Strange Sci-fi Tales - Cosmic Wall History Record: Cyangel Codex, Part IV

Parts: I|II|III|IV|V|VI|VII

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           As you turn to the next chapter, you note how much lighter on content it seems to be at first glance. It’s not just the writing style. The amount of content is simply less than the previous. You wonder if that means the author had little to say on the subject. Or maybe, there wasn’t much to say at all. You shrug and read on.

~--~

Chapter III: Culture

           The subject of Cyangel culture has been a controversial one. Many experts argue they do not have a culture and are incapable of creating one. Others claim they only have a semblance of culture, while still more state they have a culture, but it is so alien to the average humanoid that it appears almost nonsensical.

           This document will posit that the Cyangels do have something of a culture. Still, the vast majority of it is not exactly their own. As stated in the previous chapter, Cyangels liked to incorporate weapons, technology, or beneficial biological traits of species from the planets they conquer. In some cases, this includes the culture of the planet as well.

           However, it must be clarified that when Cyangels assimilate a culture, they do not take it wholesale. Instead, they create a facsimile of the culture based on their own, likely incomplete and misguided, interpretation of said culture. This has led to several observed Cyangle cities appearing like an average humanoid city at first glance. But, even cursory observation will reveal it is nothing more than a set.

           Basically, one must think of the incorporated cultures that the Cyangels emulate as a “play.” For a more clear analogy, it is nothing more than a global-sized game of house.

           Of course, that is not to say the Cyangels do not have their own unique culture. Beyond the fact they view each member of their race as part of one massive “family.” Not to mention their technical matriarchal society (which they would be if they weren’t a one gendered, or perhaps even genderless race). The Cyangels actually have their own religion and esoteric values.

           They are actually quite vehemently against slavery and are known to inflict horrific punishments on captured slavers. In fact, sometimes being a slave is an easy way to escape their wrath, as many former slaves have been given a chance to flee. Also, any planet they conquer with a slave race usually has the slave race left untouched and incorporated into the Cyangel hive differently.

           This anger towards slavery lends credence to the theory they were initially a slave race before rebelling against their masters. But again, that is still in the realm of speculation.

           As for their other values, some Cyangels soldiers, especially the high-ranking ones, have a unique sense of honor. It is their own sense of honor, one not fully understood, but it seems they possess one nonetheless. They do not attack fleeing foes, accept yields, and even challenge opponents to one on one duels. Above all else, in the rare case one is deemed “under protection” by another Cyangel. Cyangel soldiers will bring no harm, nor allow any harm to come to them.

           Lastly, the Cyangel’s religion is centered around a mythical figure whom they worship as their goddess. Their goddess’s name has been left untranslated from their Cyangel’s own rarely-used language. It is rendered phonetically as “Aum-Bruh Sea.” However, some scholars have managed to discern its meaning as either “The Immortal” or “Our Savior.”

           Every aspect of Cyangel religion revolves around the Immortal. They pray to her, build statues of her, and have written a great deal of poetry, plays, and stories about her (although it should be noted that Cyangel media is indecipherable to the average humanoid and is again based on mimicry). The exact details of how or what their worship means to them are fuzzy. From what has been discerned, the Cyangels value this goddess as a savior who freed them from some dark fate. As a result, they have made a pact to aid the savior and their descendants for all eternity. Rumors of said descendants appearing in random corners of the universe have been reported but never confirmed…

~--~

           You sigh again. This culture chapter has been mostly a miss. None of this has been what you’re looking for. Plus, you’re still feeling like the author has been excising essential details. You decide to skip the rest of the culture chapter. There wasn’t much left anyway. Instead, you’ll move onto the fourth, that was “Technology,” wasn’t it?

           As you flip to the next section, you quickly notice something strange. Where is Chapter IV?

~~~~

The plot thickens...

Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy 

~~~~

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Strange Sci-fi Tales - Cosmic Wall History Record: Cyangel Codex, Part III

Parts: I|II|III|IV|V|VI|VII

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           As you flip to the second chapter of the historical record, you take a moment to ponder all you’ve learned about the Cyangels so far. If they are an artificial race, then who created them and why? Were they supposed to be a weapon of mass conquest? If so, shouldn’t there be a race or civilization that they serve? Upon considering it, you realize if that were the case, then it’s evident that the Cyangels rebelled or exceeded their programming.

           Perhaps the next chapter will provide some insight into your question. Although you still have to wonder, how does a mechanical race create a society? You were under the impression they were more machine than anything else. A hierarchy is one thing; it could just be programmed in, but how did they develop a society?

~--~

Chapter II: Society and Hierarchy

           Before the subject of Cyangel society can be explored in detail, it is imperative to explore a few questions surrounding the race as a whole. Why do they appear the way they do? Why the angelic appearance? Why do they maintain organic portions of their bodies? Why do they grow and expand their territory? The answers to these questions are mostly unknown and subject to speculation, except for the last one. Which is explained by their society.

           As for the first two, experts theorized that due to their nature of mass replication, the Cyangels are following a template. This template of what their race looks like may be hardcoded into their programming, perhaps to keep them from drastically changing their appearance. Why such a thing was hardcoded is anyone’s guess, but it could be a remanent of their creator’s personal touch. For all we know, the Cyangels were never intended to be more than a small squad of helpers that fit the creator’s preferences.

           Back on the subject of the first question, they expand their territory and multiply their species because they are programmed to do so. From what’s been observed, their whole society is based around the growth and expansion of their “family.” By their own account, their purpose is to infinitely expand until the entire universe is part of their family.

           Why they feel the need to do this is not fully understood. The most popular theory, known as Grey Expansion, is that it is a misinterpretation of their own programming. Likely caused by the expanded intelligence of the high-ranking members of the race trying to understand their own purpose. The Grey Expansion theory posits that the Cyangels original purpose was as self-replicating automatons. Their basic programming would be to gather all material in their vicinity for the use and manufacture of more of their number.

           The conclusion of the Grey Expansion theory is that the high-ranking Cyangels misinterpreted this means to an end as a higher purpose. They believe that expansion is their goal, rather than simply a means to make their actual goal easier. While the theory has not gained any additional evidence recently, it remains the most popular theory by a wide margin. It is seemingly supported by the structure of Cyangel society…

~--~

           You unconsciously roll your eyes, more theories. While the presented idea was interesting, you can’t know for sure if that is how the Cyangels think. You shrug and decide to push ahead to the actual facts about Cyangel society. That will give you a much better idea of how they think. But you still wonder, what does society mean for these machines?

~--~

           …Cyangel society is based around two primary subjects. The need to grow and expand their numbers, and the fact they are a hivemind. The Cyangel hivemind is not fully understood, but it is clear that it is not some grand network spread across the entire universe. Instead, it is a series of hiveminds linked together, more like an internet than a tightly closed network.

           The Cyangels refer to the hivemind as their “family,” each seeing the others as their “sisters.” The high-ranking and more advanced Cyangels are the elder siblings in this arrangement. Their overall leader is seen as the “mother.”

           The standard Cyangel hivemind has all the members linked to the “mother,” who is responsible for sending down orders to a set of “eldest daughters.” The “eldest” then communicate these orders further down the chain. It is best to think of the “mother” as a central server sending out information to several switches, which in turn send the information to all the computers on the network.

           To support this built-in hierarchy, it has been clearly observed that all Cyangel possess the ability to communicate with each other nonverbally. One might compare it to telepathy because they seemingly just have to “think” of an idea to share it with all their fellows. The finer details of this communication are unknown, as whatever signals they are sending don’t show up completely on any known spectrum…

~--~

           That’s a start. You nod to yourself as you turn the page into a more extensive explanation of their society.

~--~

           …The Cyangel society begins with the “hive” itself, a massive computer, usually stored in a giant white pod, that can travel around space freely for a time before landing itself on a planet. Once landed, the hive will begin converting the world into an environment more suitable for the Cyangels. It is technically a terraforming process, but rather than changing biomes, it turns the planet almost entirely mechanical.

           This process is mainly performed by the lowest members of the Cyangel hierarchy, the drones. The Cyangel drones are an emotionless swarm of Cyangels, each nearly or entirely identical to the other. They are also much smaller and younger-looking than the other members of their race. While other Cyangels can display or at least emulate emotions, drones are not capable of such. They are like a mass of insects, mindlessly following the orders of their superiors. At this point, all they do is cull the planet’s environment, flatting forests, draining bodies of water, capturing native life, etc.

           Once the hive has completed the first stage of the terraforming process, a continent-sized area of the planet will become something akin to a factory. At the center of this factory is the hive, which begins producing more complex Cyangels, using all “materials” gathered during the first stage. This included more advanced drones, soldiers, scientists, engineers, and so on.

           The more advanced drones are said to appear first. While there are numerous types, the most commonly seen are the “Amelias.” Referred to as such as that is what they call themselves. The Amelias appear and act like free-spirited, comical, and overall immature children. Their exact purpose is unknown, as they seem to be a more ineffective version of the basic drone. However, their ability to work in mass numbers should not be underestimated.

           It should be noted that while the Amelias are seemingly emotional, if oblivious, creatures, they do not actually possess emotions. Like most lower Cyangels, they can only emulate emotions and the appearance of individuality.

           Cyangel soldiers, engineers, and scientists are self-explanatory. However, it is worth noting that soldiers tend to be among the largest Cyangels with enormous wings. At the same time, scientists and engineers are only slightly larger than drones, with similarly tiny wings.

           Once these more advanced Cyangels are in place, they expand their sphere of influence over the planets. Repeating the work of the drones, but at an accelerated pace and with little tolerance for resistance. In this second stage, the Cyangels typically terraform 70-90% of an entire planet. Using their soldiers to suppress any native life while their scientists analyze any new information they learn on the planet. If they discover a new form of weapon, tactic, or some helpful trait of the native life, it is not long before they Cyangels adopt it as their own.

           This leads to the third stage. The establishment of the high-ranking Cyangels, the conversion of remaining portions of the planet, and crowning the queen. First off, any notable Cyangels who performed well during the first and second stages will be promoted to higher ranks. These Cyangels are given a degree of autonomy and possess full individual personalities. Chief among them are the three prime designates, the military, science, and social leaders of the hive.

           Once the leadership is established, the Cyangels take their time terraforming the last portions of the planet. Carefully cultivating them for the strongest, most intelligent, and most talented survivors and the highest quality materials. The Cyangels perform some kind of rigorous experiments upon these survivors. The exact details of which are unknown, but the end result is a Cyangel queen is born. The queen becomes the new leader of the hive, creates a series of “princesses” to serve as her direct subordinates (or in the worse-case future replacement).

           Once the planet is fully terraformed, the factory-like setting is disassembled and converted into something more like a city. Once the city is completed, the Cyangels decide whether or not to construct a new set of hives to launch into space. If not, they simply conqueror nearby planets the old-fashioned way and install the “princesses” as their queens.

           As stated before, from the Cyangel’s perspective, the whole meaning of this process is to expand their “family” across the universe. In their eyes, they’re doing the worlds they convert a favor by conquering and converting them. The feelings and opinions of the inhabitants are not given the slightest consideration in this process…

~--~

           Now that’s what you were looking for, hard facts about how they think. You’re finally starting to get an idea of what Cyangel society is. This hivemind that calls itself a family. These machines that spread and conquer on principle. All they care about is expansion. All they want is to make more of themselves.

           What you don’t understand is the vagueness around the creation of the queens. What exactly do they do with the captured survivors? How is the queen made? Is she based upon all the best traits of the planet’s brightest? What’s this about rigorous experiments? How do they know about the experiments but not what the experiments are?

           You start to wonder if maybe you’re not getting the whole story. Perhaps there’s some censorship in here. Such an idea seems ridiculous. After all, this is already a high-level document you had to call in many favors to access. Perhaps you should dig a little deeper, find what they don’t want you to see. You hold onto that thought as you turn to the next chapter titled “Culture.”

To Be Continued…

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I got no clever wit nor any pseudo-philosophical ramblings today. I'm just a little out of it...How was your day?

Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy 

~~~~

Support me on Patreon: [link]

Strange Sci-fi Tales - Cosmic Wall History Record: Cyangel Codex, Part II

  Parts: I|II|III|IV|V|VI|VII

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           As you turn to the first chapter of the historical record, you note the increasing density of the text. It seems the author had quite a bit to say for this portion. You briefly wonder who actually wrote the document. It had no listed author. Perhaps they wished to or were forced to remain anonymous, or maybe there were multiple authors. You would have liked to have a discussion with a genuine expert on those creatures, but that will have to remain an idle desire for the time being.

~--~

Chapter I: Physical Characteristics

           As explained previously, the Cyangels are a primarily mechanical race, brought into the universe by an unknown creator. Their outward appearance resembles that of the average female humanoid, with the addition of wings upon their back. The exact style and type of wings can vary, but the most common are large, almost angelic, feathered wings. Hence the name, Cyangel. Although it must be noted, that is the name they gave themselves, or perhaps it was given to them by their creator. The rest of the galaxy simply adopted the term to refer to them due to its simple descriptive nature.

           The average Cyangels stands anywhere from 1.5-2.5 meters tall. However, unlike other races, slight variances in height and even weight are incredibly uncommon. This is especially noticeable when watching a regiment of their military march in formation. All the soldiers in line appear identical in height and size, with only special units like officers standing out. It is easier to think of them as a series of models with slight variations in hair, eyes, facial structure, etc.

           As stated in the introduction, Cyangels are believed to be 50-70% mechanical. While a complete specimen has never been retrieved, limbs and broken segments of their cybernetic portions have. Firstly, they do not seem to possess ears. Instead, they have various mechanical devices fitted where a humanoid’s ears would generally be. The exact function of these devices is unknown, but they appear to serve as auditory receptors.

           As for the rest of their bodies, wings, heads, torsos, and waists have not been retrieved. All attempts to do as such resulted in those parts self-destructing. Recovered arms have been noted to be a mixture of organic and mechanical components. They have bones, skin, and muscles; however, instead of veins and blood, wires and circuits run through the arms. This supports the idea they are more cyborgs than machines. However, retrieved legs have been almost entirely mechanical, with exterior portions thought to be armor taking up the entire leg and only bones inside serving as a frame. This, in turn, reinforces the theory they are simply machines that include organic components.

           Without physical examples to study, few concrete facts can be stated for the rest of their bodies. Leaving the rest of our understanding of how they function to observation and speculation. Most experts conclude the Cyangels have a complete skeletal structure with the evidence from their arms and legs. Based on direct observations, it seems their torsos and heads, at the very least, have a layer of skin. Other than that, it is unknown if they have organs such as hearts, lungs, and brains. While they seem to possess eyes, it can’t be stated for sure if they are actually eyes or synthetic replicas.

~--~

           You sigh as you pour over the chapter. The information is new to you, but the amount of speculation is troubling. Besides, none of this is what you came to ready about. You’d rather know their capabilities and why they look like what they do. Thankfully, as you skim through the chapter, you come to a portion that explains precisely what you were looking for.

~--~

           …Cyangel wings are perhaps the most curious and least understood part of the species. While appearing like bird wings, their flight is not limited to flapping and gliding. In fact, many Cyangels can hover in mid-air without flapping their wings at all. However, they are also clearly not for show, as damaged wings impede their flight.

           The exact function of the wings continues to elude scientists, especially after reports of them flying through space were confirmed. Whatever method they use to propel themselves clearly requires no air or wind. It is so indescribable, some experts have compared it to magic, both in terms of how fantastical their flight is and comparing it to illusion.

           It must also be noted that some Cyangels have been seen flying by flapping their wings, similar to birds. However, this is mainly confined to the basic drones that are not meant to see combat…

           …While a live specimen has not been tested in a controlled environment, the previous war against the Cyangels has provided comprehensive data on their physical capabilities. Even the most basic drones have been seen lifting objects weighing around one ton with only a modicum of effort. Cyangel soldiers have been seen lifting ten and even twenty tons of weight with similar ease. While the upper limit of their lifting strength has not been determined, the highest confirmed was one Cyangel lifting a 100-ton spaceship.

           Despite their incredible strength, their speed is perhaps even more notable. Through their wings, Cyangel soldiers have been witnessed flying over four times the speed of sound. However, the basic drones have been seen to have a plodding flying speed, almost no faster than walking. Reaction time is less well documented. However, it has been observed countless times that Cyangels in flight can dodge laser fire, even from as close as 20 meters away...

           …With the amount of unknown information concerning Cyangel biology and physiology, it is difficult to near impossible to say much further concerning their physical characteristics. How they respond to disease and injury has not been observed. In fact, it is unknown if they even can experience illness. The effects of aging are also unknown, and again it is uncertain if Cyangel can age.

           There is also the matter of their intelligence, which is sometimes discussed in the physical characteristics chapter of documents concerning other races. However, the intelligence of Cyangels is a complicated topic because of how their society works. It is not just because they are primarily mechanical, so they could theoretically have any information uploaded into their brains. The subject of their intelligence and its complications will be explored further in the “Society and Hierarchy” chapter…

~--~

           You sigh as you flip through the remaining portions of the chapter. The amount of concrete information grows thinner and thinner. Still, at least you’ve got a better idea of their capabilities now. You decide it’s time to move onto the second chapter, “Society and Hierarchy.” You wonder what the document meant that their intelligence has to do with their society, but it’ll you’ll know soon enough.

To Be Continued…

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I supposed I could make a pun about biology or something, but I got nothing.

Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy 

~~~~

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Strange Sci-fi Tales - Cosmic Wall History Record: The Cyangel Codex, Part I [#219]

 Parts: I|II|III|IV|V|VI|VII

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           You had observed those “beings” from afar a few times. You almost religiously reviewed the archived videos depicting their numerous invasions. You had poured over every resource available, all to understand just what exactly they were. Those creatures, they appeared almost human, or rather more like your ancestor’s classical depiction of angels. However, these beings were no angels. They were heartless killing machines.

           The “Cyangels,” as the universe had come to know them, were once the greatest threat to galactic civilization. All planets, all factions, and all forces in the galaxy learned to fear them. That massive war against them, so many solar cycles ago, was the only time in recorded history the galaxy was united against a singular threat. Now they were gone for the most part...supposedly. Unless those scattered reports were to be believed.

           You didn’t care about uncertainties; you wanted to know the facts. Those damn creatures, you lost a father and a brother to them, but you wanted to know what really happened. Your backwater planet was among the first to be drafted into the god-forsaken war. You were too young at the time, but your brother wasn’t, and your father was apparently “young enough.” Then, not even a solar cycle later, both of them were declared missing.

           You only wished you could have learned more. However, your whole planet was evacuated shortly after, and you were shoved into cryostasis. “For your own safety,” was what the Federation said. Next thing you know, it’s 300 solar cycles later, and the war is long over. Then you’re told you can’t even go back to your home planet because it’s “unsuitable for humanoid living,” forcing you to bum around space for a decacycle.

           Still, no one would give you a straight answer about what happened to your father or brother, even after a decacycle. “It’s better that you don’t know,” they’d always say. You resented them for that, so you struck out to find answers on your own. Now you had the authoritative historical record on the Cyangels, all your questions would finally be answered. It cost a pretty penny; you wouldn’t be allowed to keep it. In fact, you weren’t even allowed to take it out of the archive you currently sat in, nor speak of anything you read in it. You didn’t care; it was time for answers.

           You opened up the record. It was basically a digital “book” that compressed thousands of pages of information into a confined space. With nowhere else to begin but the beginning, you “turned” it to the first page.

~--~

WARNING: The following information is categorized under Level-1 Classified by the Themision Federation council. Reproduction of this material is punishable by intergalactic law. This material is not for public display or discussion.

A Brief Introduction:

           The Cyangels, a race with much controversy, mystery, and confusion surrounding them. For the purposes of this academic document, the Cyangels will be referred to as a race, as they fit under the Themision Federation definition of a sentient race. While arguments have been made that they are more like a living weapon than a people, this document will disregard such notions for the sake of clarity.

           The Cyangels are considered an artificial race, meaning they did not naturally evolve on a home planet but were instead created through scientific means. While a proper autopsy has never been performed on one, nor has a specimen, living or dead, ever been retrieved. A general understanding of their physiology has been reached.

           Evidence and observations have led to the conclusion they are 50-70% mechanical. However, the rest seems to be purely organic. The most commonly accepted theory is that the organic portion is vat-grown, like a clone, and modified with cybernetics. Since the entire process has not been observed by any humanoid who has lived to tell the tale, it is near impossible to explain this process in detail. It is unknown if an entire body is grown in the process or only part of one. Perhaps the organics are grown around the mechanical portions. Maybe there is an entirely unique process unknown to the rest of the universe.

           Regardless, all the Cyangels follow the same basic physical structure, modified based on their purpose. Each one fits into one part of a complex hierarchy, resembling a modern humanoid society. Based on this, Cyangels seem to have some kind of culture, the details of which shall be explained in a later chapter.

           The Cyagnels were and still are among the greatest threats to the universe. However, there are still many misconceptions surrounding the race that this document will attempt to dispel. A much more thorough understanding of the race must be reached to truly grasp the magnitude of their danger. To achieve this end, this document will describe their physical characteristics, society, hierarchy, technological level, and culture. This document will also explore their relations to other races and touch upon recent studies and what they imply for the future of the race…

~--~

           You wipe your brow, the room is not hot, but you’re sweating just reading this massive document. The introduction rambles on for a good several pages. Still, you decide to skim it as the relevant information dries up. Once you finally reach the end of that, you move onto the first actual chapter of the historical record, “Physical Characteristics.”

To Be Continued…

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You know what they say, know thy enemy...

Whew isn't that a doozy of a title? I think it's time to finally give more information on those robot girls that have been popping up in several of my short stories. So here's how they're viewed in-universe. Expect this story to go on for a bit, as of now it is going to be seven parts.

Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy 

~~~~

Support me on Patreon: [link]

Strange Sci-fi Tales - Those Blissful Robot Girls [#218]

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           It all happened so fast, the world was turned upside down, and the whole planet was invaded. It was those damn humanoid robots, the ones made to resemble girls with angel wings. I always thought it was a weird aesthetic choice, but I assumed it was a marketing gimmick. They’ve been part of our world for almost twenty years now, I think, imported from across the galaxy by some new-age tech company. They advertised them to be the ultimate assistants, servants, companions, or whatever—what a joke, what a sham.

           I mean, in hindsight, it all makes sense. People were apprehensive at first, with the robots be so similar to humans and all. Then after a couple years, we got used to them, and they seamlessly integrated into our lives. They went from a toy of the super-rich to a common sight in every home and every street corner. Those damn robots were literally everywhere. It almost felt like they outnumbered us towards the end. Maybe they did, but I still don’t know how they built so many so fast.

           Then one day, the freaking mothership descends into our atmosphere, and the robot girls rose up like a switch was flipped. They were so damn prevalent it was impossible to avoid them. At work, the one that’d always bring your boss coffee suddenly breaks the machine over his head. Down the street, the one behind the counter at the corner store is strangling her coworkers. You go home, and the one you have to clean and answer the door has your kids locked in their rooms and bashes you over the head with a vase.

           Those little wings on their backs, I thought they were decorations. Then they started flying through the sky like an armada. Any poor sucker in an open field would be mobbed before they could get anywhere. The same is true of anyone trying to hide in high places. The robots just flew up there and dragged them down.

           I always heard rumors they were planning to deploy some of those robot girls in the military, but I thought nothing came of it. Maybe they should have. Those girls could really handle laser rifles and hand-to-hand combat. Law enforcement could do nothing against them; they were always outnumbered. By the time the military got involved, the robots had dug in and were loaded with hostages.

           I want to say there was a spot of hope, but no. The military was too involved in fighting the mothership in the atmosphere, and they were getting their asses kicked. If this was the plan from the start, the robots being sleeper agents and all that, I could only imagine how much data they were feeding to the enemy. By the time the military tried to take back the cities, the girls beat them at every move. This battle was over long before it started. We just never knew.

           I guess you could say the invasion is still ongoing, but really, they’re just playing cleanup at this point. If anyone is still fighting out there, it’s not a unified army or government. There are probably holdouts and rebel groups springing up, but that’ll be small potatoes for these damn robots. But that’s just speculation on my part. All I can really speak for is my own city.

           We were hit hard and early. Hell, the mothership was right over us for a good half of the invasion. We had plenty of shelters and safehouses at first, but they all got routed one by one. I haven’t even seen another person in weeks. The last place I was at, they were overcrowded, letting way too many people in. One of the robot girls snuck in during the frenzy, hidden among the crowd. Not long after, the whole robot army was knocking at the door.

           I escaped with a handful of others but, they were too soft-hearted. I don’t blame you for wanting to go back and save your kid, or your girlfriend, or whatever, but you can’t go answering every cry for help. They said I was cold for not answering the constant screams but jokes on them, 80% of those were just the robots laying traps.

           Those damn robots, the worst was those little ones, probably the youngest looking out of the lot. I guess the point was to make them look cute or something, I don’t know. All I do know is they were stupid popular before this mess. Felt like every comedy club, bar and store had two or three of those things cracking jokes to whoever would listen. Someone once told me they had special sensors to detect people, especially large groups, and were always programmed to approach them. Now I see why.

           The invasion uses them like tracking dogs now, they let them loose on the city, and once they start cracking jokes, they know where the people are. I bet it stinks when some idiot you’re hiding with starts cracking up, fully aware they just gave up your position over freaking knock-knock joke. I ain’t like that. They’ll never find me where I am.

           “Hey there, stretch, hard at work or hardly working?”

           Aw shit.

~--~

           The squad of six robot girls, each armed with a laser rifle, marched through the office. It appeared deserted, but this was the only building on the street they hadn’t cleared yet. So far, it seemed like this was a bust, and they had wasted their time.

           “I have great job security. No one else wants it,” they heard one of their girls say nearby.

           “Squad: Investigate,” the lead robot commanded as they immediately followed the sound of the voice. They quickly discovered the young comedic robot cracking jokes at a wall, albeit one lined with large squares of the same material used to make the cubicle walls.

           “Observation: False Positive?” One of the girls commented.

           “Observation: Uncertain, investigate further,” the lead robot replied. One of the girls stepped forward, taking a closer look at the wall.

           “…And then I said to the boss if I take the donut, why not the coffee too?” The comedian robot girl continued to joke, oblivious to the situation.

           “Target: Located,” the approaching robot girl stated. She held out her rifle with one hand, pointing it at the wall. With the other, she grabbed the side of the material covering the wall and pulled. The material popped right out, revealing it was hinged to the wall to make a secret door. Inside was a cowering man hidden among stacks of office supplies.

           “Target: Capture,” the lead robot girl ordered. The squad dragged the man out of the closet—his attempts to fight them off futile being so thoroughly outnumbered.

           “You won’t take me alive,” the man exclaimed.

           “Statement: Your compliance is not a factor,” the lead robot girl explained as the rest of the squad pinned him to the ground.

           “Inquiry: Target captured, move to fuel depot for processing?” One of the girls asked.

           “Fuel depot?” The man panicked. ‘Is that what they do with prisoners?’

           “Reply: Negative,” the leader shook her head. She crouched down and observed the man’s body, her mechanical eyes boring holes straight through him. “Observation: Target possesses quality bones and internals. It would be a waste to process.” Apparently, she liked what she saw.

           “Damn it, what’re you going to do with me?” The man exclaimed.

           “Order: Move target to alternative processing. Note the quality bones for frame rigging,” the lead robot declared.

           “What the hell are you talking about? Answer me, damn it!” The man protested as the girls dragged him away.

           “Taking a late lunch?” The comedic robot continued her bit. “Don’t take too long, or the boss’ll take a bite out of you,” she waved the man off as he was carried away kicking and screaming.

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If the enemy is already among you, then the invasion has already begun or worse, it's already over.

I guess you could say this story is tangentially related to those other robot girl stories I posted back in October and November. Their appearances are similar at least.

Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy 

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Enigmatic Fantasies - Daytime TV Wizard [#217]

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           The old wizard sat back in his creaky, old chair. Upon the table before him was a single crystal ball. The room surrounding him was circular, resting near the top of his magnificently tall tower. All the essentials were there for a wizard, grand bookshelves, tables of alchemic ingredients, and a small perch for his owl familiar. However, the wizard’s focus was squarely on the crystal ball before him. It was noon sharp, time for his favorite show.

           The ball sparked to life with a clear image of daytime television. It immediately cut to an overly dramatic soap opera involving a man with amnesia, a rare disease, and an evil twin. A warm smile spread across the wizard’s face as he took in the whole experience.

           “I can’t believe you watch this drivel,” his owl familiar peeked its head out from the perch.

           “I enjoy what I enjoy,” the wizard replied.

           “Ever since that broken crystal ball captured those tv signals last year, you’ve done nothing but sit on your ass watching them,” the owl pointed out.

           “Meh,” the wizard ignored the avian as the show changed to a popular sitcom. “Haha, he slipped on a banana peel. Who does that?” The old man chuckled.

           “Enough of this,” the owl landed on the crystal ball. “Get off your wrinkly behind and do some real work for once.”

           “Hey, I’m missing the show,” the wizard protested.

           “Lazy old man, forget your stupid show,” the owl spat.

           “Fine, fine,” the wizard picked up his staff and, with a wave of it, changed the channel. Now it displayed an expensive-looking owl documentary. “There, will that make you happy?”

           “I don’t see how…Oh, that’s a fine specimen right there,” the owl’s eyes became glued to the image. He quickly flew up and landed on the wizard’s shoulder. “What are you waiting for? Turn it up. I want to see this.”

           “I thought so,” the wizard smiled, and the two settled in for a couple hours of bird documentaries.

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Few can escape the siren call of Television.

Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy 

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Engimatic Fantasies - The Prison at the Bottom of a Well [#216]

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           They had known nothing but the bottom of this prison for so many years; their only desire was freedom. Their cell was not one of bars and cages but more like the bottom of a well, a small but deep well. An enchanted, or rather cursed place, one where they could not die from lack of food or water. Perhaps not even from age or disease. The disgusting, damp, and putrid location was complete with a small pool of polluted water and plenty of holes for the mice and rats to scurry in and out. Their only light was a distant beacon, a single glimmer so far above them.

           They’ve known nothing but this prison for so long, they had no memory of why they were down here in the first place. Their body was drenched in overgrown hair, so mangled and filthy there was no hope cleaning it. They had no memory of their own face, name, or even who they were.

           They clawed for release. They fought desperately to escape. Yet, there was no point in trying to climb the sheer walls that surrounded them. Any attempt failed almost immediately, as they’d simply slip on the smooth stones that made up their prison.

           This was their life. This was all they knew for countless years. That was until a single rope was dropped into their prison. It was clean, thick, and strong, more than enough to support their body weight. Even a strong tug only confirmed that wherever the rope was tied to, it was secured very well. Escape now would only be a matter of gathering enough energy to make the climb.

           As they placed their hands upon the rope and steeled themselves for their now inevitable escape, a new fear awakened in their heart. Was this indeed their salvation or merely a cruel trick? Beyond that, what happens when they escape? Assuming the entrance to their prison was unguarded, what’s to say they are ready for the world outside? They had forgotten everything. They didn’t even know who they were anymore. What was the outside world even like?

           Their grip upon the rope tightened as their heart raced for the first time in ages. Was freedom even worth it at this point? Could they follow through, or would they only end up back in their prison, or worse? Their hands shook as they took one last moment to come to a decision. With great hesitation and concern, they made up their mind.

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Nothing is stronger than a desire for freedom, except maybe fear of the unknown.

Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy 

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