Z’anusal Pod Facility sustained a direct hit by Chaos field weaponry. The strike created a breach in the Facility’s outer protective hull, allowing the entry of volatile Chaos emissions into the interior environment. This disrupted the internal integrity of Central Consciousness, creating an amnesia effect which damaged the collective consciousness node. At that precise moment in time, data collected over 38,632 Solar Years from Planet Sat was utterly lost to Central Consciousness in the Ethereal vacuum. In addition, internal data updates since that time were lost. Only fragments remained, such as the memory of Protocol Axusis One. This was indeed fortunate, Kyrilon, for our knowledge of ancient technology is woefully inadequate, and would prohibit us from initiating Mechanon revitalization on our own.

“The datacode of this Mechanon update contains recognition of the designation ‘Kyrilon.’ This information was also lost to Central Consciousness during the Chaos strike, and therefore not included in the Reactivation Data received by your Primary Consciousness Center. It is also possible that your own consciousness was affected by exposure to the Chaos field. It is not known if these emissions penetrated the Stasis Area when the outer hull breach occurred.”

Unit Z54 paused as the datacode was recognized and compiled within his consciousness. A curious energy emission coursed through his logic pathways once more, similar to the sensation he experienced during the encounter with the Maker life form in the Outer Pod Area. He was unable to quantify the emission, finding no recognition in his memory regions to explain its presence or origin.

“Kyrilon, you are the only surviving Mechanon of the Z’anusal Pod. It is also possible that you are the only surviving Mechanon in existence. The other Mechanon Pod Facilities known to us - Pod Ech’ehlelor, Pod Thai’aiklan, Pod Axsus’olar, and Pod Z’ilidan - each were completely destroyed within the past 20 Solar Years, the most recent attempt at destruction being directed at your own. Yours was the last known Mechanon Pod to us...and it is fortunate that our efforts to preserve your Facility were not entirely in vain.

“There is a slim possibility that other Mechanon Pods exist on this planet, though we deem this highly unlikely at this time. Such Pod Facilities were never mentioned in the archaic House records...nor were their presence detected in the planetary exploration efforts of the past 2000 Solar Years. The world in which you find yourself now, Kyrilon Z’anusal 54, has been changed by Axusis and Chaos field activity...continuous warfare...the rise of new, inherently hostile life forms and civilizations...and, of course, time. The glorious Era of the Thyrudian Houses came to an end some 20,542 Solar Years ago with the destruction of House Thai’aiklan. Unable to gain access to their elite Mechanon Combat unit, House Thai’aiklan fell at the conclusion of the First Psychic War.

“You, Kyrilon 54, Primary Mechanon of House Z’anusal, are the last surviving remnant of an age long since vanished from the face of our planet. That you still exist is nothing short of a miracle."

[Chanak]

Mechanon datastream update Axusis One, 0437.05612348 Planetary Time, Solar Year 308652.8.6

“Your House - as you knew it 38,650 Solar Years ago - no longer exists, Kyrilon. Therefore, it is imperative that you associate your allegiance with a concrete entity, and thus receive new operational directives as circumstances require. These have been rather hastily included in the datastream update you have just received. Your allegiance now lies with the Circle of the Flame, the guardians of Lythos...our once-beautiful planet besieged by Entropy.

“I do not have sufficient time, Kyrilon, to provide you with complete information. The Protocols have been changed. No longer are you constrained from engaging the Maker species in combat. You are given full authorization to engage all hostile members of the species which created you...in their own image. This is a far cry from the planet you once knew, Mechanon.”

Reviewing the topographical information of his update as the disembodied voice spoke, Unit Z54 noted much had changed during his lengthy stasis. Superimposing the new data above the planetary map previously supplied to him by his last datastream update, the Mechanon did not recognize the terrain of the Krellian continental mass he now studied. Once lush with vegetation and teeming with organic life forms, the Krellian lands were now barren and arid, riddled with craters and towering mountain ranges. The sprawling metropolises of his day - the gleaming jewels of the great Houses - had simply ceased to be, replaced by craters several kilometers wide. One such crater - called Sethnok’s Delve on the updated map - was over 20 kilometers wide, and 8 kilometers deep. It existed where House Ech‘ehlelor’s greatest city, Sumat-Kitre, once stood.

Sethnok’s Delve stood out on his map in bright green relief. Unit Z54’s updated operational directives ordered him to travel to the massive crater using the most expedient route possible, employing all methods of avoidance at his disposal. Combat was not permitted unless absolutely necessary.

“Your objective is to reach Pod Ech‘ehlelor‘s ruined Mechanon Facility in Sethnok's Delve. Once there, locate the taladite crystal array in what remains of the Outer Pod Area. You shall need the memory crystal for further instructions. In addition, you will find a fully functional Combat Skin awaiting you in the Arms Bay there. We managed to salvage this after Entropy’s attack. Much will be strange and new to you during the journey towards Level Two reactivation, Kyrilon...and it is our sincere desire that you succeed. It is imperative that you do.

“I, Archanon Lythelis Dth’annor, wish you well. For the Flame.”

Disassociating his Primary Consciousness from receiving mode, Unit Z54 placed his left hand upon the wall adjacent to the Ethereal-Neural Modular Net interface station. Immediately a depression appeared as his hand touched the metal of the wall. Lines appeared where before there was only the smooth, flawless surface of machined precision...

Presently, double doors in the wall gave way before the Mechanon, opening silently to reveal the Arms Bay of the Z'anusal Pod. It had been partially destroyed in the strike which crippled the Facility, reducing the Combat Skins and other heavy Interface Weaponry to useless hulks of inert technology. Looking about the ruined Bay, Kyrlion assessed his options. His eyes registered positive signature emissions from the sidearm storage bin in the wall most distant from the Hull Breach. Passing his hand before the sensor eye, the bin opened obediently.

Upon the sidearm tray were several smaller versions of the Synaptic Disruptor accelerator, commonly called "Disruptor guns." The weapon emitted a focused, ultra-high frequency beam of electromagnetic energy which traveled at speeds approaching the velocity of light. The Disruptor sidearm - which fit perfectly in the five-fingered humanoid hand - was aimed and modulated manually, lacking the range and power of the heavier Interface version. At lower levels of modulation, the Disruptor merely stunned the target. At the highest levels of power, however, the weapon was lethal.

Unit Z54 collected a Disruptor gun from the tray, loading an energy module into the receiver port in the hand-grip. As a precautionary measure he gathered the remaining energy modules at hand, placing them within the storage compartment of his external Zychus system.

With Disruptor in hand the Mechanon left the Arms Bay, the doors closing seamlessly into the wall behind him. The world beyond the blasted outer hull awaited his arrival.

[Chanak]

Interregnum

The stars are innumerable. To the primitive mind, they are departed ancestors suspended in the heavens, looking down upon their progeny from the lofty heights of the mysterious night sky. There were oracles who would consult these ancestors for knowledge, for they were high above and could see far. They were sacred, to be honored and revered, and always the primitive eyes were drawn to their glittering beauty shining above, behind the moon who was the night-god. Always these eyes were searching, and ever this mind would wonder, asking questions long into the sleepy silence of the night.

It was soon discovered that the stars had more to offer than spiritual advice. Over time the learned ones, whose duty it was to keep them in rememberance, discovered patterns in the sky amongst their whispering radiance. Through the generations these were recorded by primitive hands, pictures on carved bone, painted rock, or dyed skins, and told the tale of their movements across the sky. Always seeking, ever wondering, the primitive mind understood that the stars could show them the way, guide them across the land where new hunting grounds lie...and back again to the hearth, safe amongst their brothers and sisters, blessed by the gifts they bore.

The sun by day was warm and bright, but the stars by night were mysterious and cold. They beckoned. They called out to the primitive soul, awakening a restless spirit that could only move forward, never back. The first frontier was the land, the claiming of hunting grounds and sacred groves...but an even greater one lie in the waves of the sea, and so the Makers slaked their souls upon the deeps that reflected the stars above.

They constructed craft to ply the waves of the sea, taking them to distant places never before dreamed of. The bold set out on voyages, often never to return...but the few who did were forever changed, and their tales held the spirit of the Makers spellbound. Over time their tireless minds built greater and better things, improving upon what came before, and opening doors to those who would come after them. Ever this wanderlust drew the Makers to spread across their world, and though their first recorded histories tell the tale of conquests and desire for land, it was always the stars the Makers longed for in their souls.

By the stars the Makers had gained knowledge and wisdom: from the humble beginnings of the oracle, to the ancient mariners and learned ones, to the scholars who knew their ways and advised kings, their gifts brought blessings abundant. So it was by the stars that the Makers gained mastery over their world, spreading to its four corners, erecting great edifices to bring them closer to their heights in the heavens. They were ancestors, they were gods, and they were beacons that illuminated the destiny that awaited them. It was only a matter of time until they themselves tread in their heavenly abode.

[Chanak]

The minds of the Makers were ever conceiving new ways of attaining mastery over themselves, and their world. They were spread across the surface of their beautiful planet in every clime, living in domed cities, in metropolises sprawling across the ocean floors, and gathered together in nations spanning entire continents. They established mining colonies on the sister planets of their world, having escaped the confines of planetary gravity long before. Not even the passage of time could hold the industrious Makers for long...for that, too, was subdued in themselves. Disease no longer claimed their lives, nor could age gnarl their limbs and rob them of the vigor of their youth easily.

Yet for all of their magnificient achievements, the Makers were restless and searching for more. Generation upon generation had built upon that which had been built before, improving, creating, and discovering. Their greatest minds bent their wills, opening new vistas of experience and wonder, bringing the Makers to the very limits of their confinement. There they looked upon the stars in full glory, revealed at last as being without number.

The primordial dream of the race lie in the infinite reaches of interstellar space, within their grasp but as of yet unattainable. The fusion-powered space craft of the Makers, while theoretically capable of traveling the unimaginable distances between the stars, were not fit for the task. In a planetary council their greatest scientists sought the key to unlocking the door of their prison. Even with improvements and innovation, it would take their ships millions of world-years to reach the closest star beyond their own. Though exceedingly long-lived, such a span of time would encompass countless lifetimes of the Makers.