Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 35

Chapter 35: A Robot’s Heart

            “Well, we did it. The hub’s deactivated and the failsafe didn’t activate…I think.”

            “You’re uncertain Jaina?”

            “Yes, ‘uncertain’ would be the right word Jaden. I doubt the failsafe triggering is obvious. Who knows? The failsafe may have triggered without us realizing.”

            “Have faith Jaina! You’re an engineer! There is nothing you can do wrong when dealing with machines.” Xiara exclaimed.

            “Um…thanks. Though, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, don’t you think?”

            “Jaina, I was an engineer before I joined the military. My superior kept telling me that my skills as an engineer were valuable to the military and that I can do much good even if I never fought in the front lines.”

            “I…see. Hmm, I never see things that way. I always thought that I am nothing but a waste of space who does nothing but repairs and upgrades.”

            “That’s precisely what makes you important to your crew. Do you see anyone else around who has such skills?”

            “Well…there’s you.”

            “Not counting me of course.”

            “Hmm…”

            “Have some self-confidence in what you have Jaina. A Snow Mannihilator Templar should be more than just a hero. They are also an icon, an inspiration.”

            “So you know of our Templar Order? You’re well-informed aren’t you?”

            “Hah! In case you forget, we aliens had a truce with your people and even traded at times. I once guarded a ship sending and fetching supplies between our home planets. I’ve met and befriended a few Snow Mannihilators. We are not so different from one another.”

            “Yeah…I guess we aren’t.”

            “I’m curious though Xiara. Have you ever fought in the front lines during a battle before we met?” Jaden asked.

            “Well, before I joined the military, I never fought in battle before as there was no war. When I became a young soldier during the First Alien Civil War, I was often assigned to repair duty and never given combat training but after defeating a group of enemies that attempted to ambush me, my officer decided to train me in combat.” Xiara explained as she unsheathed her spear and rubbed the blade. “He taught me well. Eventually, I began appearing on the front lines and as luck has it, I’m still alive after the war ended.”

            “How old are you exactly?” Jaina asked.

            “I’m twenty seven. I was thirteen when I first joined the military. It wasn’t too long ago that I became a commando of Femme Fatale.”

            “Damn. Why is everyone around me always older than I am? Well, except Kida.”

            “Hehe, don’t be jealous. You’d be surprised by how much you will miss your youth once you reach my age. Besides, we aliens have slightly longer lifespan than you humans. At least we have the privilege of keeping our body young longer than you humans.” Xiara replied.

            “Now that the hub is deactivated, I can now transfer the virus to my system. And do not worry Jaina. The failsafe did not trigger.” Vader said.

            “Told you.” Xiara said while nudging Jaina, who rubbed her shoulder while smiling at the alien.

            Vader approached the hub, which now had an opening due to Jaina and Xiara’s tampering. He stopped close to the opening and looked down on it. As Jaden watched him, she saw what appeared to be a cylindrical wire, grey in color and slowly ejecting out of a hole on Vader’s back. The wire extended out of the hole and reached the ground, almost resembling a tail of Vader’s. Vader then reached out and grabbed the wire. He inserted it into one of the sockets on the opening and remained still.

            Several beeps were heard and sparks flew out of his chassis. Considering the number of times sparks were seen jumping out of Vader, Jaden began to think that Vader’s age was catching up to him, yet he still seemed completely functional. Jaden then discarded the thought as she knew that Vader was a capable VX Synthetic and as old as he may be, he was still kicking. Heck, if Rex was still functional, so would Vader.

            Minutes later, the wire disconnected itself from the socket and the wire retracted back into the hole in Vader’s back. He turned back to Jaden and approached her while saying, “It is done. The virus is stored within my core. Jaina, Xiara, we need both of you to protect us while we modify the virus.”

            “What? You sure? You don’t need our help?” Xiara asked.

            “Yes. I’m sure. Now, I suggest you two patrol the whole camp. Some of my brethren may notice the virus source being cut off from them and this may trigger the virus to reprogram their codes. They may come at any time.”

            “Why can’t me or Xiara be the one doing the modifying? Jaden’s a better fighter than us.” Jaina protested.

            “Only an organic I can trust can do the modification.”

            “So you don’t trust me Vader?” Jaina retorted.

            “I do, but not as much as Jaden.”

            “Jaina, it’s alright. I can handle this. You and Xiara are more than capable of defending us, I’m sure.” Jaden said, attempting to reassure Jaina.

            “Fine. I have a bad feeling about this but I guess we don’t have a choice.” Jaina replied.

            “Come on! We got a base to defend.” Xiara said while pulling Jaina away by the arm.

            As the duo moved out into the distance, Vader told Jaden, “Now that they’re out of sight, we can begin.”

            “Will there really be VX Synthetics coming to try and stop us?” Jaden asked.

            “No.”

            “You lied to them?” Jaden questioned.

            “No. I was uncertain and it is best that they keep watch. After all, they do not need to know about what we’re about to do to the virus.”

            “You just lied to them. Don’t deny it.”

            “We have pressing matters to attend to Jaden.”

            “Heh, whatever. That doesn’t change the fact that you lied. So, I should meditate now, am I right?”

            “Yes. Do it now Jaden.”

            Jaden nodded before closing her eyes and easing the rest of the senses. Her body went cold as her body calmed down with such intensity. The blowing wind and the scorching heat of the nearby sun upon her skin faded away, along with the ground she was standing upon. All sound she heard went silent and moments later, she heard an echoing familiar voice spoke to her.

            “Jaden Highland. You may start up your systems.”

            She opened her eyes and found herself in a black world. She looked around for a while, realizing that the world she entered was similar to her own mind the last time she meditated. She wandered for a moment before telling herself, “I must have entered my own mind.”

            “No Jaden. Your consciousness is now in my core.” the voice replied, revealing himself to be Vader.

            “What? But, this place seemed so similar to my own mind.”

            “My core is not too different from any of your organs. Understand that this core is created to stimulate an organic brain.”

            “Alright. So, what now?”

            “In order for me to use you as a base for our new programming, I need you to answer a few questions that I will direct at you. Your answer will help me determine the modifications that I must do to the codes. I will also show you several videos of my memories stored within me, which is what the questions will be based on.”

            “Ok. I got you. Let’s get started.”

            Suddenly, a huge screen appeared from out of nowhere in front of Jaden. The screen went static for a few seconds before revealing the video. A sense of déjà vu struck her as she remembered her own Magical Energies showing a similar screen to her back when she meditated the second time. The screen displayed her memories and she knew well enough that the screen will project Vader’s own memories.

            The screen displayed a scene within an urbanized city high on the rooftops, which Jaden immediately recognized as one of the tall buildings in Qurrentine. Furthermore, the building which Vader was standing on was the same building which was right in front of her house. Vader was looking down upon a very young Lucas and Markus, the former cradling a kitten. Lucas was petting the cat gently on its head while Markus watched. Everything seemed peaceful for a time.

            “Come on Lucas! You’ve been playing with that cat for ours! Now it’s my turn!” Markus exclaimed.

            “Naw aw! This cat loves me. This cat is mine now!” Lucas replied while pulling the cat back.

            “Not fair! I want to hold that cat!” Markus shouted.

            “Why don’t you try and take it from me?” Lucas said. He then stuck out his tongue, taunting his triplet brother. Infuriated, Markus charged at Lucas and grabbed him by his collar. The kitten, surprised by the sudden attack, jumped out of Lucas’s arm and ran away.

            “Now look at what you did! That cat ran away!” Lucas cried out.

            “How is that my fault? You’re not even holding the cat properly!” Markus retorted.

            “Why you little…” Lucas said before pulling back a fist, preparing to punch Markus. Before he had the chance, a young female voice shouted, “Lucas! Markus! What you are two doing?”

            A little girl, dressed in a purple singlet, blue jeans and wearing a black blindfold across her eyes, walked out of the nearby hut and stopped before the duo. Jaden quickly recognized the girl to be herself when she was younger. She then remembered the event fully. What amazed her, however, was her obliviousness to Vader’s presence at that time.

            “Lucas was playing with a cat for hours and he never let me play with it.” Markus complained. “Then, the cat ran away! This is his fault!”

            “Hey! You scared the cat away! That is your fault!” Lucas retaliated.

            “No it isn’t!”

            “Guys, do you two really want to fight over a cat? Do you even have any idea how stupid this is?” Jaden said.

            “What do you mean?” Lucas asked.

            “You two really want to tear each other apart to see who gets to play with a cat? Aren’t both your lives better spent on something else? Like training? Raydon and Dementius have been waiting for you two.”

            “Oh crap! I forgot about my training!” Lucas exclaimed. He shoved Markus away, freeing his collar from Markus’s grasp, and ran into the hut in search for his master, Raydon.

            “Oh damn. I also forgot about mine. Sorry sis and thanks.”

            “Just don’t fight over something so small again please? It is already bad enough that you gave Lucas a black eye over a pencil.”

            Markus nodded before he walked back into the hut. The video then paused and Jaden waited for Vader to deliver his question.

            “You broke up a fight between your brothers. Though petty the thing they were fighting for, they were fighting for their rights nonetheless. Explain why you wish to break up the fight.” Vader asked.

            “Vader, they’re fighting over a cat. I think their energies were better spent on their training rather than tearing each other apart.”

            “However, Markus’s right to play with the cat was violated. He demanded fair treatment and Lucas ignored his pleas. Isn’t it alright for him to fight Lucas to see whether or not he was allowed to play with the cat?”

            “Perhaps it is alright but really, think about this Vader. Imagine that you fought with your fellow VX Synthetic over a core. Does it seem right to you?”

            “We VX Synthetics are forbidden from challenging each other.”

            “Alright. Assume that you are allowed to. What would you do?”

            “I would reach a compromise with the VX Synthetic. One possible solution would be to allow one to have the core while the other wait for a new one to be developed.”

            “Exactly Vader. Better that you two reach a compromise rather than fighting over it. It saves time and prevents unwanted casualties.”

            “Jaden Highland…has a point.”

            “I was trying to reach a compromise between the two and since they are so stubborn, I make them stop the fight by reminding them of their training sessions.”

            “We have far lesser understanding of human conscience and freewill as we may have suspected. Very well, let us move on to the next memory.”

            The screen then switched to another scene, this time from on top of a different building. The scene was still in Qurrentine and in view of a market place which Jaden used to frequent when she was younger.

            In the scene, teens Markus and Lucas were both holding on to another slightly bigger boy by the arms, restraining him as he struggles. A teen Jaden stood in front of the boy, looking down at him. At the corner of the screen was Dementius, who was leaning on a wall with his arms crossed, watching the incident. Markus punched the boy several times in an attempt to cease his struggles. Though persistent, the boy eventually gave in.

            “Francis.” Jaden muttered out as she watched the scene. “I remember that boy. He used to bully me all the time whenever we met in the market. He used to physically assault me while shouting out names like ‘blind slut’ or ‘fat mole’.”

            “Come on Jaden. Do it! You’ve been hiding in our house for far too long. It is time to show this son of a bitch that you’re no pushover.” Markus told the young Jaden.

            “Yeah. Time for sweet revenge!” Lucas added.

            Jaden remained silent. She looked at both her brothers before looking down on Francis. He looked up at his former victim, blood flowing down from his mouth, and told her, “Well? What are you waiting for?” Jaden then shook her head and shrugged.

            “Nothing. I was waiting for nothing.” she replied.

            “What? What do you mean?” Markus asked.

            “Guys, let Francis go.” Jaden requested.

            “Say what now? Let him go? After all he did to you?” Lucas retorted.

            “Just let him go. Please.” Jaden persisted.

            The two brothers looked at each other before freeing the battered Francis. The boy stood up and limped out of the area. He walked by Jaden and whispered, “Thanks.” before disappearing from Jaden’s sight. Dementius, who was still watching from the corner, smiled at the outcome. The screen then paused.

            “You deny yourself the chance to exact vengeance and justice upon the human who has hounded you for years and left you with a mild case of agoraphobia. Explain.”

            “There is no justice in revenge Vader. The only thing that revenge can do is to cause more pain than is already done. It also turns you into what you otherwise hated. If I attack and verbally abuse Francis, won’t I become like him? A bully?”

            “Yet Francis has done you harm. It would be unwise to let him go, lest he comes back to hurt you even more.”

            “Then let him. He’s the one at wrong, not me. I would rather die by suicide rather than die knowing that I ruined the life of a fellow human. My mother told me that revenge was what turned Dark Viper into the monster he is right now. I do not want to become like him.”

            “I see…Jaden Highland…mind if I ask you something else? If you are the leader of the humans and the elves have assaulted your people, would you retaliate?”

            “If there are deaths, I would demand from them an excuse why they would do such a horrible act. If their excuse is unacceptable, then they must be punished. If war is the best punishment, so be it. If there are no deaths, I would ask for a reason and see to it that they do not do it again. If they still continue their crimes, then they left me no choice. War it is.”

            “That is a stark contrast to your previous answer Jaden.”

            “The former answer is more of a personal basis. The latter involves a lot of people. If I ever become a leader, my people come first before my own personal beliefs.”

            “Alright. Very well Jaden. Now, let us move on to the next one. This may be the last one.”

            “Huh? Just three questions?”

            “Yes. Just three questions.”

            The screen then switched scenes. The next scene was of a decaying street in Qurrentine which seemed familiar to Jaden. A man was lying on a pool of his own blood on the street with a large wound on his abdomen. Standing next to him was a young blindfolded girl, holding a bloody knife on her hand. Accompanying her was the Warrior, Raydon. In an instant, Jaden recognized the scene and traumatizing memories returned to her.

            Flashes of the memories flew into her mind, showing the bloody knife she held and her hand motion as she stabbed the man right into his stomach. She stood and watched with intense horror as the man fall to the ground. She remembered what she said at that time and her lips slowly formed the words out of familiarity, “I’m sorry!” She remembered Raydon pulling her back and taking several blows for her from angry passersby, who assumed the man was murdered for no reason at all. Finally, she recalled the battered Warrior using his last ounce of strength to pick her up and bring her home as she was too shocked to move.

            That moment was the first time she ever killed another human being.

            “Throughout the time I spent observing you, this moment was the first time you ever killed a fellow human. Explain what happened.”

            “I was…um…nine years old when it happened. Everything happened…very suddenly.” Jaden managed, struggling to speak. “Raydon wanted to…to…to take me to the nearby store to buy me sweet due to…good conduct during…training. This human robber came up to us…with a knife and threatened to kill us…if we don’t surrender our valuables. Raydon fought back but without his greatsword…he was defeated. He tried to stab Raydon…but I stopped him. I made him drop the knife, I picked it up and I…stabbed him. I…killed him.”

            “My scanners indicate that you were traumatized mentally by this incident. How have you managed to kill so many cultists without succumbing like this?”

            “I guess you can say that I overcome the trauma but I still can’t get it out of my head. I did hear Raydon and Dementius talking about the incident. Dementius said that murder always does something to a person the first time, then you get used to it.”

            “I’m afraid I do not understand Dementius’s words.”

            “Then let me explain. When I killed that man, I felt guilty. True, he tried to kill me and Raydon but, how would you feel being responsible for killing a member of your own race?”

            Vader remained silent and did not respond to Jaden. Realizing that he may have recalled destroying the VX Synthetic in their previous battle, Jaden asked, “That VX Synthetic…that was the first time you ever destroyed a fellow VX Synthetic, wasn’t it?”

            Vader remained quiet for a few seconds before replying, “Yes. Indeed, that was my first time.”

            “Do you feel guilt then?”

            “I do not know why my body and my systems were in shock when it happened…”

            “Vader, if you want my input on the situation, I believe that murder, no matter who or what, is always wrong. Even if I murdered in self-defense, I took away a life.”

            “Do your principles apply to non-humans?”

            “Of course! They’re still living things…or sentient in the case of your people. Killing is immoral, no matter who the victim is.”

            “But why do you still kill a fellow human if you deemed it the wrong thing to do?”

            “Because I have no choice. Either Raydon and I die or he dies. One thing I learned is that life is cruel. It makes you do things that you would otherwise never do in the name of survival. Killing a fellow human, or even a member of another race, is wrong, even in self-defense, but I would be a fool to let myself get killed. So, I had to kill him.”

            Vader went silent again for a few seconds. He then muttered out, “Very well Jaden. I see your point. You may now start up your systems again.”

            Thinking that he allowed her to awaken, she closed her eyes and ceased her meditation. She then opened heavy-laden eyes and found herself back on Asimo’s surface, within the VX Synthetic settlement. Her head felt heavy and her sight was blurry, still recovering from not only the meditation but also from the traumas that came from all recalling of bad memories.

            “The results of the questioning were…not what this unit has expected.” Vader said as he approached a dazed Jaden. “This unit aimed to collect data from Jaden Highland’s explanation that would introduce sentience, sapience and self-awareness to my people. However, majority of our data was based on Jaden’s sense of morality instead. I do not know if this would benefit my people.”

            “Maybe not but has it benefitted you?” Jaden asked while squeezing her forehead in an attempt to massage it.

            “It did. I can see now that you and I are not too different. My people and I always viewed your kind as reckless, unrelenting and warmongering based on the actions of the ones that came before you. But you, you’re nothing like them. And here I thought every human would be alike, like how my people are entirely the same model.”

            “Our personalities, attitudes, experiences and perspectives are what differentiate us from one another. You may not realize this Vader but since you spend much of your time with us, your experiences makes you somewhat different from your peers.” Jaden replied. “And besides, you can’t judge an entire race based on the actions of a few notable humans.”

            “You are far wiser and knowledgeable than most humans I have met, especially Reed.”

            “Tch, please Vader. I’m still young and I have much to learn. So, will the data help?”

            “I have changed my thoughts. My people may be able to learn much from all the data I gathered from your answers. I can see now that unlike us, you’re not driven by codes, where everything is set. Rather, your kind has the freewill to decide what is right and wrong in your mind and the ability to change that perspective. With this data, we shall have a new perspective over what is right and wrong and we shall have a new form of decision-making.”

            “I’m glad to be of help then. I’m especially glad that your people may become more empathetic with this data.” Jaden said while sighing with relief.

            “Not bad.” a male voice sounded with an echo. The voice startled Jaden, causing her to recoil while Vader remained still. Jaden unsheathed her katana and enchanted it with Dark Energies, prepared for anything that was to come.

            “A pity. The VX Synthetics would have been valuable allies of Iblisan. Regardless, once I destroy you robot, nothing can stop the virus from turning your people into my own personal army.” the voice added. Jaden found the voice hauntingly familiar and she can almost guess the person’s identity.

            Suddenly, dark, shadowy energies descended from the sky and swarmed onto the ground not far from Jaden and Vader. The energies began to form a humanoid shape and eventually materialize from bottom to top. As his physical body appeared, he spoke, “After all, the virus modification is still within you and until the hub is reactivated, you hold the key to your people’s freedom.”

            “Dark Viper.” Jaden muttered out as the man was fully revealed. The Energy Bladesman had his katana sheathed while his arms were crossed.

            “A pleasure to see you again Jaden.”

            “What the hell are you doing here?”

            “Isn’t it obvious? I created the virus. I wanted to make sure that the virus is able to do as it is made to do.”

            “You have the ability to create a virus?” Vader asked.

            “Of course. Why? You think that a person such as myself are uneducated. You better remember who your master is, Vader.”

            “Vader?” Jaden asked. “He knows you.”

            Vader turned to Jaden and replied, “Yes. However, he is not my master.”

            “No matter. You hold the modification that would undo my work here.” Dark Viper said as he unsheathed his katana and enchanted it with Dark Energies. “I have no intentions of letting you succeed.”

            Realizing that a fight is inevitable, Jaden spoke out to Jaina through telepathy, “Jaina, I need you to come back to us. Viper’s here.”

            “What? Xiara and I are on our way.” Jaina replied in her thoughts, not realizing that Jaden could not hear her.

            “So, shall we begin?” Viper asked as he taunted Jaden with a gesture in an attempt to make her strike first.

            “Ladies first!” Jaden replied.

Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 34

Chapter 34: The Synthetic Wizard

            Jaden walked through the VX Synthetic settlement, following Vader who was leading the party to his leader, Rex. Unlike most organic settlements, the place lacked any homes. All of the structures seen there were hubs, gun emplacements, radio towers or something unfamiliar to Jaden. No walls surrounded the area and the VX Synthetics were docile for the time being. Some were connected to the hubs, seemingly charging themselves as those units were limp and not moving. Rather hauntingly, the sirens and the VX Synthetics were not too different to Jaden’s blindfolded eyes.

            The VX Synthetic seemed to favor the color white as most of their units had a white coloring, along with most of their structures. This contrasted Vader, who had an overall black coloring. They stared as Jaden and party walk passed them, either curious or suspicious. Whether it was the former or the latter was unknown to Jaden, though Vader claimed that they were merely scanning and analyzing the party. This made Jaden’s shoulder went cold, uncomfortable with the sharp stares from the glowing flashlight eyes of the robots.

            Jaina, however, was fascinated. A beaming smile never left her face ever since she set foot onto the settlement grounds. Being in a settlement built entirely by intelligent AI provided a chance for her to study the robots and due to her interest with intelligent machines such as the VX Synthetic, it was like a dream come true. Regardless, she knew well enough that the synthetics were suspicious of their arrival and she limited her curiosity to mere prodding.

            Just like Jaina, Xiara was very gleeful to be in the settlement. She waved at nearby VX Synthetics and even made gestures like a thumbs up. However, most of the robots reacted by raising their rifles or glaring at her with their flashlight eyes. They seemed very hostile to Xiara, not welcoming her gestures and staring at her. Xiara, however, maintained her joyful nature and ignored all the threats.

            Vader eventually led the group to a large metallic hut, by far the only structure that can be entered. He opened the metal doors and walked in, inviting Jaden and her party in. Inside, the hut was mostly empty and the only thing inside was a VX Synthetic, possessing a unique imperial purple coloring not too different from Salvager purple. Furthermore, the unit was dressed in Wizard robes, complete with a Wizard hat and it was sitting down on the floor with its legs crossed and its arms rested on its knees. It sat there unflinching, either unaware or ignoring the party’s arrival. Jaden guessed the unit’s identity and her suspicions were confirmed.

            “HEX-99. VX-95 has returned.” Vader muttered.

            Rex’s head looked up to Vader, his red flashlight eyes lighting up.

            “VX-95.You have returned. And who are these organics with you?” Rex queried.

            “They are my allies. In my reports, I mentioned Jaden Highland. This human is Jaden.” Vader answered while pointing at Jaden.

            Rex turned his attention to Jaden, staring at her with his glowing eyes. The brightness blinded Jaden for a while, giving her a taste of what people experience when they see her without her blindfold.

            “I see. Interesting.” Rex said. “I expected someone shorter. You’re unusually tall for a female human. This makes Vader’s reports of your latest exploits much more believable. And that blindfold…ah…Magical Overflow. My scanners detect a huge amount of Magical Energies within you and I sense that your Energy level is extremely high. Odd. You seem to be in control of your senses and your thoughts. Your Magical Energies made no attempts to take control of your body.”

            Jaden listened with awe, speechless at his ability to analyze her using both his functionalities and his own Magical Energies. Furthermore, unlike Vader and any other VX Synthetics, there was more emotion in Rex’s voice. While the others were monotonous, Rex’s manner of speaking was more varied. She could not help but think of him as being more human than synthetic.

            “Wow. You’re really a marvel Rex!” Jaina exclaimed with glee.

            “Am I? It has been a while since an organic praised us VX Synthetics. And that nickname…I never heard anyone call me Rex for many years.” the synthetic replied. “May I know why are you all here?”

            “Well, King Zian wanted me to assist you VX Synthetics with…” Xiara answered but was cut off when Rex interrupted her, “I wasn’t talking to you. I know why you’re here and I do not believe you. You aliens are far too curious and friendly. The Salvagers were like that when we were under their rule and then they enslaved us.”

            “HEX-99, she speaks the truth.” Vader said, supporting Xiara. “There is a virus amongst our people. I detected it when the virus attempted to enter my systems. It was designed to override our programming. My anti-virus software was able to repel them. Alas, my virus detectors and scanners indicate that most of our people are already infected. According to their current behaviors, the change to their programming has not yet triggered.”

            “I see. Curious that I was never attacked by the virus. I guess my emotion core keeps me from getting infected.” Rex said. “Is this why you return, even though I never ordered you to?”

            “Yes. This is far too urgent to ignore and the situation is critical.” Vader replied. “Jaden Highland and her associates, the human Jaina and the alien Xiara offered to assist us in tracking the source of the virus, which according to my scanners is on Asimo’s surface.”

            “Very well. I will remain here and keep watch over all VX Synthetics on this planet. Track down the source and eliminate it.” Rex ordered.

            “Yes.” Vader acknowledged before turning around and exiting the hut.

            “Um…Rex? I have a question if I may.” Jaden asked as Vader left the hut. “Vader claimed to be on a mission in which he is supposed to keep me safe. He mentioned a master. Was it you?”

            “No. If he was referring to me, he would call me ‘host’. If he calls someone a ‘master’, it is a human master, like when we were enslaved many years ago.” Rex answered. “Now that is curious. He never mentioned that he found a new human master. Why did he not inform me? Or perhaps…you’re his human master.”

            “What? No! He found me and claimed that he’s there to fulfill a mission, which is to protect me. I would never enslave another, even an intelligent machine.” Jaden retorted.

            “I see. You’re not lying, I can tell. Perhaps I should ask Vader directly if he has indeed found a human master who had no ill intentions planned for him. I trust his judgments.” Rex said. “Now, let us focus on the matter at hand. If you have anymore questions, save it for later.”

            Jaden nodded, agreeing with him, before leaving the hut with her party while Vader was waiting for them outside.

            “Jaden, Xiara, Jaina, I was able to detect a massive energy reading coming from the south.” Vader said upon seeing them. “It is from a corrupted communication hub within a ridge where several of my people are patrolling. The energy source is foreign and it is highly plausible that it is the source of the virus.”

            “So we just go there and destroy it then?” Jaden asked.

            “No. Our communication hubs have a failsafe component that will trigger upon being tampered with or terminated. It will transfer all data to another nearby hub, bringing the virus along with it. A better solution would be to destroy or modify the virus source within the hub.”

            “Modify?” Xiara asked. “You’re not trying to upgrade your people are you?”

            “It is an opportunity that I believe should be exploited. If I can modify the virus to enable my people to be improved, it will bring us closer to our ultimate goal.” Vader replied.

            “As much as I am interested in the VX Synthetics, I don’t really like the idea of them being more powerful than they already are.” Xiara said to Jaden. “They are so small in numbers, yet they decimated entire Salvager armies. If upgraded, they could do more damage.”

            “I’m afraid I’ll have to agree with Xiara.” Jaina added. “We do not understand machines just as much as they do not understand us…well…except for Rex. We may not know when they might decide to attack us with their upgrades.”

            “Both of your outputs are reasonable and should be considered.” Vader said.

            “Should be considered?” Jaden retorted. “Are you actually saying that such a day may come? That Rex may actually attempt to destroy us?”

            “It is a possibility, is it not? He harbors a lot of hatred for your people.” Vader answered. “Regardless, as you lead us, I will leave it to you to choose. Will you allow me to modify the virus or do you wish to destroy it and leave us untouched?”

            Jaden rubbed her chin while cracking her brain for an answer. She thought hard about the benefits and consequences of both sides. She stared at Jaina and Xiara, thinking about what the VX Synthetics may possibly do should they be upgraded, including attacking the humans. The robots may prove to be a huge threat and all fingers will be pointed at her for allowing Vader to upgrade his people. She was beginning to think that destroying the virus would ensure that the synthetics would not try anything.

            However, she then turned to Vader and began thinking about the benefits of helping Vader. If the VX Synthetics are upgraded, she may be able to get on Rex’s good side and if he helps Jaden in the war, his upgraded VX Synthetics would make formidable allies. She would also have repaid any debt that she owed Vader in the past. After all, though robots, they are a people too and if she was in Vader’s shoe, she would want to upgrade her people. She then made her decision.

            “Vader, I trust you. I trust that you know that the modified virus would be put to good use. I will allow you to modify the virus if you promise me that the upgrade will not be used against my people and our allies.” Jaden demanded.

            “This unit acknowledges the promise. This unit thanks Jaden.” Vader replied.

            “Well, I really hope you know what you’re doing Jaden. Still, you are the leader. I will agree with whatever you decide.” Xiara said, showing her deferment to Jaden’s decision.

            “I can bring us to the hub. Follow me.” Vader said before walking away. Jaden and her party followed him as he walked out into the red wasteland and towards the hub he mentioned. The heat convinced Jaden that the trip may be exhausting but nonetheless, her resolve to assist her friend kept her focused.

            Minutes flew, yet the hub was still nowhere in sight. The party trudged through a flat and open wasteland, surrounded by a depressing sea of red and brown. The scorching heat brought out sweat and Jaden’s movement began to slow down.

            “How the hell did your people survive out here? I don’t think heat and machines mix well.” Jaina asked.

            “The planet is not always this hot.” Vader answered. “When night arrives, this planet cools down intensely, allowing our overheated hardware to cool down. In addition, fans installed within ensures that our hardware do not overheat to the point of critical damage.”

            “You’re all very conveniently equipped. Makes me wish that I have what you have.” Xiara commented.

            “Our creator is one of the most renowned scientists amongst humans. She understands our needs well enough before she even created us.” Vader answered.

            “Yeah I know of your creator, Lisa. A sad end to a great human.” Xiara replied.

            “Xiara, you have a personal interest in my people…do you not?” Vader asked out of the blue.

            “Um…what makes you say that?” she asked.

            “I’ve checked the visitor logs. You’ve been trying to get into our settlements many times for the past few years for unstated reasons. It is only today that you finally succeeded.” Vader answered.

            “That explains why the VX Synthetics seem very mistrustful of you.” Jaden added. “I mean, sure they don’t trust me or Jaina but they seem a bit more hostile towards you, especially Rex.”

            “Well…um…yeah I guess I do have a personal interest in the VX Synthetics in a sense.” Xiara answered.

            “Explain.” Vader requested.

            Xiara shrugged while heaving a heavy sigh before complying, “Alright…I’m actually looking for one VX Synthetic in particular. I met him several years ago and I kind of owe him something.”

            “What do you owe?” Jaden asked.

            “You see this spear on my back?” She pointed at the spear sheathed on her back. “The VX Synthetic gave it to me as a weapon to defend myself. It was his and I want to return it.”

            “My scanners indicate that the spear design is indeed VX Synthetic. That would explain its familiar appearance. What is the VX Synthetic’s ID?” Vader requested.

            “I…don’t know. He never told me his name. I was hoping to actually find him within one of your settlements. That was why I was waving around when we got in. If he’s there, he would probably recognize me.” Xiara replied.

            “Without the ID, I cannot identify the VX Synthetic for you.” Vader said.

            “I know. I really hate to be keeping something that rightfully belongs to him. But…never mind. For now, I’m here to deal with your virus problems. My own problems can be solved later.” Xiara told him.

            “Hehe you remind me of my time as a child.” Jaina said while giggling.

            “How so?” Xiara asked.

            “Because of how my people view humans born without Magical Energies, I was treated like a saint. People would give me stuff for free, even though I don’t need them, and when I want to return them, I can’t find the original owner because I don’t know where they live.” Jaina explained.

            “What did you do with the stuff if you cannot return them then?”

            “I’ll keep it and try to use it if I could. Those that I have no use of will be sold or given out. Chances are, the owners may not actually want the item back.”

            “Hmm…what do you propose I do with the spear if I cannot find the VX Synthetic?”

            “Well, I do not know why he gave it to you since you never told us but I would keep it. That spear looks pristine and you’d probably need it once Iblisan’s army begins to attack.”

            “Perhaps I should. He’d probably want me to hold on to it.”

            After several more minutes of marching through the wasteland, Jaden spotted what appeared to be another VX Synthetic settlement in the distance, though the sight was distorted by heat waves. Vader’s words confirmed that they are not far from the corrupted hub, “We are approaching the hub. Stay close to me and the guards would not shoot you.”

            As they neared the settlement, the party noticed that there far lesser VX Synthetics there than the previous settlement they were. Jaden speculated that the settlement, being smaller, required lesser personnel and the settlement before was home to their leader, Rex, hence why more VX Synthetics were needed. Vader eventually came to halt when he approached one of the guards, who turned and looked at Vader.

            “These organics are my allies. Let us pass.” Vader requested.

            “Acknowledged.” the guard said before moving away and letting Vader pass with the rest of the party following behind him.

            Jaden and her party walked through the settlement, once again met with suspicious glares by the VX Synthetics. The settlement was not too different from Rex’s and the robots there immediately ceased all of their activities upon seeing the party.

            When the egg shaped communication hub was in sight, Vader went straight for it while the rest of the party followed. He approached the metallic structure and placed a hand on it. He rubbed the surface of the hub before muttering out, “This is the source.”

            Jaden, Jaina and Xiara merely stood and observe the hub. The hub was silver and about twice of Jaden’s height.

            “What does a communication hub do exactly?” Jaina asked.

            “A communication hub is a machine created as a central point of communication for my people.” Vader answered. “Every settlement has a hub built at the centre and it is fortified by steel armor for protection during outside attacks. All VX Synthetics within the vicinity are remotely connected to the hub and can communicate to other nearby VX Synthetic or to other settlements through a hub such as this.”

            “Ah, I’m beginning to see why a communication hub would be a good place to spread a virus.” Jaina said. “The virus can spread easily to all VX Synthetics through just one hub.”

            “Hmm, I wonder how a virus can get into the hub in the first place. If this structure is important, how could a virus infiltrate it? Shouldn’t it have defenses against viruses?” Xiara pointed out.

            “All hubs are protected by anti-virus. It is possible that the anti-virus software malfunctioned or was disabled. My scanners indicate that this hub was not physically touched by anyone aside from my hand for the past ten years. It has not been altered physically.” Vader explained.

            “Step away from the hub VX-95.” a robotic voice said coming from behind the party. Jaden and the party turned and see all the VX Synthetics in the vicinity, aiming their rifles at the party and coming in close.

            “Jaden, these VX Synthetics are already corrupted by the virus. They cannot be saved.” Vader muttered out.

            “So, what? We just destroy them?” Jaden asked.

            “We don’t have a choice anymore.” Vader answered.

            Complying, Jaden unsheathed her katana and rushed in to strike. The VX Synthetics responded by firing, forcing Vader and Jaina to run for cover while Xiara rolled out of the way. Jaden, using her Magical Energies, deflected all the shots while advancing on them. Jaina returned fire while hiding behind the hub for cover. Xiara took out her spear and began attacking VX Synthetics close to her.

            Once within her proximity, Jaden cut down a nearby VX Synthetic, destroying it and releasing white blood-like liquid from the cuts. The sight distracted her for a moment as she did not know that such a liquid was hidden underneath the metallic hide. She then turned her attention to other VX Synthetics shooting at her and proceeded on to destroy them. Amidst the chaos, she spotted Vader, who was hiding behind the hub. He never attempted to shoot and when Jaden shouted out for him, he did not respond.

            Jaden then felt a painful thud on her back, forcing her onto the ground. She turned around to see a VX Synthetic aiming his rifle at her and prepared to execute her. As he opened fire, Jaden brought up her katana and deflected all his shots. Still, she knew her position placed her in a dangerous situation and she could not deflect all of his shots forever unless he was forced to reload.

            Suddenly, the VX Synthetic’s head bursts in a spew of white liquid. Its arms went limp and it fell onto its knees. Jaden rolled out of the way as it toppled onto where she once laid. She stared at the now destroy robot before looking at Vader, who was aiming his rifle and remaining still. With smoke coming emitting from the barrel of his rifle, it became clear that he was the one who made the shot that saved Jaden. By then, Xiara and Jaina had destroyed the remaining VX Synthetics.

            The battle was over.

            Jaden stood up and approached Vader, who had not moved since he made the shot. Sparks flew out of his chassis and his flashlight eyes were blinking. A sense of worry surged through her body as she somehow knew that Vader felt guilty for making the shot. It explained why Vader refused to participate in the fight. He was trying not to destroy any of his own people.

            “Vader, you alright?” Jaden asked as she placed a warm hand onto his cold shoulder. Vader lowered his rifle slowly, not responding to Jaden but showing a reaction by the least. Jaina and Xiara approached the duo, watching and remaining quiet.

            “I…destroyed him. My…programming clearly states that…I should be protecting them.” Vader said, showing a noticeable change in tone in his voice. His flashlight eyes ceased its blinking and sparks no longer flew out of his body.

            “You destroyed him to protect me.” Jaden replied. “You are programmed for that too are you not?”

            Vader’s head turned to Jaden. He remained silent for a white before asking, “Yes. This unit is conflicted and confounded. Why does this unit pick you over my own people?”

            “You should be asking yourself that, not me.” Jaden replied. “Why did you choose to help me?”

            “I…” Vader said as his sentence trailed. He turned his head away and looked down, appearing very confused. “I do not know.” he muttered out.

            Despite his answer, Jaden smiled. She knew that deep within, Vader indeed cared for her safety even though his actions were somewhat driven by his coding. Whatever core that he had within him may have also driven him to save her and he may have felt guilty destroying his own brethren.

            “Hey, no matter what, you just saved my life. Thank you.” Jaden reassured Vader. He turned back to Jaden and stared at her. Jaden nodded to assure him that she appreciated what he did. In an unexpected turn, Vader nodded in return and told her, “You’re welcome.” showing that he understood Jaden’s nod.

            “Well, we still got a hub that needs cleaning.” Jaina said. “How are we going to get rid of the virus without activating its failsafe?”

            “Vader, we know that the failsafe will trigger when the hub is tampered with or destroyed but, precisely what will trigger the failsafe?” Xiara asked. “If possible, we can still tamper with the hub without activating the failsafe if we know what will actually trigger it.”

            “Yeah you’re correct. It works just like a ship’s alarm where it won’t activate unless something triggered it to. If we know what to touch and not to touch, we may avoid the failsafe entirely.” Jaina added.

            “According to my databanks and a hub schematic, a communication hub’s failsafe is used primarily to save data that would be lost when terminated, such as logs and memories. It is possible that the hub would not even attempt its failsafe when its memory core is not damaged or tampered with in any way.” Vader responded. A blue beam of light erupted from his eyes as he activated a hologram onto the ground, to show how the memory core looks like in the hub.

            The core was cubical in shape and possessed multiple holes around it, implying that it would be connected to many wire within. Vader then explained, “Many wires are attached to it. Leaving it alone will allow for the hub’s safe termination. However, simply terminating it will not do much in stopping the viruses as the virus has already infected all of my people, save for myself and Rex.”

           

            “Well, if we terminated the hub without activating the failsafe, we can isolate the virus from the rest and we can modify it without it trying to recover.” Xiara suggested.

            “Yeah, Xiara’s right. Isolating the virus makes modifying it safer.” Jaina added.

            “Very well. You two can go on ahead and disable. I must discuss something with Jaden.” Vader requested.

            “What? But I don’t have a wrench, or a screwdriver, or…” Jaina complained before her shoulder was tapped by Xiara, interrupting her.

            “Relax. I’ve got tools in my pocket.” Xiara said as she pulled out a wrench out of her pants pocket. “Let’s get this started.”

            As the duo began to work on the hub, Vader grabbed Jaden’s arm and pulled her away from the group. He came to a halt once at a respectable distance away from the duo. “I’m guessing you’re going to tell me something that is not meant for their ears.” Jaden said.

            “I was going to say ‘not meant for their receivers’ but close enough.” Vader retorted. “Listen, what I’m going to tell you now is especially important. Once they are done disabling the hub, I will transfer the virus into my systems for modification.”

            “Alright. So, where do I come in?” Jaden asked.

            “I need you to enter your meditative trance and use your Magical Energies to transfer your consciousness into the central core within me; the one that we spoke about back in the Crimson Spinner. It has Magical properties and you should be able to bring your consciousness into it.” Vader explained.

            Jaden retracted while her brow rose with surprise. “What? You want me to get into that core of yours? For what?”

            “Jaden Highland, my people are already in the peak of AI technology. There is nothing I can do to the virus that would benefit my people in any way as I am restricted by my AI perspective and my programming. The reason why I want you to go into my core is so that you would be the drive for the modification in the virus.” Vader replied.

            “Wait, so you want me to be the one doing the modification?”

            “No. I will do the modification, but I will base it on you. By the time we’re done, my people will possess some of your qualities. This brings us closer to full sentience, sapience and self-awareness as provided by you.”

            “But why me?”

            “Jaden Highland, you are unique amongst the humans. In fact, this unit believes that Jaden is a far superior model of the average human. Your type does not appear every day and it will be a privilege to have you become a base for our programming.”

            “Look Vader, what makes you think I can provide anything to your people. I’m just a woman.”

            “Wrong. You’ve brought about unity amongst races, you’ve survived assaults that would’ve killed a normal person and you’re the only human known to remain conscious of her actions despite suffering from Magical Overflow. Most importantly, you’re an organic and we synthetics can benefit from learning more about your perspective.”

            “Look Vader, I really don’t know about this. I’m not perfect myself and besides, it was sapience, sentience and self-awareness amongst us humans that brought out the evil within us. All those wars and atrocities humans did before was driven by all that you’ve mentioned, including freewill. You sure you want all that?”

            “This ‘evil’ you mentioned is based on your sense of morality. We do not deny that the atrocities that was committed before was not beyond reason. Regardless, until we can develop personal emotions like Rex’s emotion core, we VX Synthetics are denied freewill. Even with sapience, sentience and self-awareness, we will still comply with Rex’s orders. All we need now is you to help us.”

            Jaden heaved a heavy sigh while thinking hard on the proposition. She wished to help Vader in any way she can but the thought of being used as a base for their new programming was overwhelming. She did not want to be responsible for the race’s downfall as she knew well enough that humans are never perfect in the first place. She was also fearful that the improved VX Synthetics may end up being just as bad as her ancestors.

            Regardless, she wanted to see the race flourish as they have deserved. Vader himself displayed sentience, sapience and self-awareness and he ended up being a very close friend and almost a paternal figure for her, especially since her own father is missing in her life. She trusts that both Vader and Rex can handle their people, regardless of how intelligent and self-aware they get.

            “Alright. I’ll do it.”

            “You have my thanks Jaden. Now, we shall wait until Jaina and Xiara have disabled the hub.”

            “How are you going to extract the virus if the hub is disabled?” Jaden asked.

            “You’ll see.” Vader answered. “But for now, I suggest mental preparation. What you will experience may be far more traumatizing that the ritual your humans called, ‘the Proving’.”